Hotels in the Azores

If you haven't heard of either Azores Islands Until recently, or until you came across this site, you can relax. You're not alone. Most people do not know this Portuguese archipelago of islands, which is located about fifteen hundred kilometers from the shores of Lisbon. It is a cluster of 9 separate islands, whose distance from continental Europe and their distance from each other, have turned them into nine unique and almost completely different niches. A vacation in the Atlantic Ocean is a dream of many people, and the Azores can make this dream come true for you. A flat stomach, magical views, a feeling that time has stood still and a wonderful atmosphere and other treats are all you will find in the Azores.

In the Azores you can find a wide variety of activities, most of which are influenced by the fact that it is a remote and unique island archipelago. Sao Miguel, the "urban" and the largest of the islands, will allow you to experience the local city life. Of course, city life here is relative, but still. In Terceira you will find unique cultural assets, although the views probably won't knock you off your feet. In contrast, the island of Flores (Flores) is the most remote of the islands, and is a natural gem like no other. 

In short, if you are looking for a dreamy, diverse, natural and authentic vacation, the Azores are the place for you. What's more, if you don't grab this opportunity with both hands soon, it probably won't be the same again for a while. Places like these lose much of their charm in a short time, with the onslaught of legions of tourists and the improvement of the transportation infrastructure to them. 

Keep in mind that this is a very large area that contains a variety of accommodation and hospitality solutions, and of course everything depends on the nature of the trip you are looking for, the duration of the trip, and of course the budget. This review will not be by budget, but by the nature of the island.

Where do you sleep in the Azores?

If you come for a few days, the recommendation is to stay on the island of Sao Miguel, which is the largest in the archipelago. It is home to the most accessible airport in the archipelago, so you'll spend less time traveling and more time enjoying attractions, entertainment and exploring this remote area. In a few days here you can spend time in hot springs and pineapple and tea plantations, watch whales, do a route in volcanic craters and so much more. 

Most of the tourists who come to the Azores concentrate in Sao Miguel, so the hotel offer here is wider and more diverse. You will probably be able to find a suitable accommodation for any budget. This is the most convenient island for a trip, even if not the most attractive of the group of islands. Ponta Delgada is the capital city of Sao Miguel, and also the largest city in the archipelago. All this actually means that Sao Miguel is the most convenient for a trip to the Azores in terms of tourist infrastructure. 

The second most convenient island in terms of the ability to travel on it is Terceira, and it is home to a warm and lively population of islanders. Although it is not the ideal place to experience the nature of the Azores, it is definitely an excellent place to understand their culture and get to know the locals. The music, the food, the festivals and the historical sites, all these will expose you to the essence of the archipelago.

The second largest island in the archipelago is the island of Pico, which is largely dominated by the huge Pico mountain. The mountain, which rises to a height of 2,350 meters, is a center of attraction for many trekkers who come to the island specifically to climb it. The island is a contrast to the green of Sao Miguel and Terchira, as the mountain creates a climate and landscapes that are completely different from them. This is the place for a less touristy experience of the Azores, as fewer visitors come to El Pico, and those who do are often more oriented to being in tune with nature. We should also note that if you are interested in watching whales swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, Pico is probably the ideal place for that.

Another option is the island of Flores - a paradise for outdoor and nature lovers, as the entire island has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The abundance of waterfalls, lakes, mountains and rock formations make it a spectacular display of nature and Mother Earth. Trekking in Flores are considered the peak of the trip for many of those who visit the Azores, and the recommendation is definitely not to give them up. 

When should you go to the Azores?

The most recommended season for a trip to the Azores is between the months of May and October. In these months the weather is the most comfortable, and since most of the activity on the islands takes place outside, the weather plays a critical role here. In addition, if you are interested in watching whales, the peak of the season comes in April and May. In these months, most of the whales pass through this area, and their presence is felt until September.

However, due to the fact that it is not only a destination for well-wishers but also (and significantly) for vacationers, in the months of July and August you can expect a considerable tourist rush in the archipelago. Hotel prices rise according to the increase in demand, as do the prices of flights and attractions. Unlike the other European tourist destinations, in the Azores the weather is not expected to burden you too much in July and August, which is a consolation.

Getting to the islands during the rainy half year (October to April, more or less) can be adventurous. The islands experience huge amounts of rain during these months, and most of your outdoor activities will not be possible. Going trekking in such weather can be a real life hazard. However, for those who are willing to take the chance, expect particularly low prices in hotels and other tourist services.

It is important to note that since these are islands in the heart of the ocean, the weather may change drastically within a few hours, and sometimes even several times in the same day. It is very important to check the weather before you go on a trip, and as close to the time as possible, so that you don't get into an unpleasant or dangerous situation. Of course, this also works in your favor, since even a day that initially seems not very attractive, can turn into one of the best of your trip within an hour or two.