The Azores

 

Azores News

 

Visitors to the Azores rises by 2.4% 

 

 The number of passengers arriving at airports in the Azores rose 2.4 percent in the first five months (January - May) of this year compared to same period in 2010.


The total number of passengers arriving at airports in the archipelago, including flights between the islands, grew in the first five months of this year from 297,988 to 308,335, according to data from the Regional Statistics Service (Serviço Regional de Estatística).

 

 Shipwreck may become a heritage site.


The wreckage of the "Dori" (formerly the "Edwin L. Drake".), a cargo ship that participated in the landing of Allied troops on the beaches of Normandy in 1944, now rests 22 metres down on the seabed off the coast of Sao Miguel having sunk in 1964.

It is now one of the most popular dive sites in and around the Azores and, although heavily damaged, provides shelter for a wide variety of marine life.

Please watch and enjoy the video clip below.

 

 

About the Azores

 Often described as “Paradise” and a “perfect destination”, the 9 islands that form the Azores (Açores) archipelago remain relatively unspoiled.

However this is probably not the right location for those seeking long, sandy beaches and a hectic nightlife. 

 
The islands’ volcanic origins have created landscapes of deep craters, sparkling lakes, geysers, bubbling springs, lush subtropical vegetation and cascading waterfalls.

 Gentle bays and inlets, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, pepper the generally rugged coastlines.
 
Inland, vineyards and orchards thrive on gently sloping hill sides, and towns and villages of white washed houses dot the arable farmland.

 The Azores is an ideal location for: 

  • whale & dolphin watching
  • scuba diving
  • fishing - big game, sea and lake
  • sailing
  • cycling
  • hiking
  • horse riding
  • tennis
  • golf
  • diving
  • water sports
  • caving
  • bird watching
  • kayaking – crater & sea

 

The Climate in the Azores

 

 Set in the Atlantic Ocean and influenced by their latitude and the Gulf Stream, the Azores islands generally enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year.

 There are no great extremes - summer days are usually warm but never really hot with settled weather occasionally interrupted by storms. In winter, at sea level, there isn't any frost or snow - although the weather can be stormy and changeable.

 The sea temperature is more or less stable and the pleasant temperatures are ideal for water sports throughout the year.

Average values Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
max day temperature  °C 16 16 16 17 19 21 23 25 24 21 18 17
min night temperature ° C 11 10 11 11 13 15 16 18 17 15 13 12
daily hours of sunshine 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 6 5 4 3
 daily hours of daylight 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 14 12 11 10 10
sea temperature 17 16 16 17 19 20 23 23 21 22 19 18

 

 

The Azores' Islands

 

The 9 islands are divided into three groups:
  • The Eastern Group
    • São Miguel 
    • Santa Maria 
  • The Central Group
    • Terceira 
    • Graciosa 
    • São Jorge
    • Pico
    • Faial 
  • The Western Group
    • Flores 
    • Corvo

 

 

 SÃO MIGUEL

 

 São Miguel is the largest and most easily accessible of the islands.  It is an island of spectacular green landscapes with a chain of volcanic peaks and a great venue for outdoor activities.    

 
The fertile countryside supports cornfields, orange groves, tea and tobacco plantations, and lush pastureland.

A series of emerald green lakes can be found in the craters of Sete Cidades, Furnas and Fogo and there are hot sulphur springs on the north coast at Vale das Furnas and Ribeira Grands.
 
The Azores’ international airport is located on São Miguel and the island’s capital is the pretty historic town of Ponta Delgada.  
  • big game and lake fishing
  • horse riding
  • tennis
  • 2 Golf courses 
  • diving
  • ferries to the islands of Santa Maria and Terceira
  • hotels

 

 SANTA MARIA

 

 Santa Maria is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and tranquillity. Set at the south of the Archipelago, of all the islands Santa Maria has the most sunshine and least rainfall.  

 
It has a beautiful coastline of fine white sandy beaches and a gentle landscape of flat farmland creating a patchwork of pastures, fields and vineyards and rising to the east to Pico Alto and dramatic cliffs.   
 
The old harbour town of Vila do Porto is the oldest settlement on the island and is a great place to pick up the Island's attractive craft work and pottery.
  • water sports
  • caving
  • big game fishing
  • ferry trips to Sao Miguel 
  • hotels

 

 

TERCEIRA

 

This popular island provides discreet tourism and outdoor activities in a beautiful setting.  Terceira’s coastline has soaring, rugged cliffs and inland mountains rise to more than 3,000 feet.
 
There are larges areas of fertile farmland and Terceira is home to the Azores’ largest crater – Caldeira de Cuilherme Moniz which has a 9 mile diameter.  Popular with walkers is the broad plateau situated at the east of the island, the lovely lakes and the mountains forming the Serra do Cume.   
 
Terceira’s capital is the harbour town of Angra do Heroismo – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

  • caving
  • para-gliding
  • hiking
  • golf
  • ferries to Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial and Sao Miguel
  • hotels

 

 

GRACIOSA 

 

The charming island of Graciosa is known as the “white island”.  The coastline is scattered with islets and the waters are home to brightly coloured fish.

This is a peaceful rural island with a landscape characterised by undulating farmland of wheat and vineyards; and mountains with lovely ocean views across to the island of Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial.
 
Worth visiting is: the crater an extinct volcano - Furna do Enxofre (Sulphur Cavern) with a large lake at the bottom; various other caverns; and the thermal waters at the health spa at Carapacho.   There are great views from Carapacho’s lighthouse with views to the islands of Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial. 
 
