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| Holidays in the Azores
Popularity in Azores holidays has increased significantly over the past two years and we are delighted to offer a programme of Azores holidays that include boutique, luxury and family hotels and tours in the resorts of Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Aqua de Alto Sao Miguel, Angra do Heroisma Terceira, Horta Faial and Furnas Sao Miguel. We also feature Whale and Dolphin watching along with the Azores family experience. The Azores holidays we feature are accessed by the following Azores flights : London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada Manchester to Ponta Delgada Simply use the column on the right hand side of this page to view the resorts as well as detail on all the accommodation we have available. At any stage you can book the Azores holiday of your dreams by using our search and book box. The Azores holidays are spectacular and remote - world renowned for whale & dolphin watching. The nine islands of the Azores lie in the mid-Atlantic Ocean between the Algarve, Portugal (800 miles) and New York (2400 miles). Their position in the Gulf Stream assures a warm and temperate climate. The Azores comprises an archipelago of nine islands, which can now be discovered from the UK by direct flight in three and a half hours. Once thought to be the remaining centre of the legendary Lost Continent of Atlantis the islands have been created by volcanic activity. Lush and green, each island has distinctly different features, and an island-hopping or twin centre holiday is recommended. Travel between the islands is by a reliable local air service. There are now four international airports. The architecture is distinctly and classically Portuguese. Life depends on fishing and agriculture, with virtually no industry and no pollution. The Azores holidays have remained peaceful and unspoiled with tourism in its infancy. They are most suitable for those seeking something different, with peace rather than nightlife and fresh air and walking rather than lying on beaches. They can be explored quite easily on foot or by car. Generally the roads are good and distances are relatively short. The standard of accommodation is comparable to mainland Portugal. |
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Time Difference: |
The Azores are one hour behind the UK throughout the year as they are on GMT – 1 during the winter and GMT during the summer |
Local costs: |
A typical set 3 course meal will cost approximately €20; a tea or coffee €1.30; a glass of wine or beer €1.60 and a bottle of wine €9. |
| Dress Code: | Gentlemen are expected to wear long trousers for dinner. Otherwise casual dress with comfortable clothes according to the climate is suitable. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended |
Electricity: |
220v with 2 pin sockets. A European adaptor is required. |
Vaccinations: |
None required. |
Water: |
We recommend buying bottled water. |
Language: |
Portuguese is the national language and English is widely spoken. |
Visas: |
None required for UK and EU passport holders. |
Flight time: |
3 hours 30 minutes by direct flight. |
Money: |
There are approximately Euro1.45 to the £. Major credit cards are accepted and ATM cash machines are widely available. |
The islands were discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and swiftly became the staging post between Europe and the Americas. Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus were visitors. Little has changed. The population stands at around 250,000 and the islands are sparsely inhabited outside the main towns.
Organic food with fish and local beef and pork play a big part in what is essentially Portuguese cuisine. Spicy sausages, pork kebabs and delicious soups are also plentiful. As in many Latin countries, attractive vegetarian cuisine is harder to come by. Dessert is usually fruit and cake and the local cheeses are excellent. Wine is produced on most islands and the fortified Pico Verdelho is legendary.
Interestingly many shops are now run by the Chinese! There is a good curio and ceramic shop on Santiago and local foods and liquor are popular purchases.
The islands are not really conducive to sunbathing on beaches. There are some fine stretches of sand on most islands, some golden and some volcanic black sand, which present good beachcombing and walking experiences. Probably the best beach on São Miguel is at the Bahia Palace Hotel.
Whale & Dolphin Watching You are more likely to see whales in The Azores than anywhere else on earth. We offer half and full day trips from the island of São Miguel, which can be pre-booked. There are also trips available from other islands, which can be booked locally.
Sperm Whales are native to The Azores and can generally be spotted at most times of the year, while other species may also be spotted in summer months. We cannot guarantee you will see a whale but you would be unlucky not to.
Each trip commences with a 30 minutes briefing by a Marine biologist who will accompany the tour. There is also a ‘whale spotter’ who goes ahead of the group.
At no time will there be any manoeuvre which will disturb the mammals.
There is a minimum age of 5 years and all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Back sufferers and pregnant women are not accepted on whale watching boats.
Full Day Sea Watch Trip including lunch £39 - operates daily May to October The boat carries up to 36 persons. Clients should make their own way to the Skipper Bar in the Marina by 09.15 for a departure by 09.30. The boat proceeds along the south coast to Ribeira Quenta (28 miles) arriving at approximately 11.00. There is time for a swim on Fogo Beach or exploration of the village etc. prior to a typical lunch in a rustic-style restaurant. Drinks and coffee are included. Return departure is at 15.30 and arrival back at the Marina at 17.00.
Half day (3 hours) Picos de Aventura Trip £29- operates daily all year Transport is by custom-designed 6m zodiac inflatable boats, which carry up to 12 persons and give quick access to the whales and dolphins.
These excursions should be booked at the time of your initial booking.
Travel between the islands can be by boat or the more popular inter-island air service which runs like an efficient bus service. Flight and ferry services are naturally subject to weather conditions. Should delays or cancellations occur our local representative will ensure that the best possible alternative arrangements are made.
