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Spectacular green volcanic islands at the westernmost point of Europe
Often referred to as Europe’s best kept secret, the Azores are a spectacular group of 9 volcanic islands lying 950 miles west of Lisbon. With their mild climate, geothermal pools, crater lakes and lush green scenery the islands are perfect for active holidays for all ages.
Flight connections to the Azores from the UK, mainland Europe, the USA and Canada are excellent and there are lots of options to consider. There are weekly direct flights from the UK with a flight time of 3½ hours and daily flights via Lisbon from Heathrow and Manchester.
There are also direct flights from Lisbon, Oporto, Funchal, Toronto, Montreal, Boston and San Francisco. Most routes are served by TAP Air Portugal and Azores Airlines (previously SATA Air Azores) but the budget airlines, Ryanair and Easyjet also provide some convenient connections.
All nine islands are linked by regular inter-island flights and there are reasonable ferries between a few of them.
Whale watching
The Azores are one of the premier whale and dolphin watching destinations in the world and you'll have the opportunity to go out on RIBs or larger catamarans to see a wide range of species including sperm and pilot whales, beaked whales and false killer whales, together with bottlenose, common, spotted, Risso’s and striped dolphin. In recent years, we have also sighted blue, fin, sei, minke and humpback whales off the islands’ shores.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to explore the Azores. From walking round crater lakes to beautiful coastal paths, there are guided and self guided walks to suit everyone's level of fitness.
Canyoning
Abseil down waterfalls, jump into pools and slide down water chutes. Canyoning is fast growing in popularity and unknown to most visitors, the Azores have excellent routes on three of the islands - Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge and Flores.
Swimming with dolphins
With the largest variety of dolphins worldwide, this is the ultimate wild swimming with dolphins experience.
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 visiting highlights along the way.
Paddle boarding
Try this rapidly growing sport either on the crater lakes or along the coastline of Sao Miguel. You can even take a guided sunset paddle to the beautiful islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
Kayaking
Our inland kayaking trips are based at the two main crater lakes on São Miguel; Furnas and Sete Cidades. You’ll be surrounded by the volcanic landscape on the calm waters but beware of the parts that are still boiling!
You can also sea kayak from Vila Franca on Sao Miguel and Angra and Praia da Vitoria on Terceira and we offer trips of varying lengths to suit everyone.
Horse riding
From one hour lessons in an indoor arena to full day rides out around crater lakes, 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 which average 15 to 22 degrees C, 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 the qualified diver, 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.
The exotic species found here include tuna, billfish, the charismatic dusky grouper fish, tope, hammerhead, mako, manta ray and everyone’s favourite – the loggerhead turtle.
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. But 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. And then 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. We offer guided day trips out through to a full week long specialist holiday all in the company of our expert guides.
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. Our yachts are based in the lovely marinas of Vila Franca and Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island and Horta on Faial island. We have Dufour 40’s and Dufour Grand ‘Large 375’s which can be chartered with a skipper (or bareboat on Faial, Pico and Sao Miguel) with trips ranging from half a day to a week-long exploration of the central group of islands.
Golf
Golfing in the Azores is a real pleasure. Courses are quiet and spectacular offering views over the ocean and volcanic craters. There are currently three golf courses on the islands, 2 with 18 holes and 1 with 27 holes.
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 (July - September) and tuna (May and June), but you can also go coastal or deep water fishing with our guides and there's even a family day out where you can fish and sightsee at the same time.
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. The winter can be a bit showery but the temperature’s usually still up in the mid to high teens. 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 Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester.
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. Just watch out for cows!
Do I need an international driver’s license for the Azores?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit the Azores?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in the Azores?
Most hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in the Azores?
Yes, there’s good mobile reception in most parts of the islands.
What is the food like in the Azores?
As you’d expect on Atlantic islands, Azorean restaurants serve excellent fresh fish. The restaurants in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) and Horta (Faial) have a good mix of Portuguese and more European-style menus, and there are usually vegetarian options available but the choice can be limited. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus. If you have any food allergies, just let us know.
