Discover Azores | Azores.com

Pico is the second biggest Azorean island and its mountain the highest in Portugal. Visitors to Pico usually enjoy outdoors activities such as hicking, swimming, motoquad, donkey rides, whale watching, swimming among dolphins and many others. Besides its world famous mountain, Pico is known for its wine, ocean activities, whale museums and “Gruta da Torre”, one of the longest underground lava tubes in Europe. Travelers enjoy staying in nature hotels such as Aldeia da Fonte in Silveira and Adegas do Pico in Prainha, quaint and modern apart-hotel such as Baia da Barca in Madalena or any other type of accommodations that are sprinkled throughout the island. Many visitors combine a visit to Pico as part of a tour that includes other islands in the Azores such as São Miguel, Flores and Faial. One thing is certain, Pico is unique and unforgettable.

Flores is home to numerous waterfalls and nine wonderful lakes offering the visitor beautiful and relaxing surroundings. A full day excursion will take you to all the local points of interest so not to miss what this delightful island has to offer. In Flores you can experience and live the local traditional life by staying at Aldeia Cuada, a group of rural houses with ocean view and where tranquility is queen. If you’re looking to relax in the modern comfort of a more contemporary lodging, Hotel das Flores is recommended, with its view of the ocean and Corvo island. When in Flores, take advantage of a short ferry ride to visit Corvo the smallest island of the archipelago. In Corvo you can spend your day at leisure, and if staying overnight the family run, quaint in Guest House Comodore is recommended. Flores is also one of the best places for underwater free and scuba diving as well as other ocean activities.

Cetaceans are the darlings of the Azorean seas with their elegance of movements and playful demeanor. Pico, Faial and São Miguel are islands where one can find organized and professional whale watching outings and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Guides will provide historic perspective from the dependency on the trade of whale hunting to feed families, which ceased in 1984, until the declaration of a protected species which led to the understanding and activities related to ensuring the well being of the species. The highest concentration of cetaceans in these waters occurs between the months of June and September, where they come to breed or to play in the Azores warmer waters. Whale watching and swimming with dolphins in their own habitat is an unforgettable adventure and a 3 hour trip is all it takes. Don’t forget to visit the whale museums in Pico and Faial for they do provide a great timeline tying the past and the present of our interface with these wonderful creatures.

Terceira is known for its capital Angra do Heroísmo, an UNESCO world heritage town, as well as the famous Sanjoaninas festivities held every June. An island with such rich past offers choices of excursions such as one spent visiting the magnificent mystic cave of Algar do Carvão, savoring a traditional lunch to sample the regional meat dish Alcatra, and taking in the islands green landscape. The Quinta das Mercês, a manor house built in the XVIII century, is perfectly molded into the idyllic background of Monte Brasil, beautiful gardens, and the ocean. Here you can spend your days walking and relaxing among nature. If you prefer the freedom of a hotel with a beach at a walking distance, try the popular Atlântida Mar Hotel. Alternatively you may chose to combine a tranquil ocean view and stay close to the Angra do Heroísmo by staying at the four star Hotel Terceira Mar. The Sanjoaninas, running of the bulls, Praia festivities, and music festivals, among others, make Terceira a popular choice and sought after destination.

The ocean around Azores is known for the availability quality and variety of fish, a staple of the delicious local and traditional cuisine that delights anyone who tries it. From the smallest fish such as horse mackerel, to the big prize fish such as tuna and swordfish, all can be caught by those who enjoy the hobby or sport of fishing. Coastline fishing allows for an afternoon along the coast of São Miguel where fishing can be intermingled with the appreciation of the beautiful coastal landscape of the island. Coastline fishing is ideal for catching smaller fish. For those looking for bigger thrills, Big Game fishing all day activity is a shot of adrenaline in the high seas. Big game fishing best times is during the months of May and June for tuna and June till September for swordfish. The day ends with the captain cooking a deserved "pescado" to celebrate the adventure.

Let yourself fall in love with the wonderfully green golf courses of São Miguel e Terceira. Stages for international tournaments, the 18 and 36 hole courses allow golfers to have moments of pure bliss. In São Miguel, one can chose from two courses: Batalha and Furnas. Azores.com and Hotel Bahia Palace have combined efforts to bring you excellent value packages that include hotel, rental car, and green fees. These unique programs are geared towards those wanting the excitement of golf while relaxing on arguably the best beach in São Miguel. In Terceira you may stay at Hotel Terceira Mar in Angra do Heroísmo or Hotel Atlântida do Mar in Praia da Vitoria, inaugurated in 2011. If you’re holiday is limited in days, you may chose to play in just one island or one course and take advantage of 5 and 7 day packages. All courses are delighted to welcome beginners. If requested, lessons can be arranged as well as equipment. Why not come to São Miguel or Terceira to begin or continue your golf passion?

