Here you can find information and resources to help you plan your trip to The Azores.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to the Azores from Europe is to first go to Lisbon, and then fly from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel.  There are daily scheduled flights with TAP Air Portugal and SATA, and budget airlines also have flights. Flights from other European cities are also available.

If you have time it is definitely worth spending a night or two in Lisbon – it is a lovely city!

From the USA, SATA fly from Boston and Oakland.

From Canada SATA fly from Toronto and Montreal.

Check with Skyscanner and/or Momondo for the best current deals (see boxes).

Travelling Between the Islands

Always remember that travel services between the islands are prone to delays and cancellations in Adverse Weather Conditions.  It is sensible to arrange at least one night on your final exit Island before any international flights, just in case a flight or ferry to your exit island is cancelled.

Flights

SATA Azores Airlines have very regular flights between the islands.  Click on the link to search for routes and timetables.  If you are visiting several islands it may be cheaper to buy all your flight tickets together online before you travel.

There are sometimes delays in adverse weather conditions, but of course this is unavoidable in such a remote location!  We found it a pleasure to travel in such small, uncrowded planes, and to arrive at such tiny airports.  Flying over Pico was particularly special because you can see right into the crater!

Ferries

Atlanticoline operate various services – see their website for full details of routes, timetables, fares and online booking.

The services between Faial, Pico and São Jorge run all year, as does a tiny ferry between Flores and Corvo.   Services including the other islands run in the summer only.

Once again be aware that the services can be disrupted by adverse weather conditions.  When planning a schedule always factor in time to allow for any delays before international connections.

Travelling on the Islands

There are regular bus services on São Miguel (map showing routes) and Terceira (routes and timetables).  The services may change, and more information will be available on the islands.

On other islands the bus services are very irregular.  You could hire a car (try Holiday Autos – just key in the island you are interested in), but often the best way to explore is by taxi.

Taxis are particularly useful if you want to arrange a linear walk.  The driver will take you to the starting point, and then you can make arrangements for the driver to pick you up later at the finishing point (allow yourself plenty of time for admiring the views and taking photos!).  We found this a very reliable way to explore.  The drivers we used did not charge us on the outward route, but took the total payment when they brought us back.

Taxis can be arranged at your accommodation, or can be found in town squares and near harbours.  If you can’t find one try asking at a cafe.  They will probably be happy to arrange one for you, especially if you are buying a drink!

Accommodation

Here are a few suggestions.  For more ideas try the booking.com search box.

Accommodation on the islands can get booked up very early, so it is definitely worth planning ahead.

São Miguel

Hotel Camoes (Ponta Delgada)

Hotel Ponta Delgada (Ponta Delgada)

Hotel Canadiano (Ponta Delgada)

Azor Hotel (Ponta Delgada)

Vista Do Vale (Furnas)

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (Furnas)

Furnas Boutique Hotel (Furnas)

Terceira

Varandas do Atlantico (Praia da Vitoria)

Atlantida Ma (Praia da Vitoria)

Beira Mar (Angra do Heroismo)

Pousada de Angra do Heroismo (Angra do Heroismo)

Santa Maria

Charming Blue (Vila do Porto)

Hotel Colombo (Vila do Porto)

Graciosa

Graciosa Hotel (Santa Cruz)

São Jorge

Hotel São Jorge Garden (Velas)

Quinta do Canavial (Velas)

Pico

Hotel Caravelas (Madalena)

Faial

Hotel São Francisco (Horta)

Hotel Horta (Horta)

Flores

Argonauta (Faja Grande)

Residencia Mateus (Faja Grande)

Corvo

GuestHouse Comodoro

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