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Azores Whale Watching Holiday
Spend a week with the whales and dolphins of the Azores
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Highlights
See the resident bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales of the Azores
Visit in the spring for a chance to see migratory blue, fin, pilot and minke whales
Help support cetacean studies and conservation in the Azores
Learn about the Azores’ successful transition from whale hunting to whale tourism
The Azores are Europe’s leading whale watching holiday destination.
The seas around the Azores are one of the best places to observe ocean wildlife: the resident pods of North-Atlantic spotted dolphins and sperm whales can be seen throughout the year, with bigger species such as blue and fin whales migrating through in the springtime.
You’ll spend a week on the main island of Sao Miguel, with one of our favourite crews: Terra Azul. We’ve been working with local naturalist and whaling historian Miguel Cravinho and his team since their creation back in 2000. Terra Azul have a simple philosophy: whale watching and tourism help to support wildlife studies and conservation.
You’ll have some one-on-one time with Miguel later, looking at successful transition from whale hunting to whale tourism when the hunting ban was introduced in the 1980s. You’ll also have some time on dry land – time to explore Sao Miguel’s spectacular volcanic landscapes with our resident guide, including a visit to Furnas for a dip in the famous hot springs.
You can learn more about whale watching in the Azores via our blog.
1
You’ll begin your holiday by flying to the Azores – direct or via Lisbon. You’ll be transferred by our driver to your accommodation in Vila Franca do Campo.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
2
You’ll head down to the local marina to meet the team at Terra Azul. After a chat through the week ahead, you’ll head out to sea for the first of four whale and dolphin watching trips.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
3
You’ll return to the marina this morning for your second whale and dolphin watching trip.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
4
You’ll tour the island with our resident guide, with visits to the summit of Pico da Barrosa (one of the highest points on Sao Miguel at 947m), a traditional lunch in Furnas, and a dip the geothermal pools at Poca Dona Beija.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
5
It’s back to sea today for your third whale and dolphin watching trip. In the afternoon, our marine biologists will chat through their current research and the history of whaling in the Azores.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
6
You’ll have a free day to relax – you might like to add a tour of western Sao Miguel and the great crater at Sete Cidades.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
7
You’ll head back to the marina for your fourth and final whale and dolphin watching trip.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
8
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Our holidays have a nice balance of activities and free time. Everything’s flexible and you can personalise your trip.
Whale watching
The Azores are one of the premier whale and dolphin watching destinations in the world, with a wide range of species including resident sperm and pilot whales, migratory blue and fin whales, and bottlenose and spotted dolphins.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to explore the Azores, and there are guided and self guided walks to suit everyone's level of fitness.
Canyoning
Canyoning is fast growing in popularity and the Azores have excellent routes on Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge and Flores.
Cycling and mountain biking
Cycle from village to village along the quiet roads or take an adrenaline fuelled guided mountain biking ride down from the crater lakes, the Azores have lots of exciting two wheel options!
Jeep tours
Get off-road with our friendly knowledgeable guides along the dirt tracks of the Azores.
Kayaking and Paddle boarding
Kayak and paddleboard on the breathtaking crater lakes or along the rugged coastline of Sao Miguel and Terceira.
Horse riding
From one hour lessons in an indoor arena to full day rides, riding is one of the best ways to explore the Azorean countryside. You'll be riding beautiful pure and cross bred Lusitano horses and be in the safe hands of our experienced guides.
Surfing
With its year round mild climate and sea temperatures, the Azores is starting to become more popular with surfers. Working with a school on the north coast of Sao Miguel, we can provide lessons with our friendly instructors or just hire the boards and wetsuits and ride the waves on your own.
Diving
As well as offering unique diving experiences for qualified divers, beginners can also learn at the excellent schools on the islands. Dive sites are varied from offshore reefs and volcanic caves to drop-offs, impressive arches and flat seabed. Most dives rarely go deeper than 15m and average sea temperatures are 17-22°C. Visibility is very good at 20-25m.
