Holidays to The Azores

A year round destination

The Azores are accessible and rewarding all year round due to their favourable climate. 

April is a peaceful time on all islands and the month for Azaleas, especially in Furnas (Sao Miguel). The area around Furnas Lake is wonderful at this time of year. May sees the second largest religious festival in Portugal take place in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel). The ‘Festas de Santo Cristo dos Milagres’ (Christ of Miracles) takes place between 02-09 May and includes many cultural events, celebrations and a street procession through the capital city. 

A profusion of hydrangeas can be seen throughout the archipelago during early summer (Jun-Jul) creating colourful natural hedges along roadsides and small pastures. Flores, literally named the island of flowers, is a perfect example and best seen in July when the hydrangeas are in full bloom.

August is the month of festivals across the nine Azorean islands. Two of the main festivities take place on the central islands of Pico and Faial. Sea Week on Faial brings the island to life with musical performances and a number of regattas (August).

July-September can also be a lovely time to visit the Azorean beaches (weather dependent). The Azores is not a traditional beach destination with most beaches made of volcanic black sand and shingle. In addition to the small beaches and coves, all of the nine Azorean islands have a host of natural rock pools, filled with ocean water and heated by the sun. Swimming in these pools whatever the weather is a delight.

One of the best ways to explore this mid-Atlantic paradise is on foot, and each island offers a variety of marked trails to suit all abilities and interests. Walking can be enjoyed all year round due to the mild temperatures of the archipelago but, we love walking during the autumn months when the landscape is ever-changing in colour and the trees turning from lush greens to reds, oranges and yellows.

We operate our own guided walking holidays on Sao Miguel. We also offer individual guided walks on Santa Maria and Pico. We feel that these walks are the most scenic routes that the islands have to offer. Our walks can also be incorporated into a tailor-made holiday, designed to meet individual requirements.

The autumn months of September and October play host to a variety of festivals including the Holy Ghost festivities (April-September). October is also the peak of the bird watching season on the island of Corvo, when North American vagrants pass by.

1. Where are the Azores?

The Azores archipelago comprises of nine unique Portuguese islands located in the mid-Atlantic between Portugal (932 miles) and North America (2,423 miles).

2. When is the best time to travel to the Azores?

Ideally the answer would depend on what your interests are, but in general the peak time would be between April and October when the weather is at its most settled. The Azores is particularly beautiful in the Spring (Apr-Jun) when the archipelago erupts into vibrant colours with the bloom of hydrangeas, agapanthus and ginger lily.

Enjoy beautiful nativity scenes in Ponta Delgada, plus classic choral concerts and celebrations throughout many towns and villages across the island for Christmas. On New Year’s Eve, see communities welcome in the new year together with street parties, live music, drinking, dancing and, of course, fireworks. The festivities also expand into the hotels, with many offering gala dinners and other activities, to ensure it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

January is an excellent time to try something new and get active. São Miguel is blessed with dramatic volcanic scenery – giant crater lakes and hissing hot springs – so it is an ideal destination for increasing your daily step count. Many of the islands’ hiking trails pass around, or even through, some of the once-active volcanoes, which have made this fertile landscape what it is today. Walking Inside Volcanoes is a flexible self-guided trip, offering the chance to see the best of São Miguel – from the steaming holes (fumaroles) where traditional ‘Cozido’ is cooked (a stew with multiple meats, plus potatoes and vegetables, that’s all cooked underground by heat from the volcanic steam vents in Furnas) to the stunning lakes formed in volcanic craters.

3. Is there a direct flight from the UK?

See details for flights here

4. Which island(s) would you recommend for my first trip to the archipelago?

We would recommend the island of Sao Miguel as an ideal island for an introduction to the Azores. There is plenty to see and do during a week long stay. Take a drive to see a fabulous volcanic crater lake; visit a pineapple factory and tea plantation; bathe in a thermal hot pool in Furnas' botanical park; swim with dolphins; play a round of golf – the list goes on. For a multi-centre holiday the islands of Sao Miguel, Faial and Terceira are popular combinations for first time visitors.

5. Which island(s) are particularly good for walking?

All the islands are good for walking but some of the most scenic walks can be found on Sao Miguel, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico, Flores and Santa Maria.

