Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Portugal / Azores
 |  | Destination Guide : Azores |
|
| | | Portuguese tranquility |  | Why go on holiday to The Azores?
Promising some of the most tropical weather in Europe with none of the problems of overcrowding, this still relatively undeveloped archipelago offers abundant wildlife, a laid-back atmosphere, a wealth of outdoor activity and plenty of Portuguese tranquility.
How much does it cost?
Flights via Lisbon to any one of the three airports on the nine islands start from around £240 per person return. A king-sized double room at a three-star hotel in the port area of Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel costs £60 per night.
When should I go?
The weather is warmest in mid-summer and even during peak season none of the islands get swamped by tourism. Even in the depths of winter temperatures rarely drop below 14C so a visit is comfortable all year round.
|
|
|
|
| | | Peaceful pastimes | | Where do I start?
You'll probably fly into Ponta Delgada, the capital of the biggest island Sao Miguel. From here, stock up on film - or recharge your digital camera - and head to the visually stunning Sete Cidades; a volcanic crater cradling twin lakes, one peacock blue, one emerald green.
Elsewhere on Sao Miguel there's plenty of verdant countryside to explore, plus golf courses galore and a thermal spa at Furnal. Health enthusiasts can also swim in the tranquil and perfectly circular crater lake of Ilheu de Vila Franca.
What is there to see on the other islands?
Nearby Santa Maria is tiny but there's a couple of excellent beaches in Sao Laurenco and Praia; both ideal for underwater fishing and water sports.
The lilac isle, Terceira, is covered in, you guessed it, lilac and is home to the Azores' oldest town, Angra do Heroismo with its ancient buildings and sleepy winding streets.
For vineyards and windmills head to Graciosa, where you'll also find hot springs at Carapacho, and underground lakes at Furna de Enxofre and Lake Caldeira.
Stark black cliffs and rampant vegetation distinguish Sao Jorge. Faial, whose name literally means beech tree, is a wild tangle of hydrangea hedges and arbutus trees.
Tiny Pico is famed for its peak, the highest in Portugal, and for the fine verdelho wines it produces. Flores, appropriately named for its profusion of flowers, enjoys gorgeous scenery.
And finally diminutive Corvo preserves reminders of an older way of life; its craftsmen still practice the traditional Azorean arts.
Is there anything more energetic to do
The Azores are bursting with opportunities to flex your muscles; from fishing for tuna, wahoos and shark, to scuba diving in the in Vila Franca do Campo on Sao Miguel to horseback riding in Angra do Heroísmo, Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande.
Can I satisfy my speleology cravings?
Yes indeed. If you're interested in the study of cave formations take a trip to Algar do Carvão on the island of Terceira. A journey through miles of caverns and tunnels provides the opportunity to discover magnificent sights of stalagmites, stalactites, and columns and cornices of volcanic origin.
Is there any chance of seeing whales or dolphins?
From June to September whales and dolphins feed off the waters between the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge where fish are in plentiful supply. Specially equipped boats from Pico and Faial allow you to get up close and personal with Flipper, Jonah and friends.
Will I be painting the town red every night?
Unless you're a nocturnal decorator contracted by the Portuguese tourist board to add a scarlet hue to the islands' fences, walls, roofs and billboards, then no. Watching the sunset and sipping aperitifs after a hard day's golfing, rambling or whale watching are the chief after dark pastimes.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | What to buy and what not to... | | Will children like it?
If they love fun fairs, amusements parks and roller coasters, sadly not. If they're into the gentler outdoor pursuits - and perhaps a bit of paragliding over Faial, Terceira, Santa Maria and Sao Miguel for the more dare-devil juniors - then yes. Many of the hotels also run summer tennis and golf schools.
What's the food like?
Most restaurants serve hearty, rustic Mediterranean dishes, low on spice but rich in fresh vegetables. The fresh seafood is also excellent. Home made sweets and pastries are another local favourite and don't be surprised if maitre d' brings out the Aquadente - the locally produced gin - at the end of the night.
What should I buy?
Pottery, bedcovers, embroidery and woven handicrafts are popular souvenirs but don't under any circumstances buy ivory, whalebone products, dolphin teeth, turtle shells or shark teeth; they're banned under a European Union directive.
More information
Portuguese National Tourist Office, Portuguese Embassy, 11 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP. Tel: 0845 3551212.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Azores |
|
| |  | | Stone cottage in Azores Islands.
Self-catering holiday accommodations on Faial Island located in the luxuriant village of Capelo. The house is 10km from the airport, 18km from the Horta city and 2km from the sea.
|  | | Fonte do Rego
self catering houses on the Island of Faial, Azores with beautiful countryside surroundings, sea views and close proximity to Horta Marina.
|  | | 2 bedroom apartment in Horta
Beautifully furnished, close to everything, but quiet 2 bedrooms, with 2 bathrooms, air conditioning, wireless internet and DVD
|  | | Casa em Piedade 80093
Private renovated traditional stone house in Piedade, with magnificent view of the Ocean and the nearby island of São Jorge
|  | | Cottage above the ocean
Cottage above the ocean, in the hamlet of Pedras Negras, on the southeastern coast, with sea view, own grounds with 200 m²
| | Click here for more properties... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
