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Azores

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About Azores

The Azores, nine main islands and the smaller isles and atolls around them, are a mid-Atlantic treasure-trove of natural beauty just ripe for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love of the great outdoors.The volcanic landscape is dramatic and there are three distinct biospheres. Plus the Azores have two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the old town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira and the vineyards of Pico.The varied beauty of the islands does make choosing the best places to stay on the Azores a challenge. Beautiful Angra do Heroísmo is the historic capital, a charming 18th century city on the island of Terceira, full of colourful cafes and bars and boutiques. Terceira is also one of the best places if you like a festival - between May and October a number of towns and cities on the island have a Spanish style tourada, when bulls are set free into the streets to join the party.

The Azores are also known for wildlife - especially whales, who grace the sea around the islands with their presence several times a year on their migrations. Almost every town or village with a marina will offer whale watching tours. Pico Island is a good choice if this is one of the things you’re most looking forward to about visiting the Azores. Pico is also where you’ll find Portugal’s highest mountain, 2351metres above sea level and a hike you can do in two or three hours if you’re fairly fit. From the very top you can see the islands of Faial and São Jorge.

Sailing, surfing, biking, hiking, paragliding and horseback riding are other popular ways to experience the landscape of the Azores. You can expect to come across incredible crater lakes, steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and incredible caverns, volcanic underwater landscapes and pristine and white sandy beaches. Much of this beauty is protected in national parks and marine reserves.

There are numerous highlights, but there are a few unmissable sights: the amazing blue and green caldera lakes of Setes Cidades - one of the lakes is blue, one green; the display centre of the Capelinhos Volcano, a spectacular underwater volcano which erupted in 1957; the springs at Terra Nostra Gardens on the island of São Miguel; the Heritage Listed vineyards of Pico, which date from the 15th century are laid between protective walls made of basalt.

What not to miss:

  • Embark on a whale watching boat trip.

  • Sample the local cuisine, slow cooked in volcanic soil, at São Miguel’s village of Furnas.

  • Soak in the hot geothermal pools at Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija.

  • Hike to the top of Portugal's highest mountain, Pico.

  • Unwind on the picturesque beaches.

With so much on offer many of the best places to stay in the Azores are snapped up early so do make your plans and make a booking.

The Best Places to Stay in the Azores

For rural escapes

  • The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel is a luxury art-deco hotel featuring spacious rooms with floor to ceiling windows, feather-soft beds and crisp white linen.

For a spa break

  • Pedras do Mar Resort and Spa is a stunning coastal property offering incredible sea views. Rooms are contemporary in style with chic minimalist design, luxurious bathrooms and large balconies. A superb spa and striking infinity pool are utterly spoiling.
  • Furnas Boutique Hotel is a secluded and serene resort hotel on the island of São Miguel. There are 54 sharp, minimalist rooms and an extensive spa. The hotel’s restaurant serves local specialities.

For an eco stay

  • The Aldeia de Fonte is a 40 room eco resort on Pico Island offering accommodation in a collection of houses made of volcanic stone. There’s a popular bar and restaurant in the resort complex and there’s a relaxed vibe perfect for families and nature lovers. What with the whale watching and Tai Chi gardens.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to the main hub, Ponta Delgada Airport. There are also SATA served airports on every single island although usually only one flight is chartered a day. Most towns across the islands have ports making travelling between the island by ferry easy.
  • Weather-wise the best time to visit is the summer months from June to September when temperatures sit in the mid twenties (celcius).
  • If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Azores

Best Hotels in Azores

  • Solar Branco Eco Estate Livramento, Azores 8 rooms from £104

    Total relaxation  -  Solar Branco is all about RnR. With no kids, beautiful surrounds and a laid-back vibe, relaxation is the name of the game!
    Bar  -  The Gin Library holds Europe's largest gin collection! Enjoy a complimentary G&T every evening at gin o'clock
    Romantic Break  -  Beautifully styled suites and cottages, no children, superb bar, delicious sushi...say no more!
    Local exploring  -  Well located for exploring all of Sao Miguel's highlights from beaches to cultural sites
    Air conditioningGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A fabulous conversion of a rustic estate on Sao Miguel. This eco-property not only champions sustainability but also provides stunning modern suites and cottages with a chic pared back feel and a grown-up vibe. Don't miss daily gin o'clock and occasional sushi dinners. Relaxation guaranteed! See More

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  • Aldeia da Fonte Azores 40 rooms from £62