Birdwatching
With close to 400 species sighted in the archipelago, this is a rewarding yet quiet bird watching destination. For many the highlight is spotting the endemic Azores Bullfinch found only in a small part of the main island of Sao Miguel. There's also the large Cory Shearwater and Roseate Tern colonies, Atlantic canary, several subspecies of the Common Chaffinch, the São Miguel Goldcrest and the Azores Woodpigeon. In October, the Azores become the undisputed rarity hotspot of the Western Palearctic with a wealth of America vagrants on offer from shorebirds and wildfowl to wood-warblers and vireos.
Sailing
With pretty marinas and opportunities to sail between islands, the Azores offering wonderful sailing opportunities and allow you to see the islands from a different perspective.
Golf
Golfing in the Azores is a real pleasure. Courses are quiet and spectacular offering views over the ocean and volcanic craters. On São Miguel, Batalha overlooks the sea and is the newest and most challenging course while Furnas (located in the mountains at an altitude of 500m) is sprinkled with lakes and stands of Japanese Cryptomeria and then there's the heavily wooded course on Terceira close the beautiful town of Angra.
Fishing
For many the draw of the Azores is the big game fishing to catch the blue marlin and tuna, but you can also go coastal or deep water fishing with our guides.
Convento Sao Francisco
The Convento Sao Francisco is a beautiful 16th century convent, now transformed into a unique and elegant hotel.
There’s nowhere like the Convento anywhere else in the Azores. The décor is minimal: imposing lavastone cloisters mix with beautifully polished cedar floors – all brought together by owners Jose And Manuela’s carefully chosen antique furniture and contemporary art.
There are ten en-suite rooms, a relaxing communal guest lounge and garden with an outdoor pool. The convent is on the outskirts Vila Franca do Campo – the original 15th Century capital of the island, devastated by the great earthquake of 1522. It’s a short walk into the centre of town, to the beach at Praia de Vinha d’Areia, and to Vila’s marina: the departure point for our twice-daily whale and dolphin watching trips.
Dear Ian, Steve, Jake & Team,
Just wanted to drop a line to say a heartfelt thank you for arranging the trip of a lifetime.
After a global pandemic, two years of waiting to travel and three cancellations it seemed at times that our honeymoon was never going to happen. We have so appreciated your support in rebooking/reorganising and keeping in touch with us all the way through.
As fairly independent minded travellers we were a little unsure about booking through an agency but so grateful we did.
The island choices, the daily schedules and walk recommendations were just perfect for us. We were blown away by the wildness & waterfalls in Flores; the coastal paths, lakes and thermal baths in Sao Miguel and the stunning views of Pico from Horta.
As you can tell we are smitten with the Azores and already thinking about our next trip back. We will be sure to contact you again once that starts to come together.
Thanks again for doing a brilliant job.
A&J - Travelled in Summer 2022
Great feedback for Archipelago Choice from Jo and Family who recently visited the Azores with us (unabridged version!).
Booking Process: Excellent – Felt that our thoughts for an active family holiday were really listened to – very straightforward booking
Helpfulness of Team: Very helpful especially regarding accommodation changes and ultimate postponement & re-booking of our trip.
Information in Brochure: OK – though we preferred researching in more depth on the internet
Information on website: Great – we also found a few more sites too e.g. visit azores
Q. How would we rate our holiday overall: Excellent
Q. Would we travel with you again: Very possibly and would recommend (10 out of 10) as everything from booking, travel, hire car was very smooth
Q. How did we find you: Google search on the internet
Q. Why did we decide to book with you: Because of your friendly approach on initial contact back in August 2020. We were seeking support and reassurance during the uncertainty around travel during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Q. What were the highlights:
Sao Miguel:
- Walking around the crater at Sete Cidades from Vista do Rei, found a taxi to take us back up as we’d started walking after lunch. Explored derelict hotel (as you would with 17 yr old!) but probably best not to advertise 😉
- Ponta da Ferraria – great experience and top tip we’d looked at the internet to time our visit just right for the tides!
- Gorreana Tea Plantation – Lovely small tour, tea tasting and complimentary tea in café.
- Quinta dos Sabores Restaurant – Has only tasting menu, but if you like food – it is a fantastic meal out for a romantic or special evening. We booked in advance from the UK having found restaurant recommendations on the internet as they have limited space. Thoroughly recommended.
