Certainly, you have heard of the incredible Portuguese archipelago “Ilha dos Açores”. Those who have had the privilege of spending a few days exploring its unmatched beauty and magical places can assure you that the Azores are full of hidden spots filled with the most amazing adventures and many others remain enveloped in a complete silence that fills you with peace and quiet.
To help you discover the wonderful islands of the Azores in Portugal, we have prepared this guide with the best recommendations of what to see in the nine islands of the Azores, as well as some useful tips to make the most of this paradise hidden in the middle of the Atlantic.
Azores: How to get there?
If you are in Europe, particularly Spain, a connection between Madrid and Ponta Delgada airport on the island of São Miguel in the Azores has only recently been possible during the summer season a few days a week.
Or you can fly and connect from anywhere in the world to Lisbon/Porto and then take a 3 hour (2.25h) flight to the archipelago and once there, you can fly or take the ferry to any of the Azores islands.
Santa María and São Miguel, Azores
São Miguel is the largest and most touristic island and is surrounded by lush subtropical forests, which is why it has been nicknamed the “Green Island”. It also has two lakes and the spectacular hot springs of the Furnas valley.
Ponta Delgada is the capital and gateway to the archipelago, where the airport is located. Among its rocky and rough coastline are beautiful historical villages and towns full of charm and character, as well as botanical gardens that fill the trails with color, perfect for stunning walks. Another highlight of the capital is the Senhor Cristo dos Milagres festival, one of the largest religious festivals in Portugal and the most important in the Azores, which takes place on the fifth Sunday after Easter. People prepare in anticipation for this celebration by placing white sheets in their windows, and it is very common to see everything in the center of the island decorated with flowers, tree leaves, and suchlike. Religious traditions include masses and processions, all in honor of God. As for the popular festivities, there are different activities in which you can participate, such as live music, tasting the traditional food of the region, inauguration of the lights in the square. This date in São Miguel Island is perfect to enjoy with family and friends.
Santa Maria, also known as Yellow Island, is a bay protected by white sand beaches, warm waters and an outstanding mountainous landscape. Its beautiful capital, Vila do Porto, is surrounded by scenic villages such as Espírito Santo, Santa Bárbara, Almagreira and São Pedro.
Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial
Terceira is home to the historical capital of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, founded in 1534, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; it has the fortresses of São João Baptista and São Sebastião, dating from 1600.
One of the most representative monuments that can be found on Terceira Island is the Monument to the Bull. This sculpture, which is more than 10 meters high, pays tribute to the bullfighting culture of the island. The sculpture is composed of three bulls inside a cylinder, each with different directions, covered in bronze. In the history of the people of Terceira, there is the battle of Salga, where the victory of this region of the Azores is given to the wild bulls or rezes, so it also refers to a symbol of strength to its history and its inhabitants.
On the other hand, there is Graciosa Island, an area full of peace and tranquility; its relief reaches only 402 meters above sea level and has wide valleys, traditional houses located on the slopes, and beautiful windmills that stand out among the landscape.
In São Jorge, one can explore an almost untouched area rich in natural beauty. This island is a favorite for hiking and for enjoying the magnificent views to the other islands.
And if you love moonscapes, in Pico and Faial, you can climb their volcanos, while your eyes get lost in the infinite ocean.
Flores and Corvo
Known as the rainiest island in the whole archipelago, the island of Flores is a magical place hidden between deep valleys, high mountains and exuberant landscapes, bathed by lakes and waterfalls that will take your breath away.
At the same time, the island of Corvo rises from the Atlantic to offer us a picturesque corner away from the crowds, full of houses with beautiful dark stone facades and its peculiar windmills.
The Homeboat Company: Hotel in Azores
The Homeboat Company Hotel in the Azores provides a special accommodation experience, with rooms in the shape of a boat, facing the sea.
It has a privileged location in Ponta Delgada, just 300 meters from the City Gates and 800 meters from the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, giving its guests a room equipped with all amenities, so they can rest and relax after visiting some of the magnificent islands of the Azores.
Each boat is equipped with a bathroom, TV, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, free WiFi, private parking and access to an upper terrace with a lovely and comforting sea view.
It also offers continental or vegetarian breakfast and also provides car rental service, to make your tours in the Azores Islands the most delightful and safe.
Without a doubt, the Azores Islands are filled with incomparable beauty that makes them truly a paradise, with a well-preserved wild charm. If you like nature and vacations full of intense adventures, find the best and most interesting accommodation with The Homeboat Company, contact us and enjoy an unforgettable stay!