The Best Travel Guide to The Azores (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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The Azores

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Overview

The Azores The guide was updated: 2024-09-10

Blue lakes bordered by flowers, dazzling views of the sea from high in the hills, and lush green landscapes of ancient volcanic craters – the nine islands of the Azores, situated in the middle of the Atlantic, just 4 hours from Boston and 2 hours from Lisbon by plane, are a paradise for nature-lovers. Choose a holiday on these beautiful islands and you’ll rediscover the peace of the countryside in a stunning and unspoilt natural environment.

Facts

Population:	245,374
Currency:	Euro, €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	112
Newspapers:	Açoriano Oriental Diário Insular Expresso das Nove Ilha Maior A União
Opening hours:	Monday to Friday 9am–12:30pm and 2pm–6:30pm. Saturday 9am–1pm. Most of the larger stores and retail outlets in the main tourist areas may remain open through lunch hours. Most shops are closed on Sundays. Shopping centres: Sunday to Thursday 10am–10pm. Friday and Saturday 10am–11pm. Banks: Monday to Friday 8:30am–3pm.
Tourist information:	Information number: 1820

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Section in The Azores

Natural wonders greet you at every corner in these otherworldly islands. The nine islands of the Azores are in fact some of the world's highest mountains, and most interesting volcanic formations. Lakes and rivers, forest reserves, natural and recreational parks, protected landscape areas, endemic flora and fauna, and rare ecosystems combine to provide endless possibilities for those who venture off the beaten path.

Capelinhos Volcano

Capelinhos Volcano

This otherworldly landscape should be on every visitor's itinerary. In 1957, the Capelinhos volcano erupted, and did not stop for a year and a month. Inhabitants were forced to abandon the island, which now lies deserted. Climb the volcano with the help of the official guide service to experience this unique and startling natural wonder.

Rocha Dos Bordões

Rocha Dos Bordões

Shaped by nature over thousands of years, Rocha Dos Bordoes is a geological formation consisting of basalt columns and several rivers which lead to a tranquil waterfall. Near its base are the so-called Aguas Quentes, cauldrons of boiling sulphurous water.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

Go scuba diving day or night, in sandy, rocky or mixed seabeds, in caves or shipwrecks. Different operators provide varying experiences for all levels, from beginner to professional. Snorkel to leisurely enjoy the abundant marine life of the archipelago’s crystal clear waters, or dive in to a stunning ocean.

Lagoa Do Fogo

Lagoa Do Fogo

Located in the beautiful and green island of Sao Miguel, Lagoa do Fogo is the second largest lagoon on the Azores. Classified as a Natural Reserve, visitors marvel at the luscious beauty of this forest, which includes a caldeira - the walls of which reach up to 300m. Hikers should check out the "Lombadas Lagoa do Fogo" Trail to fully experience the fascinating array of flora and fauna characteristic of this geological phenomenon.

Lagoa Das Sete Cidades

Lagoa Das Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades Lagoon is the largest freshwater lake in the Azores, with a length of 4.2 km and a depth that reaches 33 meters. Declared one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, it consists of two lakes - Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul (green lagoon and blue lagoon) - linked together and surrounded by a breathtaking scenery. Classified as Protected Landscape by Natura 2000, this natural wonder is surrounded by an extensive green area and beautiful rocky cliffs covered with trees and flowers.

Algar Do Carvão

Algar Do Carvão

The island of Terceira features one of the most extraordinary volcanic formations - the Algar do Carvão, located within the Caldeira Guilherme Moniz and is accessible to visitors. Go inside this volcanic cone through an artificial tunnel and a staircase, and follow the route of the lava tube. The highlights are the underground lake and the volcanic-glass stalactites and stalagmites.

Furna do Enxofre

Furna do Enxofre

The Furna is a 100-metre deep tunnel ending in a cave. In the deepest depths you can find a lake with about 130 meters in diameter and a maximum depth of 15 meters.

Fajã Da Caldeira Do Santo Cristo

Fajã Da Caldeira Do Santo Cristo

Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is an area of great natural beauty, famous for its waves and thus loved by surfers and bodyboarders. Located on the northern coast of the fabulous São Jorge Island, this is considered the most beautiful Fajã in the Island. Access is by a strenuous hike, Fajãs Itinerary (“Percurso das Fajãs“), which takes in stunning landscapes of both land and ocean.

Volcanic Landscape of Pico Island

Volcanic Landscape of Pico Island

At 2351 metres above sea level, the Pico is the highest point of Portuguese territory. At the top is a 700-meter crater, 30 meters deep. The entire landscape around the volcano is rich in geological formations, notably the vineyards at the base of the mountain, classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Take a tour with an official guide to make the most of this experience.

Caldeirão

Caldeirão

This 3400m-long crater is "the cradle" of the island. Formed by a volcanic eruption, there are two lakes in its interior, dotted with small islands. An excellent vantage point, this area offers wonderful views of the island as well as a unique opportunity to explore a volcanic landscape.

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

The Azores are one of the world’s biggest whale sanctuaries. Over 27 different species, both native and migrating, can be spotted here - that's one third of the number of species in existence. The shimmering blue seas of the Azores are the perfect place to observe these majestic creatures up close in the wild.

Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center

Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center

This underground museum was voted the best in Europe in 2012, and is an essential visit for anyone interested in how the island's volcanic formations came to be. Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos uses multimedia to teach visitors about the formations as well as the island's history, notably the 1957-58 eruption.

Museo Carlos Machado

Museo Carlos Machado

Situated in the former Santo André Convent, this eccentric museum features a variety of artefacts from Azorean Natural History (zoology, botanic, geology, mineralogy). As well as this, it is home to a jaw-dropping sacristy, sacred art and sculpture collection.

Santana Astronomical Observatory

Santana Astronomical Observatory

The clear skies of the Azores are the perfect place to see glorious constellations. This Science Centre shares its passion for astronomy with visitors of all ages. Visit in the evening to try out the observatory's telescopes and do some stargazing of your own.

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