- Poca do Dona Beija geo-thermal baths – Very clean changing rooms, well organised (timed entry). Need to book for popular times – great experience.
- Afternoon tea at Terra Nostra Hotel Garden Terrace – very enjoyable and thoroughly recommended. Main and smaller geo thermal pools good fun too
- Bar Restaurante Caldeiras &760 Vulcoes, Furnas – Opportunity to enjoy Cozido. Although top tip – best to book in advance. Trying mineral spring water was an experience!
- Diving with Azores Sub Dive Centre – Friendly centre, great to be back in the water again!
- Canyoning in the Ribeira dos Caldeirōes Natural Park with Azorean Active Blueberry – They shared great photos & videos afterwards. Really friendly, nice park to explore whilst boys were busy having fun. Thoroughly recommend.
- Salto do Cabrito cold waterfall was fun – steep walk to find it but worth it (had tried to visit heated waterfalls at Caldera Velha, but that was fully booked – top tip – need to book ahead).
Q. Other good things:
- Lisbon Airport Mercado – great for a quick lunch between flights, and opportunity to try local food especially custard tarts!
- 4 Platanos Café / Restaurant – great first meal & opportunity to try local food.
- Canto do Cais, Capelas – Great opportunity to taste local fish and beef & eat local bean cake.
Pico:
- Climbing Mt Pico – It was tough for me to keep up with the guide’s pace up to the crater, not so for the boys, who made it to the top peak too. Tough climb up, even tougher coming down but a fantastic achievement.
- Diving with Twin Peaks Centre on Pico – excellent dive centre!
- Whale watching was great – both with Terrazul & Espaco Talassa on Pico, which was particularly excellent – very friendly, very knowledgeable and smaller group size/ RIB and good to have drink and de-briefing on return. Thoroughly recommended. Amazing experience.
- Ancoradoura, Madalena – Lovely meal watching the sunset as at our accommodation we could see sun rise not sunset. Tried grilled limpets!
- Arcos do Cachorro – good fun finding the arches of the puppy & thinking about our own 4-legged friend back home. We booked Gruta das Torres, but there was a mix up with dates and we could not be accommodated due to being fully booked. They appear to be strict on numbers – so best to book ahead. We headed to Furna do Frei Matias for a self-tour in the grotto & tunnel instead 😊
Q. Other good things:
- Fit Up Gym – Much appreciated by our son!
- Poca Branca, Prainha – nice for snorkelling
- Pastelaria Machado – Great local place for delicious pastries & coffee
- Cella Bar near Madalena was a lovely location for coffee & local cheese/sangria snacks.
- Wine Museum, Madelana – Very friendly and an enjoyable hour or so.
Accommodation:
Casa Do Ouvidor: Really lovely spacious accommodation in Casa do Mar. Assen, the manager, was very friendly and helpful and kept everything, including the pool & jacuzzi very clean. We didn’t think to call ahead re our arrival but we soon met up with him. It might be worth adding this in your itinerary, so everyone knows when they will be arriving/when to be expected. Easy to spot accommodation from the road. Lovely view of sunrises & Pico Mountain. The first day complimentary breakfast was fantastic and much appreciated.
As we arrived on a Sunday, it was very tricky to find somewhere to eat for supper as a lot of restaurants were either closed or fully booked. We had to wait 2 hours for a burger van supper… which was very nice once it arrived. Again, top tip would be to book ahead if arriving on a Sunday.
Q. Would thoroughly recommend.
Casa Do Monte Pombal: Traditional building in lovely situation. Friendly owners. Basic provisions in fridge welcome for first breakfast on wonderful, covered terrace and lovely bottle of wine 😊 Lovely views for sunrises. If we are honest there was quite a musty smell in the kitchen cupboards & double bedroom, and the entrance to the farm is on a sneaky bend – you need to be brave!
Activities: See highlights above! The top tip is to book ahead either online or by phone to avoid disappointment.
Car Hire: Very easy with Autatlantis – no issues and would recommend on both islands.
Taxi Transfer: Very good suggestion after a long day travelling, thank you. Had a lift to a 4 Platanos and had a super first night supper.
Travel: Flights and transfer all very well organised and everything went like clockwork 😊
Paper: Always happy to receive details online to save paper.