TRAVEL ADVISORY

BE AWARE of low cost offers and “guaranteed low cost” websites. We have noticed a higher degree of activity in the deception meter in Azores. Here's what you should know:

RENTAL CAR

Most low cost/guaranteed low cost sites do not include all basic and necessary taxes when you book. These are circulation tax, government taxes and basic PAI and CDW insurance. Some don’t offer unlimited Km/miles.  When you arrive at the counter you’re usually greeted with a surprise price. Azores.com prices include all of the above.  The ones not included are disclosed.

HOTELS

Many sites do not include government taxes such as VAT/IVA. Booking fees are usually tagged on at the end. Breakfast is also often absent from the prices. Azores.com prices include ALL taxes and fees, and breakfast is included in basically 100% of our hotels and some manors and rustic houses. Any exceptions, such as rustic and some manor houses are clearly disclosed in our policies up front.

In this section we compiled some answers to frequently asked questions

Ferry from Lisbon - There is no ferry boat service from Lisbon. It is a 2 hour trip by jet plane.

Distance between islands - It takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 90 minutes to travel by small plane between islands. It takes from a few to several hours by ferry.

SATA and Azores Express - SATA is the flagship airlines of the Azorean government. SATA International owns Azores Express. Azores Express is SATA's North American subsidiary.

5 star hotels - There is only one. Angra Marina Hotel in Terceira island.

Resort hotels - The only hotel with a semblance of a resort is the Hotel Bahia Palace in São Miguel. There are no resorts in Azores.

Best time to visit - Every time is a good time to visit. However the islands weather is traditionally better between April and September.

Cruise ships - Several world renowned companies use the Azores as port of call. None originate or end in the Azores.

Money – Currency is the Euro. ATM machines are widely available. Your debit card works if it is tied to Visa or Mastercard.

Language – The official language of Azores is Portuguese.

We recommend our visitors the gathering of some basic information:

• Transfer – Can be arranged to shuttle you between airports, harbours, hotels, and other places of interest. Contact us for arrangements.
• Rental car – Available in all islands except for Corvo.
• Bus and Taxi– Bus and taxi service is available in most islands. 
• Air – All islands have airports with daily flights. Ponta Delgada, Lages/Praia da Vitoria and Horta are international airports. All others are regional.
• Ferry – There are two companies providing service between islands. Transmaçor provides service all year between the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge and seasonally (Spring/Summer) to Terceira. Ferry service between the other islands is provided by Atlantico Line and is only available between May and September.

• Get a guidebook. They are for free at the airports and lodgings. We recommend the Bradt Azores Travel Guide available online or at many book stores.
• Try to plan your day on the day before, avoiding losing time every morning
• Do not carry your passport around. Leave it in the safe of your Hotel room. However, it's important for you to have an identification document with you, for example the drivers license. A good copy of your passport is also an idea but may not be accepted by local authorities.
• If you go for a walk by yourself to exotic and less-traveled locales it would be a good idea to let your hotel know your itinerary.

• During flights be prepared with snacks, their favorite toys, everything that can keep them interested. Have a change clothes for you and for your children near you
• For children under 13 a booster seat is required by law. You can bring your own or request one from us
• Always carry baby wipes. It can be useful anytime during your trip
• Although we never had this type of incident, if you have concerns about loosing sight of your kid make sure that he/she will have on him/her a piece of paper with your name and phone number. You can also get a hospital plastic bracelet with the pertinent information. If it applies don't forget to include the name of the hotel where you are staying
• Apartments and houses are the best options for those who are travelling with children
• Buy them an inexpensive camera and you will be amazed to see their perspective and what they enjoyed the most

• Dress appropriately for the activity you are making that day. Altitude changes or sea trips requires carrying warmer clothes
• Avoid wearing jeans and cotton clothes
• Wear Polypropylene, wool or any other breathable material, easy to dry
• Pack light rain gear. The weather can change on a dime
• Pack only what you are sure that you'll need. Don't forget a small snack, water and an emergency kit

The Azores archipelago is characterized by a tepid, oceanic, subtropical climate, with mild annual temperatures oscillating from 15°C (59 °F) to 27°C (80°F).  Statistically the driest month is July and the wettest November. Average annual mean relative humidity is 76%. Frost is non-existent. The ocean water temperature in Azores range from 17°C (63°F) in the winter to 25°C (77° F) in the summer. The average annual rainfall increases from east to west, with annual precipitation of 958 mm (37.7 in) or 80 mm (3.1 in) per month.

