Azores Holiday Destination - Shearwater Travel

The nine islands of the Azores are midway in the Atlantic between Europe and North America. Forming the westernmost point of Europe, these volcanic islands are a paradise for nature lovers and people looking for an active holiday. The scenery is spectacular and includes waterfalls, volcanic craters, iridescent blue crater lakes, thermal springs, geysers, wild hydrangeas and the highest peak in Portugal – Mount Pico. The Azores are a great holiday for the active. You can walk, cycle, rock climb, canyon and canoe. And with real opportunities for spotting whales and dolphins, wildlife enthusiasts will be happy too. There is one direct flight a week to the Azores although on other days you can fly via Lisbon. The Azores are best seen on a multi-island itinerary of at least seven days – see below for information on each island. Please do get in touch if you would like to visit these magical islands.

Walking in the Azores

All of the islands have great walking trails and many of the walks can be self-guided. But the well known ascent of Pico should be done with a guide. There are some excellent walking guide books and a decent map is available.

Key Facts about the Azores

Faial

Some call Faial the blue island because of the abundant hydrangeas that bloom spectacularly blue in July and August. The marina of Horta is a big attraction, a place where transatlantic yachts stop to restock supplies and fuel and where you can take some great whale watching trips. Visit Capelhinos, the site of a major volcanic eruption in 1957 which added another 2km to the island.

Sao Miguel

Known as Ilha Verde (Green Island), Sao Miguel is the largest of the Azores with vibrant blue crater lakes and hedgerows packed with hydrangea from April to early summer. There are hot springs and geysers and the Spa town of Furnas has a thermal mineral lake and botanical gardens. It’s a great island for an action packed holiday – you can walk, cycle, canoe, canyon and rock climb.

Pico

Pico is dominated by the dormant volcanic cone of Pico, the highest point in Portugal. Walks on the island are plentiful but an ascent of Pico with a guide is a must. Elsewhere on the island you will find vineyards growing the Pico Verdelho grapes.

Terceira

The island’s historic capital Angra do Heroismo is a UNESCO world heritage site and its cobbled streets appear untouched by time. Once the centre of Atlantic trading, a visit here will make you think of pirates and treasure ships. Elsewhere in the centre of the island there is some great walking and cycling, this is another fabulous way to see the island. You can also take whale watching tours from here.

Flores

There are seven crater lakes on Flores and incredible wild hydrangeas. Part of the sheer coastline of Flores has roughly twenty waterfalls cascading down the lush greenery. They are the westernmost islands of the Azores. The most western point in Europe!

Sao Jorge

Sao Jorge is one of the best islands for walkers in the archipelago. The landscape is doored with over forty fajas, small plains created by solidified lava. The island is famous for its cheese, a semi hard cheese similar to cheddar.

From £1178

Per person

Sao Miguel Walking Holiday

From the lunar landscape of the still active volcano on Fogo to the verdant valleys and rugged mountains on Santo Antão, the scenery you'll see on this fourteen-night tour is spectacular. Visiting Sal, Sao Vicente, Santa Antao, Santiago and Fogo, great walking, vibrant music, colonial architecture and superb beaches are just some of the highlights.

From £1491

Per person

Island Hopping in the Azores

Stay for a week in a boutique hotel on the beach in the little town of Santa Maria in Sal. With three pools, great restaurants and a gorgeous beach club, a week here is a fantastic tonic in the middle of the UK's winter or at any other time. If you fancy extending your trip and seeing another side to these islands then spend a few days in the fertile valleys of Santo Antao before returning to the beach in Sal.

From £1285

Per person incl flights & transfers

Active Azores

The Azores is fast becoming the go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts with a myriad of holiday pursuits in the summer months. This volcanic archipelago with emerald-green scenery, beautiful rugged landscapes and fascinating geology makes for an awe-inspiring backdrop to any activity-based escape. This 8 day trip includes whale watching, swimming with dolphins, coasteering, canyoning and cycling - although we can customise for your particular adventure tastes!

Azores Photo Gallery

Have a look at photos from the Azores. Click on a photo to launch the gallery

From our Journal

Bulletin – Azores plus Travel Update

Posted by Nicola Boyce

Last week Government ministers gave conflicting messages over whether we can go on holiday to countries on the Amber Travel List. Whilst the Government would rather we stayed at home enduring this autumnal May weather, it is not in fact … Read More

06/09/2021 Featured Post

Will I need a visa?

British passport holders can enter the Azores under the same rules as for travelling to Portugal FCO Portugal web pages

Will I need any jabs or injections?

No specific vaccinations are required to visit the Azores although you should check your usual vaccinations are up to date. NHS Fit For Travel pages on Portugal

The Azores