The harbour town of Praia (also known as São Mateus) used to be the island’s capital.
 
The main town now is Santa Cruz where there is a modern swimming pool complex.  Monte Nossa Senhora da Ajuda provides lovely views of the town and the airport about 3 kms from the centre of town. 

 

  • surfing
  • hiking
  • bullfighting
  • ferries to Terceira
  • hotels

 

 

SÃO JORGE

 

 This is an island with wide, open views of lush green landscapes and a popular venue for hikers.  Lava flows have created the fertile farmland of the coastal plains where fruit, vines, coffee and bananas grow alongside lush pastureland.

Inland, a chain of green peaks, with towering cliffs, waterfalls and forests, provide vantage points with views across to the islands of Pico, Graciosa and Faial.

 
The two main towns on the island are Calheta and Velas, the latter a picturesque harbour town with a good selection of restaurants.

 The coastline is peppered with little hamlets and villages and there is an underground lake at Faja do Caldeira do Santo Cristo. 
  • big game fishing
  • swimming
  • caving
  • ferry services to Fajal, Terceira and Pico
  • hotels

 

 

PICO 

 

 The second largest island in the archipelago, Pico is home to Portugal’s highest mountain – at 2,350 metres (7,725 ft). Expeditions to its summit require an experienced guide.

  An island of vast forests, vineyards, emerald lakes, vibrant flowers and extraordinary lava flows, the landscaped is dotted with tiny hamlets and historic towns.

  • diving – more than 30 accessible sites
  • caving
  • hiking
  • whale watching trips
  • big game fishing
  • ferries to Faial, Sao Jorge & Terceria
  • hotels

 

 

FAIAL

 

 The summer hydrangeas are the reason why Faial is known as the “blue island”. 

The island has a varied coastline – from the steep cliffs of the north coast to the bays of the south coast – and a number of nature reserves. 

 
Set at the foot of the mountains is Faial’s main town - the charming port of Horta is, by Azores’ standards, a busy town.  It has a popular harbour and, with the off-shore reefs and caves, it is the centre of the island’s diving.
  • dolphin & whale watching
  • bird watching
  • diving
  • big game fishing
  • sandy beaches
  • swimming
  • cruises
  • ferries to Pico, Sao Jorge and Terceira
  • hotels

 

 

 FLORES

 

 It is true that the island of Flores is isolated but it is well worth the trip.

  The island has varied and dramatic scenery: the rugged coastline is formed by towering cliffs pitted with caves and tiny offshore islets; volcanic landscapes contain sparkling crater lakes; and valleys of lush green pastures and fertile farmland. 

Flores is a colourful island with vibrant flowers, deep blue seas, silver waterfalls, sapphire lakes and emerald forests.

The principle town of Santa Cruz has a selection of cafés and restaurants.
  • dolphin & whale watching
  • bird watching
  • diving
  • big game fishing
  • sandy beaches
  • swimming
  • cruises
  • ferries to Pico, Sao Jorge and Terceira
  • hotels

 

 

CORVO

 

Corvo is the smallest island in the Azores archipelago and is know as “a green drop in a turquoise ocean”. 

The island is characterised by: far-reaching views; the unique Moorish black stone windmills; the houses that cling to the sides of a sea-facing ravine; and an uncomplicated and quiet lifestyle.
 
Worth seeing are: the caldeirão at Monte Grosso – at the bottom of this volcanic crater are two lakes speckled with tiny islets; and the basalt rock formations of Cavaleiro and Marco at the southwest of the island.
 
There is only one small town on the island - Vila Nova do Corvo – a charming harbour town with narrow streets, restaurant, cafés, post office, supermarkets. hotel

 

 

Golf in the Azores 

 

  • São Miguel Island -
    • Batalha Golf Course, Ponta Delgada
    • Furnas Golf Course 
  • Terceira Island -
    • Terceira Golf Course 

New courses planned:

  • a 3rd course on São Miguel
  • and courses on the islands of
    • Santa Maria
    • Faial

 

 

BATALHA GOLF CLUB, SÃO MIGUEL

 

Holes 18 + 9  Par 72
Restaurant YES Buggies YES
Driving Range YES Trolleys YES
Putting Green YES Professional YES
 Shop  YES Chipping  YES
 Balls  YES  Caddies  NO

Situated on the north coast of the island about 10 minutes outside Ponta Delgada, Batalha Golf Club overlooks the sea.

The 27 holes offer players a choice of various combinations to make up the 18 holes.  Designed by Cameron Powell, it is a mixture of links and woodland with Bermuda fairways and Pennlinks Greens.    

  

 

 FURNAS GOLF COURSE. SÃO MIGUEL

Holes 18   Par 72
Restaurant YES Buggies YES
Driving Range YES Trolleys YES
Putting Green YES Professional YES
 Shop  YES Chipping  YES
 Balls  YES  Caddies  NO

The original 9 hole course created by Mackenzie Ross was successfully extended in 1986 by Cameron Powell into a seamless 18 holes.

It is set amongst the tropical vegetation and hot springs of the Furnas valley. 

Golfers are challenged by the generally tree-lined undulating fairways and the mostly elevated greens.

 

 

 

 TERCEIRA GOLF COURSE, TERCEIRA

Holes 18   Par 72
Restaurant YES Buggies YES
Driving Range YES Trolleys YES
Putting Green YES Professional NO
 Shop  YES Chipping  YES
 Balls  YES  Caddies  NO

This course is considered the easiest of the courses in the Azores, with fairways and a few bunkers.



 

 

 

 

 

 

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