Azores Travel Guide

For more than 500 years, the Azores, an archipelago of nine widely dispersed islands in the middle of the Atlantic, have remained almost completely unspoilt, mainly on account of their remoteness. Volcanic in origin, they are pitted with deep craters, some filled with shimmering lakes, others covered with lush vegetation. Geysers and health-giving sulphur springs abound.

The Azores are also characterised by large tracts of arable farmland, sprinkled with tiny settlements of whitewashed houses. The gently sloping hillsides are planted with vineyards and fruit trees. The coastlines tend to be rugged and somewhat forbidding, but there are plenty of bays, and rocky inlets for swimming and sunbathing.

Watersports are widely available such as scuba-diving and whale watching. Equally popular are yachting, horse riding, cycling and hiking.


Weather & climate

Best time to visit:
The Azores benefit from a temperate, maritime climate with mild winters (average daytime temperatures range from 12-15ºC/54-59ºF) and warm summers. Humidity is reasonably high and the wettest months are October to March.

Required clothing:
Mid-season clothes are best; the temperatures are mild at all times of the year.

Geography
The Azores are a widely separated group of nine islands in the Atlantic, due west of mainland Portugal. The islands are Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel and Terceira. The islands are mountainous in the interior and forested, leading down to long beaches and fishing harbours. There are several hot springs and spas.


Keeping in Touch in Azores

Telephone:
Telephone and mobile services are similar to, but less extensive than, those offered on mainland Portugal.

Internet:
Internet services are widely available in kiosks and hotels.

Media:
Public TV and radio services are operated by Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP). In 2005 Azoreans were granted access to standard (RTP) services without having to pay satellite subscription charges.

Press:
• Uniao Açores, Diario Insular and Açoreano Oriental are among the local newspapers available in the Azores.

Television:
• Channels include RPT1, dios, SIC, TVI and RTP Açores.

Radio:
• Local radio stations include Radio Açores.