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The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, comprises nine volcanic islands located about 1,400 km (870 mi) west of mainland Portugal. The names of the nine islands are São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial, Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores, and Corvo. They each showcase exceptional natural beauty.
Overall the islands of the Azores are a haven for nature lovers - with volcanic landscapes, including towering mountains, beautiful beaches, green hillsides, and fertile vineyards. With unique natural wonders like caves, lava tubes, and coastal lava fields, the archipelago offers stunning landscapes and opportunities for wildlife observation in the Atlantic Ocean.
The best time to visit the Azores is typically during the spring and early summer (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is generally pleasant during these seasons, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Spring offers blooming flowers and lush landscapes, while fall showcases vibrant foliage.
To get around the Azores islands, you can rely on various transportation options such as domestic flights, ferry services, rental cars, taxis, public buses, and guided tours. The Azores islands are connected by regular ferry services, providing convenient means of transportation between the islands. Renting a car allows flexibility to explore the islands at your own pace.
The Azorean gastronomy is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, clams, and octopus. Traditional dishes include Cozido das Furnas (a meat and vegetable stew cooked in volcanic steam), Lapas Grelhadas (grilled limpets), and Caldo de Peixe (fish soup). Local cheeses, such as Queijo São Jorge and Queijo do Pico, and sweet treats like Queijadas da Graciosa (cheese pastries) are also must-tries.
The Azores have multiple airports for domestic and international travel. These include João Paulo II Airport (PDL) on São Miguel Island, Lajes Airport (TER) on Terceira Island, Pico Airport (PIX) on Pico Island and Horta Airport (HOR) on Faial Island. These airports facilitate convenient transportation within the Azores and connections to mainland Portugal and other countries.
The Azores have a mild maritime climate with stable temperatures year-round. Winters (December to February) are around 12-18 °C (53-64 °F) with increased rainfall. Spring (March to May) sees warmer weather and less rain. Summers (June to August) are mild, with mid-20s (°C) temperatures and lower rainfall. Falls (September to November) bring warmer temperatures but increased rainfall. Weather can change quickly, so rain gear is recommended.
In our opinion, the best hotels in the Azores are about much more than just stars. When searching for the best hotels in the Azores, we always aim to find special places – be it a modern boutique hotel with ocean views, a countryside retreat surrounded by lush greenery, or a simple guesthouse in one of the archipelago's charming towns. For us, the best hotels in the Azores stand out for their beautiful design, thoughtful service, and good energy. On JO&SO, you can browse the best hotels in the Azores by island, or you can categorise by type: best hotels in the Azores with unique design pieces, best hotels in the Azores with a swimming pool, best boutique hotels near the beach in the Azores, best five-star hotels in the Azores, best spa hotels in the Azores, and so on. We hope you find the perfect hotel in the Azores for your stay.
“Sisters Joana and Sofia de Lacerda are the duo behind JO&SO, the most insider online guide to Portugal's coolest hotels.”