Light clothes, with one or two sweater or jacket pieces for the cooler days or nights, are enough all year round. In the winter slightly warmer clothing may be necessary. It is better to bring along a light raincoat, however, as there are sometimes showers followed at once by sunshine. 

• Inform your travel Agent that you have special needs, including food allergies
• Bring your own medication according to the number of days you are staying abroad. Keep in mind that they may not be for sale outside your country
• Attempt to learn the names of certain foods and allergies in Portuguese

Hospitals and Health Centers - Ponta Delgada, Angra and Horta hospitals are full service health centers ready to deal with any major casualty. Other hospitals and health centers are present in every island which can help with any health concern except for serious sickness or major trauma. Evacuation services to major hospitals are made via air by local emergency response teams. 

• Banks and ATM's are present in every island
• Major credit cards accepted are: Visa, Master-Card and American Express
• Debit cards work as long as they are tied to Visa or Master-Card
• Notify your credit card company that you are travelling
• Have an emergency phone number from your credit card company
• Using the ATM's machines will allow you to have the cash in the local currency and it's a good choice to avoid carrying big amounts of cash
• Travelers checks are not advisable as compared with the choices above

We won't leave you on your own! It is our firm belief that there should always be a face behind a reservation, to help you in your journey to and through a beautiful foreign land such as the Azores islands. With that in mind we put together this section to answer any questions you may have about with whom you're embarking in a journey. In addition this section attempts to answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) raised by our site visitors.

The price you see is listed is the price you pay. Azores.com does not charge booking fees and all taxes are included in the price. Every travel product and service in this site has a booking form for reservation or quotation purposes. Our cancellation policies are generous where you may cancel in some cases up to 24 hours from arrival. Many products such as multi-island or multi-destination require feedback from our travel Associates where your request for reservation is essentially a request for quotation. Note that in hotel, car and services, your credit card information is required to make and hold your reservation. Credit card information is sent via 128 bit encryption and certified safe transactions. For information how we take this matters very seriously please visit our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement pages.

• Online non-agent intrusive booking of flight, ferry, hotel, car, packages and excursions
• Online agent-aided quotation and booking of tailored travel including multi destinations, multiple services and groups
• Planning and booking cruise ship onshore excursions and activities
• Planning and booking for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE)
• Online exposure value added products and services from our partners

Azores.com is constantly searching for ways to provide the lowest prices possible without compromising quality and customer expectations. We chose to give the best quality/value in the market and have succeeded at that. Note that most of our packages are booked with 4 star hotels, as we believe it provides the best value.  However should you want us to price with alternate products such as 3 stars instead of 4, don't hesitate to contact us. You will also notice that our rental car includes many charges that often are not included by others such as IVA/VAT, PAI, CDW (not to be confused with Super-CDW) and circulation taxes. The bottom line is, if it is price/quality value you are searching for your trip to the Azores, look no further than this site. We will be delighted to book your trip. 

Citizens from the following regions and countries don't need a Visa for entering Portugal: European Community, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela.

Passports must be valid for up to six months (depending on your nationality) and are required by all, except by European Union nationals and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Norway and Switzerland holding valid national ID cards. British, Australian, Canadian, American and Japanese need a valid passport.

Although it is not obligatory to have a return ticket, it is advisable to have one because, if you don't, you may have to prove sufficient means of financial support to return.

• Name and Island of birth
• Parish (PT: Freguesia) of birth or marriage
• Municipality of birth/marriage
• List of relatives for cross-checking
• Any documentation you may think it can help 
• Contact us. We'll set up your trip and guides to take you were you want

In addition to providing an online booking engine and information platform for the traveler, Azores.com objective is to raise awareness of the Azores islands as an important region in the crossroads of the Atlantic. With that in mind we would be delighted to extend site sponsorships to those who believe and trust that Azores.com can be a high value proposition for their business plan. These include chambers of commerce, municipalities, associations, and enterprises looking for a marketing channel with global reach.

Sponsorships are usually longer term commitments of 1+ years where we not just display your ad but also carry your storyboard on our partnership area. In addition our partners brands will piggy back on all our promotional activities and venues.

For more information on how to sponsor us please contact us.