Though travel is limited as we shelter-in-place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I can’t help but recall memories of past travel and begin hoping for future travel. Last summer, I visited the Azores, nine Portuguese islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, for the second time.
For both trips to the Azores, my husband and I stayed on the island of Faial, with visits to the islands of Pico, São Jorge, and São Miguel. (Both Pico and São Jorge are short ferry rides from Faial.) While the reasons are endless, here are my top six for putting the Azores on the top of your travel bucket list.
1. The islands are full of beauty
The pictures (these ones taken on Faial and Pico) speak for themselves.
2. The hikes are breathtaking
Literally and figuratively. Since the islands are of volcanic origin, there are plenty of (slightly steep to very steep) hikes at breathtaking altitudes with breathtaking views.
Check out the various hiking trails of Faial here (I highly recommend the Caldeira of Faial).
3. There are plenty of other outings in nature
Beyond hiking, the Azores offers lots of ways to immerse yourself in nature—whether by exploring the beaches, enjoying natural pools (check out Piscinas Naturais do Varadouro on Faial), or learning about marine life.
The Azores Naturalist in Faial “combines nature and cultural tours with research data collection.” Their tours allow visitors to explore nature, guided by researchers and educators, while respecting precious marine life. During our first visit, we even had the special chance of seeing a pod orcas during a whale watch on a small, quiet boat of only seven people.
4. Azorian food and wine is one-of-a-kind
While there aren’t a plethora of restaurants (or crowds), on the smaller islands, the food is locally sourced and the wine is unique to the islands as is the regional liqueur (mostly in the form of fruit brandies)—all without pretension. One sight to definitely see: the Pico island vineyards, which are designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
5. There are non-stop flights from the U.S. to the islands
Azores Airlines offers direct flights to one of the main islands, São Miguel (Ponta Delgada), from Boston (Logan). The flight from Boston is less than five hours. A very short connecting flight on a smaller plane goes from São Miguel to the smaller islands, such as Faial. A note of caution: expect delays.
6. Vacations in the Azores are relatively affordable
All told, my trips to the Azores averaged about $3,000 total, including airfare, a weekly rental car, a week stay at a private tiny house, food, activities, day trips, and souvenirs.
The Azores are beautiful, breathtaking, adventurous, and affordable—what more could you ask for in a vacation? If you’re wondering when the best time to visit is—having gone in both May and June—I would recommend May if you are looking for more solitude and don’t mind cooler weather, and June (through August) if you are looking for warm weather, beach time, and more open businesses.
Até logo…
Bonnie C. Shea 