Traveling to the Azores is always a great idea. It is practically impossible to visit the Azores and not be completely amazed by every single thing you lay your eyes on. It’s not by chance that the archipelago has already been considered by several renown international publications as one of the most beautiful and sustainable destinations in the world.
So, it doesn’t take much more than the trip itself to make your time in the Azores the best time ever. However, here are a few useful tips to help you enjoy even more your stay.
- Rent a car.
Every island has many points of interest worth visiting. To travel around the largest islands and visit every point of interest it’s advisable to rent a car.
- Bring clothes for the 4 seasons.
Please have in mind that the Azores are known for having the four seasons of the year on the same day. It’s possible to rain and shine in the space of a few hours. So, bring a light jacket and a raincoat everywhere you go.
- Bring a dark-colored swimsuit and towel.
If you wish to bathe in the hot thermal pools (you will find many on the island of São Miguel) bring a darker swimsuit and towel because the water can stain light colored fabrics.
- Bring appropriate footwear and comfortable clothing to hike.
Every island of the Azores has excellent walking trails. Hiking is a very unique way to be in touch with Nature.
- Visit several islands.
If you have time available, you can easily travel on SATA Air Açores between islands in a 37-seat Bombardier Q200 or in an 80-seat Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. It’s really worth taking some time and visit more than one island. They all have unique features and offer different experiences. There are islands with more exuberant nature, others with valuable historical heritage, others with incredible beaches and others capable of making us believe we have reached paradise.
- Book your accommodation in advance.
Depending on the time of year and considering the increasing number of tourists arriving every day in the Azores, it can be difficult to find last minute accommodation. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, whether a hotel, hostel or rental.
- If you wish to go on a boat trip, take nausea medication with you.
Not everyone suffers from seasickness but if you are planning to travel between the islands by boat or to go whale watching bring nausea medication, just in case.
- Take snacks for the day.
If you are planning to be out all day hiking and exploring the natural beauties of the Azores, it is advisable to bring small bottles of water, juices, and light snacks to grab during the day or while going to one place to another.
- Taste the Azorean delicacies.
The Azorean cuisine is varied and delicious. You can’t visit the Azores without tasting some of the typical dishes and sweets from several islands.
Here follow some suggestions:
- Cheese from São Jorge Island;
- Cozido das Furnas (Furnas meat stew);
- Pastry: Fofas da Povoação, Queijadas D. Amélia, Queijadas da Graciosa, Queijadas da Vila, Malassadas;
- Pimenta da Terra (red pepper paste) with Queijo Fresco (fresh cheese);
- Grilled Limpets;
- Clams from São Jorge Island;
- Barnacles;
- Bolo Lêvedo (Azorean muffin);
- Pineapple;
- Alcatra from Terceira Island;
- Melons from Santa Maria Island;
- Massa Sovada (typical Azorean sweet bread);
- Yams;
- Santa Catarina canned tuna.
- Check how the weather is on the places you wish to visit.
By using the SpotAzores app, which has cameras placed on several spots of the islands, you can check if the weather is inviting or not in advance and plan your tours accordingly.
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Visit the official Tourism of the Azores website at www.visitazores.com.