Kind regards
Jo and Family
Dear Jake.
This is a long email, so you might want to go grab yourself a cuppa before you start reading.
We just wanted to send you an email to say thank you so much for everything.
Our island hopping holiday to the Azores was absolutely amazing, it was far beyond our dreams and expectations, and that is certainly because of you and all your plans in putting this together for us. We just loved every second (apart from me and canyoning, we do not get along, but the boys absolutely loved it!) we just can’t believe all the things that we have seen, and done, and learned about! What an incredible place!
We have certainly been bitten by the Azorean bug and we can’t wait to get back there to explore the other islands. They’re very special places, each of them for their own right.
We felt as though we were treated like royalty from the minute we arrived in Sao Miguel, even the weather was kind to us (largely) we seemed to miss the adverse weather, either arriving somewhere that had had storms the day before, or leaving just before they arrived. We did have one morning of heavy rain when we went to the tropical gardens at Furnas, but we did manage to see some of the gardens before we gave up and went back to Caloura, where there was glorious sunshine, so we spent the afternoon at the pool and made the most of the Especial and fresh lemonade from the snack bar.
Every single person that we met, we were struck by how hard they work, and how happy they all are. Many of them never leaving the island they were born on, because, why would they want to?!
We love the Azorean people and their love and pride for their islands. Their sustainable way of living also struck deep with us. It’s the way we try very hard to live ourselves. Dave’s business is retrofit insulation, preparing old housing stock to a better more eco friendly way of conserving energy, so the way they live and respect their land, was of great interest to us.
For us all, Flores is a very special place. We went to the restaurant maresia while we were there and met the owner and his son. Although the restaurant itself is eclectic to say the least, after chatting to Vincent, we understood his dads way of living and the food was outstanding! We can’t wait to visit again.
All of our guides were amazing! Their knowledge and passion is admirable.
We just loved every second and can’t thank you enough for making our trip so smooth and completely stress free.
I will spend today writing reviews online for all the companies and guides that helped us on our trip.
A million thanks to you all Jake.
Cole family
Really great company, will be recommending them. We had never visited the Azores before but this company helped us decided which islands to visit.
Janice
Great little company with friendly staff. Organisation of flights & accommodation very efficient. When problems arise they are helpful and very reasonable in their efforts to resolve them. We would definitely use them again for a return trip.
Recommended small travel company!
Azores Choice provided a prompt, helpful service. they found us the perfect accommodation for our needs and provided superb, expert advice on how to spend our week walking on San Miguel. I would certainly use them again.
Joan from Durham
Where are the Azores?
The Azores are 1564km directly west of Lisbon.
When is the best time to visit the Azores?
The Azores’ seasons follow a similar pattern to our own: it’s mild in Spring and Autumn and hotter from around May through to October. July and August are the busiest times to visit so we advise booking early.
How do I get to the Azores?
From the UK you can fly direct from Stansted, or via Lisbon from Heathrow and Manchester. From the USA and Canada, you can fly direct from Boston and Toronto.
What languages do they speak the Azores?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive in the Azores?
Very; the quality of the roads is generally excellent and it’s very easy to navigate around the islands.
Do I need an international driver’s license for the Azores?
All you require is a valid UK, US or Canadian driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit the Azores?
We strongly recommend you have travel insurance to cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents, personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in the Azores?
Most hotels offer WiFi.
Can I use my mobile phone in the Azores?
Yes, there’s good mobile reception across all the islands.
What is the food like in the Azores?
Azorean’s love seasonal food, particularly fresh fish. The restaurants on the larger islands of Sao Miguel and Terceira offer a good mix of Portuguese and more European-style menus, with interesting vegetarian options. On the smaller islands, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in the Azores?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only.
What type of plug adapter do I need in the Azores?
You will need a Type F plug adapter.
Is tap water safe to drink in the Azores?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in the Azores.
Do I need to tip in the Azores?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to the Azores with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to the Azores?
Our advice is to start planning around six to nine months before your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to the Azores?
This is certainly possible; however you may need to be flexible on with the dates so that we can find the best airfares, also bear in mind that some hotels may not always be available.
