I got two responses when I told people I’d be visiting the Azores: It was either “Where’s that?” or “Oh, it’s so beautiful! I’ve always wanted to go!” There was no in between. Whether they’ve been on your bucket list or this is the first time you’ve heard of these Portuguese islands, here is everything you need to know before you visit the Azores.
The Islands are Part of Portugal
The first question I got when I told people I’d be in the Azores was: “Where’s that?” This beautiful, dramatic, 9-island, volcanic archipelago is about 1,000 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal. Much like Hawai’i is part of the United States, the Azores are part of Portugal. That means they’re in the EU, use the Euro, speak Portuguese, and have those tasty pastéis de nata Portugal is famous for. The architecture and tile work are just as impressive here, too.
More here: What to Know Before You Visit Portugal
The Hydrangeas Everywhere
Hydrangeas and the Azores are basically synonymous. It’s why I describe these islands as if, “Hawai’i and Nantucket had a European baby.” In fact, some say hydrangeas arrived in the US via immigrants from the Azores. The peak bloom on these islands is in June, July, and August, although we visited in early August, and they were already on the downward turn (but still beautiful). They are most commonly seen in blues and whites, but you’ll also peep pinks and shades of violet as well. They’re part of what makes the Azores islands so magical and beautiful.
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Peak Tourism Season is June-August
Oh, and peak hydrangea bloom is also peak tourist season. Shocker, right? The weather when we traveled in August was hot, but not sweltering. It rained a little the first few days, but nothing that stopped us from doing and seeing what we wanted to do and see. I’d say late June is probably the best time to go. 10/10 would go back again any time, but especially in summer.
Keep reading: 10 Things I’ve Changed My Mind about in 20 Years of Travel
They are Famous for Dairy and Beef
You’d think islands would be known for their seafood. And these islands do have amazing seafood, but their claim to fame is their dairy and beef products. Enjoy a steak while you’re here. Eat all the cheese when you visit the Azores. No, really, try all the local cheeses! You’ll love it. My daughter enjoys cheese and gladly ate it at each and every meal. I enjoy a good steak now and then, and I have to say, I didn’t have a bad bite the whole time we were there.
Also read: 5 Ways I Remember My Husband on Travel
It’s Home to the Only Tea Plantation in Europe
This was the unexpected delight of the trip! We toured the Gorreana Tea Plantation (Chá Gorreana) on our first full day on the island, and it was great. This completely free activity will show you how tea is (fascinatingly) made, and the scenery looks like something out of a movie. The tiered rows of tea plants will make you think you’ve transported to Southeast Asia, and the dramatic coastline against the bluest water you can see from the property will take your breath away. Added bonus: This place has the best gift shop we visited on São Miguel island as well!
More details here: Your Guide to the Gorreana Tea Plantation in the Azores
Pineapples Grow Here
Beef, dairy products, tea, and pineapple. What else could you possibly need? There are multiple pineapple plantations on the islands, and we visited one close to Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel island. Did you know it takes two years to grow a pineapple? Thankfully, you don’t have to wait that long to enjoy one in the Azores. Every place you’ll go has a version of a piña colada (virgin and alcoholic), and pineapple juice is as common as orange juice in the US. You’ll find pineapple pastries, soaps, souvenirs, etc., all over the islands. Hope you like pineapple when you visit the Azores!
More here: Three Things Single Parents Need to Know about International Travel with Their Own Kids
You Can Visit Hot Springs on São Miguel
The Azores are volcanic, and there are hot springs you can visit in the town of Furnas, at the caldera on São Miguel island. We saw people dipping into warm streams of mineral waters around the town, and in fact, our hotel had two thermal, mineral pools on the property. The minerals are supposed to be good for your skin and promote relaxation. You’re on vacation here, right? So it’s worth a try!
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You Can Go Whale Watching
How many places in the world have whale watching year-round? Not many! Peak whale sighting season is April through October, but you can see whales any month of the year. You might see sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, humpbacks, and sei whales on a tour, or maybe even from land if you’re lucky. I was nervous about taking my one-year-old daughter on a boat out at sea, so we skipped this activity. Next time we’ll make sure to do it!
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You Can Get there from the US via United and EWR
At the time of this writing, United Airlines has the only non-stop flight from the US to the Azores. Unfortunately, it only flies from EWR (Newark), and it’s kind of brutal. The flight is just 5.5 hours, but it doesn’t take off until 11:00pm. It could easily be a daytime flight, so I’m not sure why it’s a red-eye! The Business Class seats are only Domestic First seats (so, no lie-flat seating as with other overnight International Business Class seats), not even Premium Economy. I sprung for the business class seats before I knew this. I would have saved the money and just toughed it out in Economy if I’d known!
That said, it’s well worth the less-than-ideal flight experience in order to get to the Azores without having to go 1,000 miles out of the way to connect in Europe first. Pick your poison! Hopefully, with more interest in tourism in the islands, more non-stops will come!
Keep reading: What to Do on São Miguel, Azores, with a Baby
Want more? Check out my dedicated Portugal Page!
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