Travel Azores Guide
Azores islands are situated in the Atlantic Ocean at latitudes of 39 43’ /36 55’ N, 900 miles from the Portugal coast. This is a volcanic archipelago and it is composed of nine islands, the total surface of which adds up to 2.333 square kilometers. They are: SANTA MARIA , SÃO MIGUEL, TERCEIRA, GRACIOSA, SÃO JORGE, PICO, FAIAL, FLORES and CORVO.
The climate on the islands is mild through out the year with an average temperature of 14ºC. The seawater average temperature fluctuates between 16ºC and 22ºC and it is conditioned by the Gulf Stream. The period from June to September is the best time to go to Azores, it is when flowers bloom and the islands are dressed in different coluors.
You can get to Azores by plane. There are regular flights from Lisbon to the three airports in the islands: Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), Lajes (Terceira) and Horta (Faial). USA and Canada are connected to Azores by charter flights to Porta Delgada and Lajes. Besides, flights connections from one island to the other are possible by the following airline companies: SATA and TAP. Regular boat connections are available linking Falial and Sao Jorge, Terceira and Graciosa. In the summer there are ferries connecting all the islands with the exception of Corvo.
The main means of transport on the islands is the car and the taxi. You can rent cars on the island but if you are planning to go there, it is advisable to book in advance. Taxis are always a cheaper option since you won’t have to deal with insurance, gasoline, and taxes. On most of the islands there are bus services and you can always explore the islands on foot.
There are many tourist attractions and sporting events on the islands. For example, whale and dolphin watching is possible from June to September between the island of Falial, Pico and São Jorge. On the island of São Miguel there are diving centers where professionals can assist you. And on most islands there are nautical clubs which offer diving support facilities. Hiking is an interesting activity to carry out on the islands and you can find itineraries of different level of difficulty in tourist offices. Other activities available on the islands are: Mountaineering, Scooters and bicycle tours, Paragliding and ultra light, Speleology, Tennis and Golf.
Tourism on the island is not exploited to its full potential. This is mainly because the Azores government wants to preserve the clean and unspoiled landscape from tourist contamination.