Highlights
See the resident bottlenose dolphins and sperm whales of the Azores
Visit in the spring for a chance to see migratory blue, fin, pilot and minke whales
Help support cetacean studies and conservation in the Azores
Learn about the Azores’ successful transition from whale hunting to whale tourism
The Azores are Europe’s leading whale watching holiday destination.
The seas around the Azores are one of the best places to observe ocean wildlife: the resident pods of North-Atlantic spotted dolphins and sperm whales can be seen throughout the year, with bigger species such as blue and fin whales migrating through in the springtime.
You’ll spend a week on the main island of Sao Miguel, with one of our favourite crews: Terra Azul. We’ve been working with local naturalist and whaling historian Miguel Cravinho and his team since their creation back in 2000. Terra Azul have a simple philosophy: whale watching and tourism help to support wildlife studies and conservation.
You’ll have some one-on-one time with Miguel later, looking at successful transition from whale hunting to whale tourism when the hunting ban was introduced in the 1980s. You’ll also have some time on dry land – time to explore Sao Miguel’s spectacular volcanic landscapes with our resident guide, including a visit to Furnas for a dip in the famous hot springs.
You can learn more about whale watching in the Azores via our blog.
1
You’ll begin your holiday by flying to the Azores – direct or via Lisbon. You’ll be transferred by our driver to your accommodation in Vila Franca do Campo.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
2
You’ll head down to the local marina to meet the team at Terra Azul. After a chat through the week ahead, you’ll head out to sea for the first of four whale and dolphin watching trips.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
3
You’ll return to the marina this morning for your second whale and dolphin watching trip.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
4
You’ll tour the island with our resident guide, with visits to the summit of Pico da Barrosa (one of the highest points on Sao Miguel at 947m), a traditional lunch in Furnas, and a dip the geothermal pools at Poca Dona Beija.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
5
It’s back to sea today for your third whale and dolphin watching trip. In the afternoon, our marine biologists will chat through their current research and the history of whaling in the Azores.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
6
You’ll have a free day to relax – you might like to add a tour of western Sao Miguel and the great crater at Sete Cidades.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
7
You’ll head back to the marina for your fourth and final whale and dolphin watching trip.
Accommodation on this day: Convento Sao Francisco
8
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Our holidays have a nice balance of activities and free time. Everything’s flexible and you can personalise your trip.
Whale watching
The Azores are one of the premier whale and dolphin watching destinations in the world, with a wide range of species including resident sperm and pilot whales, migratory blue and fin whales, and bottlenose and spotted dolphins.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to explore the Azores, and there are guided and self guided walks to suit everyone's level of fitness.
Canyoning
Canyoning is fast growing in popularity and the Azores have excellent routes on Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge and Flores.
Cycling and mountain biking
Cycle from village to village along the quiet roads or take an adrenaline fuelled guided mountain biking ride down from the crater lakes, the Azores have lots of exciting two wheel options!
Jeep tours
Get off-road with our friendly knowledgeable guides along the dirt tracks of the Azores.
Kayaking and Paddle boarding
Kayak and paddleboard on the breathtaking crater lakes or along the rugged coastline of Sao Miguel and Terceira.
Horse riding
From one hour lessons in an indoor arena to full day rides, riding is one of the best ways to explore the Azorean countryside. You'll be riding beautiful pure and cross bred Lusitano horses and be in the safe hands of our experienced guides.
Surfing
With its year round mild climate and sea temperatures, the Azores is starting to become more popular with surfers. Working with a school on the north coast of Sao Miguel, we can provide lessons with our friendly instructors or just hire the boards and wetsuits and ride the waves on your own.
Diving
As well as offering unique diving experiences for qualified divers, beginners can also learn at the excellent schools on the islands. Dive sites are varied from offshore reefs and volcanic caves to drop-offs, impressive arches and flat seabed. Most dives rarely go deeper than 15m and average sea temperatures are 17-22°C. Visibility is very good at 20-25m.
