Introduction to the Azores
Located deep in the Atlantic, roughly between Boston and Lisbon, the Azores is a stunning off-the-beaten-path destination. Sometimes awkwardly dubbed ‘the Hawaii of Europe’ or ‘Iceland without the ice’, in truth, the nine islands of this archipelago are unlike anywhere else.
Accessibility and Attractions
The islands are easily reached from both Europe and east-coast North America. But the Azores’ allure lies in its incredible volcanic geography, its many outdoor activities, and a lack of mass tourism. The islands are a real gem – and I’m excited to tell you all about it in this jam-packed Azores travel guide!
Essential Travel Tips
So get ready as I share with you all the essential Azores travel tips from the best islands to visit to getting from island to island. I’ve been on the Azores on three trips of 9 days each, covering 5 of the 9 islands — and I’m sure I’ll be coming back for more.
Practical Information
Before I get stuck into the best Azores islands to visit, there are a few things to consider. From how to get to the islands to when to visit, I’ll show you all you need to know for a stress-free Azores vacation.
Location and Connectivity
Good question! Even some devoted globe-trotters might struggle to pinpoint it precisely on a map, as the islands are but little dots in a vast ocean. Roughly speaking, the Azores are somewhere between the US and Europe. The Azores archipelago is about a 3-hour flight from Lisbon in mainland Portugal and roughly 5 to 6 hours from Boston or Toronto.
Attractions and Activities
While in São Miguel, you should 100% do a whale-watching tour. And if you’re looking for an incredible, full-contact way of experiencing the islands’ lush nature, a canyoning excursion will be right up your alley. I recommend self-driving on the Azores, but if you can’t, then a van tour is the next best thing.
Why Visit the Azores
Once you make it to this outermost point of Europe, you will be rewarded with some amazing opportunities for hiking, caving, scuba diving, canyoning, whale watching, and many more adventure activities. The Azores is truly an adventure travel paradise! But equally, it’s a great place for a relaxing rural holiday.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Azores is from June to September. It’s not a tropical destination but is mild and sunny during summer. As with everywhere in Europe, you may wish to avoid August, as this is consistently the busiest month of the year.
Conclusion
There is too much to share about the Azores to fit into a single guide, so don’t miss my other posts about these beautiful islands. Whether you’re looking to backpack through Portugal’s unique islands or have a short layover during your American-to-Europe trip, the Azores is a fantastic place to go.
