Situated in the North Atlantic, 1500kms west of Lisbon, the Archipelago of the Azores is made up of nine major islands and an islet cluster in three main groups. Formed by volcanos but there has been no recorded volcano activity since the islands were settled on, but as a result of the volcanic activity, the Azores have some of the tallest mountains on the planet measuring from their base in the ocean to their peak. The best way to get to the Azores is by plane, with the main airports on the Terceira, São Miguel, Faial, Pico and Santa Maria Islands. You can fly from Europe and the USA, and incredibly the Azores are just a four hour flight from Boston. Come experience culture and adventure.
More About The Azores
Car Rental
The Azores is not the place for mass tourism and if you wish to lie back in a fancy resort, then this is probably not the best place for you. It is a place where tourists visit to explore its beauty and sit in the evenings in small villages or towns and enjoy the pace of local life over a nice bottle of wine. Car rental on the islands can be a great way to get around and see some of the sites. Car Booker compares the most up to date prices and offers from the big car rental names such as Europcar, Hertz and Avis as well as local brand Ilha Verde Rent a Car, so that we can find the very best car rental deal for you on the Azores. Search and save up to 30% on your Azores rental car right here.
Top things to do
Hikers are in for a treat. In centuries past, the locals used footpaths for travel and transport which been restored to form a network of walking routes through beautiful areas of the Azores. The North Eastern coast of São Miguel brings you through small villages and forests with great views or if you climb Pico Mountain’s (2351m) for views over the whole archipelago and the beautiful crater filled blue lakes. One of the top 10 places in the world for whale watching, you should jump at the chance to get on a boat and head off in search of them. Snorkeling and diving allow you to see unusual flora and caves as a result of volcanic activity. Also try surfing, windsurfing and hand-gliding or paragliding.
Road Trips
On Sao Miguel, the main attractions lay beyond Pont Delgada itself, make sure you drive out to see the Sete Cidades (translates to the “Seven Cities”) which is a unusual because it is a volcano crater with a village and two lakes at the bottom and a lovely legend of a beautiful princess and Shepard in love. Also check out Europe´s only commercial tea plantation on the north of the island. Santa Maria Island has white sand beaches and the highest average temperatures, so check it out for sun, scuba and surf and explore the coastline! For a fabulous lagoon that makes you think of pirate treasure, check out Funda on Flores Island. Driving around is amazing because you will come across unusual basalt structures, beautiful waterfalls, cliffs with stunning views and unrivalled scenery.