Birdwatching
With close to 400 species sighted in the archipelago, this is a rewarding yet quiet bird watching destination. For many the highlight is spotting the endemic Azores Bullfinch found only in a small part of the main island of Sao Miguel. There's also the large Cory Shearwater and Roseate Tern colonies, Atlantic canary, several subspecies of the Common Chaffinch, the São Miguel Goldcrest and the Azores Woodpigeon. In October, the Azores become the undisputed rarity hotspot of the Western Palearctic with a wealth of America vagrants on offer from shorebirds and wildfowl to wood-warblers and vireos.
Sailing
With pretty marinas and opportunities to sail between islands, the Azores offering wonderful sailing opportunities and allow you to see the islands from a different perspective.
Golf
Golfing in the Azores is a real pleasure. Courses are quiet and spectacular offering views over the ocean and volcanic craters. On São Miguel, Batalha overlooks the sea and is the newest and most challenging course while Furnas (located in the mountains at an altitude of 500m) is sprinkled with lakes and stands of Japanese Cryptomeria and then there's the heavily wooded course on Terceira close the beautiful town of Angra.
Fishing
For many the draw of the Azores is the big game fishing to catch the blue marlin and tuna, but you can also go coastal or deep water fishing with our guides.
Convento Sao Francisco
The Convento Sao Francisco is a beautiful 16th century convent, now transformed into a unique and elegant hotel.
There’s nowhere like the Convento anywhere else in the Azores. The décor is minimal: imposing lavastone cloisters mix with beautifully polished cedar floors – all brought together by owners Jose And Manuela’s carefully chosen antique furniture and contemporary art.
There are ten en-suite rooms, a relaxing communal guest lounge and garden with an outdoor pool. The convent is on the outskirts Vila Franca do Campo – the original 15th Century capital of the island, devastated by the great earthquake of 1522. It’s a short walk into the centre of town, to the beach at Praia de Vinha d’Areia, and to Vila’s marina: the departure point for our twice-daily whale and dolphin watching trips.
Dear Ian, Steve, Jake & Team,
Just wanted to drop a line to say a heartfelt thank you for arranging the trip of a lifetime.
After a global pandemic, two years of waiting to travel and three cancellations it seemed at times that our honeymoon was never going to happen. We have so appreciated your support in rebooking/reorganising and keeping in touch with us all the way through.
As fairly independent minded travellers we were a little unsure about booking through an agency but so grateful we did.
The island choices, the daily schedules and walk recommendations were just perfect for us. We were blown away by the wildness & waterfalls in Flores; the coastal paths, lakes and thermal baths in Sao Miguel and the stunning views of Pico from Horta.
As you can tell we are smitten with the Azores and already thinking about our next trip back. We will be sure to contact you again once that starts to come together.
Thanks again for doing a brilliant job.
- A&J - Travelled in Summer 2022
Great feedback for Archipelago Choice from Jo and Family who recently visited the Azores with us (unabridged version!).
Booking Process: Excellent – Felt that our thoughts for an active family holiday were really listened to – very straightforward booking
Helpfulness of Team: Very helpful especially regarding accommodation changes and ultimate postponement & re-booking of our trip.
Information in Brochure: OK – though we preferred researching in more depth on the internet
Information on website: Great – we also found a few more sites too e.g. visit azores
Q. How would we rate our holiday overall: Excellent
Q. Would we travel with you again: Very possibly and would recommend (10 out of 10) as everything from booking, travel, hire car was very smooth
Q. How did we find you: Google search on the internet
Q. Why did we decide to book with you: Because of your friendly approach on initial contact back in August 2020. We were seeking support and reassurance during the uncertainty around travel during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Q. What were the highlights:
Sao Miguel:
- Walking around the crater at Sete Cidades from Vista do Rei, found a taxi to take us back up as we’d started walking after lunch. Explored derelict hotel (as you would with 17 yr old!) but probably best not to advertise 😉
- Ponta da Ferraria – great experience and top tip we’d looked at the internet to time our visit just right for the tides!
- Gorreana Tea Plantation – Lovely small tour, tea tasting and complimentary tea in café.
- Quinta dos Sabores Restaurant – Has only tasting menu, but if you like food – it is a fantastic meal out for a romantic or special evening. We booked in advance from the UK having found restaurant recommendations on the internet as they have limited space. Thoroughly recommended.