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.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit The Azores:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Often referred to as Europe’s best kept secret, the Azores are a spectacular group of 9 volcanic islands lying 950 miles west of Lisbon. With their mild climate, geothermal pools, crater lakes and lush green scenery the islands are perfect for active holidays for all ages.
Flight connections to the Azores from the UK, mainland Europe, the USA and Canada are excellent and there are lots of options to consider. There are weekly direct flights from the UK with a flight time of 3½ hours and daily flights via Lisbon from Heathrow and Manchester.
There are also direct flights from Lisbon, Oporto, Funchal, Toronto, Montreal, Boston and San Francisco. Most routes are served by TAP Air Portugal and Azores Airlines (previously SATA Air Azores) but the budget airlines, Ryanair and Easyjet also provide some convenient connections.
All nine islands are linked by regular inter-island flights and there are reasonable ferries between a few of them.
Whale watching
The Azores are one of the premier whale and dolphin watching destinations in the world and you'll have the opportunity to go out on RIBs or larger catamarans to see a wide range of species including sperm and pilot whales, beaked whales and false killer whales, together with bottlenose, common, spotted, Risso’s and striped dolphin. In recent years, we have also sighted blue, fin, sei, minke and humpback whales off the islands’ shores.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to explore the Azores. From walking round crater lakes to beautiful coastal paths, there are guided and self guided walks to suit everyone's level of fitness.
Canyoning
Abseil down waterfalls, jump into pools and slide down water chutes. Canyoning is fast growing in popularity and unknown to most visitors, the Azores have excellent routes on three of the islands - Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge and Flores.
Swimming with dolphins
With the largest variety of dolphins worldwide, this is the ultimate wild swimming with dolphins experience.
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 visiting highlights along the way.
Paddle boarding
Try this rapidly growing sport either on the crater lakes or along the coastline of Sao Miguel. You can even take a guided sunset paddle to the beautiful islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
Kayaking
Our inland kayaking trips are based at the two main crater lakes on São Miguel; Furnas and Sete Cidades. You’ll be surrounded by the volcanic landscape on the calm waters but beware of the parts that are still boiling!
You can also sea kayak from Vila Franca on Sao Miguel and Angra and Praia da Vitoria on Terceira and we offer trips of varying lengths to suit everyone.
Horse riding
From one hour lessons in an indoor arena to full day rides out around crater lakes, 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 which average 15 to 22 degrees C, 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 the qualified diver, 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.
The exotic species found here include tuna, billfish, the charismatic dusky grouper fish, tope, hammerhead, mako, manta ray and everyone’s favourite – the loggerhead turtle.
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. But 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. And then 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. We offer guided day trips out through to a full week long specialist holiday all in the company of our expert guides.
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. Our yachts are based in the lovely marinas of Vila Franca and Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island and Horta on Faial island. We have Dufour 40’s and Dufour Grand ‘Large 375’s which can be chartered with a skipper (or bareboat on Faial, Pico and Sao Miguel) with trips ranging from half a day to a week-long exploration of the central group of islands.
Golf
Golfing in the Azores is a real pleasure. Courses are quiet and spectacular offering views over the ocean and volcanic craters. There are currently three golf courses on the islands, 2 with 18 holes and 1 with 27 holes.
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 (July - September) and tuna (May and June), but you can also go coastal or deep water fishing with our guides and there's even a family day out where you can fish and sightsee at the same time.
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. The winter can be a bit showery but the temperature’s usually still up in the mid to high teens. 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 Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester.
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. Just watch out for cows!
Do I need an international driver’s license for the Azores?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit the Azores?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in the Azores?
Most hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in the Azores?
Yes, there’s good mobile reception in most parts of the islands.
What is the food like in the Azores?
As you’d expect on Atlantic islands, Azorean restaurants serve excellent fresh fish. The restaurants in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) and Horta (Faial) have a good mix of Portuguese and more European-style menus, and there are usually vegetarian options available but the choice can be limited. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus. If you have any food allergies, just let us know.
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.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit The Azores:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where is The Azores?
