By Air

Visitors can enter the Azores via three international airports that are located on São Miguel, Faial and Terceira, with flights originating in mainland Europe and the UK, America and Canada. Ponta Delgada-Joao Paulo II Airport on the island of São Miguel is the main gateway to the Azores, with a million passengers arriving and departing every year, while Faial’s international airport is located in the town of Horta and also accepts flights from Europe, the United States and Canada, and Terceira’s international airport serves both civilians and the military, and is situated near Lajes.
 
There are daily scheduled flights to the Azores in the summer from the UK (Heathrow and Gatwick) with a change in Lisbon, and direct flights are also available in the summer once a week from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II Airport on São Miguel. This service is the best option for those coming from the UK for a one-week holiday, with a flying time of just 3 hours, 30 minutes.

Faial

The island of Faial resides in the west of the Azores and features the most recently erupting volcano of the archipelago. The main town is Horta; one of the liveliest towns of the Azores and certainly the most visited on the island. Faial is also a stopping off point for yachtsmen and whale watchers, with a quality harbour and an abundance of exotic marine life. Other major attractions include Capelinhos Volcano and the crater of Monte da Guia, which lies above Horta, offering great views.

Flores and Corvo

Flores is northwest of Faial and is an island of beautiful landscapes, with jagged mountains, plunging waterfalls, lush flora, whitewashed villages and pristine waters. The main attraction on the island are its seven extinct craters that are now beautiful lakes, while its capital, Santa Cruz, is a laid back town of fishermen and birdlife, and lies on the east coast. Also worth seeing on the island is Europe’s western-most village, Fajã Grande.

Nearby Corvo is the western and northernmost island of the Azores and is for those who enjoy getting away from it all. The main town of Vila Nova is characterised by interesting narrow streets, while the island’s highest point, Monte Grosso, offers unforgettable views.

Santa Maria

This beautiful island is the southernmost in the island chain of the Azores and is a great retreat, with breathtaking scenery and interesting villages. In the west are Vila do Porto, Almagreira, São Pedro and the gorgeous Praia Formosa Beach, while the bay of São Lourenço (St Lawrence) in the east offers a picture postcard view of dazzling volcanic sands against turquoise waters.

Terceira

Terceira, also known as the Lilac Isle and the Island of Never-Ending Festivals, lies in the centre of the group of islands and features lovely sunsets and much culture and colour. Angra do Heroísmo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest town on the island, with wonderful 17th and 18th century architecture. Elsewhere, Santa Bárbara rises to over 3,300 feet and offers magnificent views of land and sea.

So Jorge

São Jorge is one of the most beautiful of the Azorean islands and being located roughly in the centre of the island chain, it is a good base for visiting the rest of the Azores. There are some fine walks on the island including the Fajã do Santa Cristo to Fajã dos Cubres walk, which goes past beautiful bays and over dramatic landscapes. The island is also fantastic for bird-watching and the Topo islet is a Natural Reserve which has many resting and nesting areas for migratory birds. The capital of São Jorge is Velas, a laid back 15th century harbour town.

September - November

August - September -> 18(°C) - Summer
February - March -> 11(°C) - Spring

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