- Poca do Dona Beija geo-thermal baths – Very clean changing rooms, well organised (timed entry). Need to book for popular times – great experience.
- Afternoon tea at Terra Nostra Hotel Garden Terrace – very enjoyable and thoroughly recommended. Main and smaller geo thermal pools good fun too
- Bar Restaurante Caldeiras &760 Vulcoes, Furnas – Opportunity to enjoy Cozido. Although top tip – best to book in advance. Trying mineral spring water was an experience!
- Diving with Azores Sub Dive Centre – Friendly centre, great to be back in the water again!
- Canyoning in the Ribeira dos Caldeirōes Natural Park with Azorean Active Blueberry – They shared great photos & videos afterwards. Really friendly, nice park to explore whilst boys were busy having fun. Thoroughly recommend.
- Salto do Cabrito cold waterfall was fun – steep walk to find it but worth it (had tried to visit heated waterfalls at Caldera Velha, but that was fully booked – top tip – need to book ahead).
Q. Other good things:
- Lisbon Airport Mercado – great for a quick lunch between flights, and opportunity to try local food especially custard tarts!
- 4 Platanos Café / Restaurant – great first meal & opportunity to try local food.
- Canto do Cais, Capelas – Great opportunity to taste local fish and beef & eat local bean cake.
Pico:
- Climbing Mt Pico – It was tough for me to keep up with the guide’s pace up to the crater, not so for the boys, who made it to the top peak too. Tough climb up, even tougher coming down but a fantastic achievement.
- Diving with Twin Peaks Centre on Pico – excellent dive centre!
- Whale watching was great – both with Terrazul & Espaco Talassa on Pico, which was particularly excellent – very friendly, very knowledgeable and smaller group size/ RIB and good to have drink and de-briefing on return. Thoroughly recommended. Amazing experience.
- Ancoradoura, Madalena – Lovely meal watching the sunset as at our accommodation we could see sun rise not sunset. Tried grilled limpets!
- Arcos do Cachorro – good fun finding the arches of the puppy & thinking about our own 4-legged friend back home. We booked Gruta das Torres, but there was a mix up with dates and we could not be accommodated due to being fully booked. They appear to be strict on numbers – so best to book ahead. We headed to Furna do Frei Matias for a self-tour in the grotto & tunnel instead 😊
Q. Other good things:
- Fit Up Gym – Much appreciated by our son!
- Poca Branca, Prainha – nice for snorkelling
- Pastelaria Machado – Great local place for delicious pastries & coffee
- Cella Bar near Madalena was a lovely location for coffee & local cheese/sangria snacks.
- Wine Museum, Madelana – Very friendly and an enjoyable hour or so.
Accommodation:
Casa Do Ouvidor: Really lovely spacious accommodation in Casa do Mar. Assen, the manager, was very friendly and helpful and kept everything, including the pool & jacuzzi very clean. We didn’t think to call ahead re our arrival but we soon met up with him. It might be worth adding this in your itinerary, so everyone knows when they will be arriving/when to be expected. Easy to spot accommodation from the road. Lovely view of sunrises & Pico Mountain. The first day complimentary breakfast was fantastic and much appreciated.
As we arrived on a Sunday, it was very tricky to find somewhere to eat for supper as a lot of restaurants were either closed or fully booked. We had to wait 2 hours for a burger van supper… which was very nice once it arrived. Again, top tip would be to book ahead if arriving on a Sunday.
Q. Would thoroughly recommend.
Casa Do Monte Pombal: Traditional building in lovely situation. Friendly owners. Basic provisions in fridge welcome for first breakfast on wonderful, covered terrace and lovely bottle of wine 😊 Lovely views for sunrises. If we are honest there was quite a musty smell in the kitchen cupboards & double bedroom, and the entrance to the farm is on a sneaky bend – you need to be brave!
Activities: See highlights above! The top tip is to book ahead either online or by phone to avoid disappointment.
Car Hire: Very easy with Autatlantis – no issues and would recommend on both islands.
Taxi Transfer: Very good suggestion after a long day travelling, thank you. Had a lift to a 4 Platanos and had a super first night supper.
Travel: Flights and transfer all very well organised and everything went like clockwork 😊
Paper: Always happy to receive details online to save paper.