    Total relaxation  -  A seaside resort complete with a whale watching tower, Tai Chi Garden and yoga sessions.
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Traditional
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking

    A coastal eco resort with individual volcanic stone houses. Private suites feature summery yellow rooms and traditional furniture. A popular restaurant and bar. Pico island is a nature lover's paradise with whale watching and stunning hikes. A laid backed resort perfect for families. See More

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  • Pico do Refúgio Ribeira Grande, Azores 8 rooms from £66

    Families  -  The self-catering apartments at this hotel are perfect for a family stay, with self-catering facilities and good living space
    Local exploring  -  There is lots to explore local to this hotel, from diving with the hotel scuba centre to rambling country walks
    Country Escape  -  Set on the scenic north coast of the island of São Miguel, this hotel offers a tranquil escape to the country
    Surfing  -  Ride the waves off the coast; enquire at the hotel for local board hire or for surf lessons
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    This stylish hotel is set within a former 17th-century mansion in Azores, part of an ecological reserve which also comprises a farm and scuba diving centre. Following a recent renovation, the hotel now offers modern lofts and apartments, perfect for an active escape to the country. See More

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  • Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa São Miguel, Azores 125 rooms from £67

    Hideaway  -  Set on a cliff-edge a mile from the nearest town, perfect for a secluded, isolated getaway far from the hustle and bustle.
    Back to Nature  -  Located on the north of the island, just a short drive from some of the island's most spectacular natural wonders.
    Families  -  The pool, sports and gaming facilities are more than enough to keep young ones entertained.
    Great walks  -  Take long walks along the picturesque coastline.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A stunning coastal property offering incredible sea views. Rooms are contemporary in style with chic minimalist design, luxurious bathrooms and large balconies. A superb spa and striking infinity pool are utterly spoiling. The perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. See More

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  • Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort Morro de Baixo, Azores 14 rooms from £100

    Great walks  -  The surrounding coastline is full of wonderful walking routes.
    Birdwatching  -  The Azores coastline is full of fantastic birdlife.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby natural beauty of the Fire Lagoon.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Combining an eco approach with an elegant aesthetic, Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort is a stunning hotel. The plush villas are great for couples looking for some additional privacy and the hotel's restaurant offers delectable seafood dishes. See More

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  • Octant Ponta Delgada São Miguel, Azores 123 rooms from £111

    Active Holiday  -  The hotel offers ample oppurtunity to explore The Azores region and partake in outdoor activities.
    Diving  -  The crystal clear and temperate waters of the sea make the Azores archipelago ideal for diving enthusiasts.
    Fishing  -  Get the opportunity to big game fish and catch the coveted Atlantic blue marlin.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels

    A sleek modern property boasting a fabulous coastal location in the spectacular Azores region. Rooms are minimalist in style with soft hues, crisp white linen, light wood panelling and large windows that perfectly frame the coastal views. A luxurious base to explore this fascinating region from. See More

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  • Furnas Boutique Hotel Furnas, Azores 54 rooms from £115

    Total relaxation  -  Elegant rooms, and a deluxe spa in picture perfect countryside- it's the ideal spot for a relaxing break.
    Local exploring  -  An excellent base for exploring the stunning Atlantic island of Azores.
    Great walks  -  Enjoy a range of great walks and stunning hikes in the surrounding forest land.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels

    Secluded and serene, Furnas Boutique Hotel offers excellent accommodation in the Azores. The design is sharp and chic with minimalist rooms and an extensive spa. After a day's exploring, enjoy delicious Azorean cuisine in the hotel's stylish restaurant. A hillside wonder. See More

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  • Terra Nostra Garden Hotel Furnas, Azores 86 rooms from £121

    Hideaway  -  Head off on an adventure and discover the magical landscape of these volcanic isles.
    Great walks  -  Explore the unusual yet beautiful surrounds of the island.
    Full of character
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A luxury art-deco hotel situated on the hidden gem that is the Azores Islands. Spacious rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, feather-soft beds and crisp white linen. Spend relaxing days lounging in the thermal water pool or for those looking for an active holiday there's plenty on offer. See More

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  • White Lagoa, Azores from £170

    Fishing  -  Guests can go out on chartered fishing trips organised by the hotel.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    Embodying easy elegance, White is a stunning hotel in the Azores. The name succinctly sums up its style with sharp, luxurious rooms that offer stunning views out over the ocean. Spa treatments, horse riding trips and superb food in the restaurant will keep you engaged. See More

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