Kind regards
- Jo and Family
Dear Jake.
This is a long email, so you might want to go grab yourself a cuppa before you start reading.
We just wanted to send you an email to say thank you so much for everything.
Our island hopping holiday to the Azores was absolutely amazing, it was far beyond our dreams and expectations, and that is certainly because of you and all your plans in putting this together for us. We just loved every second (apart from me and canyoning, we do not get along, but the boys absolutely loved it!) we just can’t believe all the things that we have seen, and done, and learned about! What an incredible place!
We have certainly been bitten by the Azorean bug and we can’t wait to get back there to explore the other islands. They’re very special places, each of them for their own right.
We felt as though we were treated like royalty from the minute we arrived in Sao Miguel, even the weather was kind to us (largely) we seemed to miss the adverse weather, either arriving somewhere that had had storms the day before, or leaving just before they arrived. We did have one morning of heavy rain when we went to the tropical gardens at Furnas, but we did manage to see some of the gardens before we gave up and went back to Caloura, where there was glorious sunshine, so we spent the afternoon at the pool and made the most of the Especial and fresh lemonade from the snack bar.
Every single person that we met, we were struck by how hard they work, and how happy they all are. Many of them never leaving the island they were born on, because, why would they want to?!
We love the Azorean people and their love and pride for their islands. Their sustainable way of living also struck deep with us. It’s the way we try very hard to live ourselves. Dave’s business is retrofit insulation, preparing old housing stock to a better more eco friendly way of conserving energy, so the way they live and respect their land, was of great interest to us.
For us all, Flores is a very special place. We went to the restaurant maresia while we were there and met the owner and his son. Although the restaurant itself is eclectic to say the least, after chatting to Vincent, we understood his dads way of living and the food was outstanding! We can’t wait to visit again.
All of our guides were amazing! Their knowledge and passion is admirable.
We just loved every second and can’t thank you enough for making our trip so smooth and completely stress free.
I will spend today writing reviews online for all the companies and guides that helped us on our trip.
A million thanks to you all Jake.
- Cole family
Really great company, will be recommending them. We had never visited the Azores before but this company helped us decided which islands to visit.
- Janice
Great little company with friendly staff. Organisation of flights & accommodation very efficient. When problems arise they are helpful and very reasonable in their efforts to resolve them. We would definitely use them again for a return trip.
- Recommended small travel company!
Azores Choice provided a prompt, helpful service. they found us the perfect accommodation for our needs and provided superb, expert advice on how to spend our week walking on San Miguel. I would certainly use them again.
- Joan from Durham
Where are the Azores?
The Azores are 1564km directly west of Lisbon.
When is the best time to visit the Azores?
The Azores’ seasons follow a similar pattern to our own: it’s mild in Spring and Autumn and hotter from around May through to October. July and August are the busiest times to visit so we advise booking early.
How do I get to the Azores?
From the UK you can fly direct from Stansted, or via Lisbon from Heathrow and Manchester. From the USA and Canada, you can fly direct from Boston and Toronto.
What languages do they speak the Azores?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive in the Azores?
Very; the quality of the roads is generally excellent and it’s very easy to navigate around the islands.
Do I need an international driver’s license for the Azores?
All you require is a valid UK, US or Canadian driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit the Azores?
We strongly recommend you have travel insurance to cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents, personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in the Azores?
Most hotels offer WiFi.
Can I use my mobile phone in the Azores?
Yes, there’s good mobile reception across all the islands.
What is the food like in the Azores?
Azorean’s love seasonal food, particularly fresh fish. The restaurants on the larger islands of Sao Miguel and Terceira offer a good mix of Portuguese and more European-style menus, with interesting vegetarian options. On the smaller islands, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in the Azores?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only.
What type of plug adapter do I need in the Azores?
You will need a Type F plug adapter.
Is tap water safe to drink in the Azores?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in the Azores.
Do I need to tip in the Azores?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to the Azores with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to the Azores?
Our advice is to start planning around six to nine months before your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to the Azores?
This is certainly possible; however you may need to be flexible on with the dates so that we can find the best airfares, also bear in mind that some hotels may not always be available.