6. What wildlife am I likely to see in the Azores?

24 of the planet's 80 species of whales and dolphins have been sighted off the coast of the Azores. During the summer months (Jul-Aug) migratory species including pods of baleen whales, pilot and beaked whales, Atlantic-spotted dolphins, striped dolphins and turtles pass the islands. Whereas, in winter and spring (Oct-Jun), species of baleen whales such as fin whales, sei whales and blue whales are likely to be seen.

7. Can I travel between the islands by boat?

Travel between the islands by boat is possible but not always recommended as the distance between most of the islands would mean that the majority of your day is spent travelling. The exception would be the central group of islands, Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge which, due to their close proximity, are only a short ferry crossing from one other (between 30-90 minutes). For connections between other islands we would recommend inter-island flights.

8. What is the weather like in the Azores?

The Azores has a mild climate year round (15 degrees in the winter and reaching 25C degrees in the height of summer) making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities such as walking, whale watching, kayaking and jeep tours.

9. What are some of the highlights of the Azores?

Sea activities such as whale and dolphin watching excursions and swimming with dolphins; guided island tours with plenty of photo stop opportunities; colourful festivals including the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Christ of Miracles) – the second largest religious festival in Portugal which takes place in Ponta Delgada on the fifth Sunday after Easter; bathing in a thermal pool; walking through the botanical gardens of Furnas; visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angra do Heroismo (Terceira); ordering a gin and tonic at Peter's Cafe (Faial) – a must for any visitor to the island; and a climb up Mount Pico, the highest point (2,351km) in Portugal.

10. Is it expensive to eat out?

The cost of living in the Azores is extremely reasonable. A coffee is about 60p; a draft beer from 90p and a two-course dinner including drinks approximately £32.00.

Scheduled daily flights with TAP Portugal (via Lisbon) to the Azores:
We are able to tailor-make holidays using TAP Portugal flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester to Lisbon with a connecting flight to the Azores (Sao Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico). As the flights do not always connect on the same day, an overnight stay in Lisbon may be required on arrival and/or departure. Please contact Sunvil for details and a quotation.

Scheduled weekly flights with British Airways to the Azores:
We are able to tailor-make holidays using the direct flight with British Airways from London Heathrow to Sao Miguel. Flights operate once a week between 17 June and 26 August 2023. Please contact Sunvil for details and a quotation.

• Sao Miguel Outbound: Departing London Heathrow at 12:25 - arriving into Ponta Delgada at 15:30
• Sao Miguel Inbound: Departing Ponta Delgada at 16:25 - arriving into London Heathrow at 21:15

THE AZORES - Car Hire Terms & Conditions 2024

Prices shown apply to car hire on São Miguel, Terceira, Santa Maria, Pico, Faial, São Jorge and Flores

Included in your ILHA VERDE car rental

1. Unlimited mileage.
2. Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW). This will exempt the driver of excess payable in the event that the vehicle is damaged or stolen. This insurance does not cover damage to the windscreen, tyres or wheel rims and does not apply to group N1.
3. WWI Insurance. This will exempt the driver of damages to the front windscreen, side or rear windows, lenses (light reflection), headlamps, rear-view mirrors, wheel rims and tyres – only if the damage occurs under normal conditions and not the result of misuse.
4. Theft Protection (TP) Insurance.
5. All local taxes and airport surcharges.
6. Third party Liability Insurance. This covers any third party in the event of an accident.
7. One additional driver.

Not included and payable locally (optional)

Please note that you do not have to purchase these extras. However, should you decide to do so, these will be noted on your car rental agreement and are payable locally. Prices are subject to change without any previous notice.

1. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) will cover the cost of any personal medical costs incurred in the event of an accident. This insurance is optional and payable locally at 6.56 Euros per day. Please check with your insurance company prior to departure to see if you will be covered.
2. An out of hours charge of 35.17 Euros is payable:

• After 24:00 and before 05:30 at Ponta Delgada airport and after 19:00 and before 08:00 for hotels in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel).
• After 19:00 and before 08:00 from the car hire office in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), Velas (São Jorge), Madalena (Pico), Horta (Faial) and Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira).
• After 19:00 and before 09:00 at Flores airport; and after 21:00 and before 07:00 at Santa Maria airport.

General Notes

1. The designated driver will be required to leave a credit card imprint to cover local extras or any excess charges in case of an accident. A fuel deposit of 111.11 Euros will also be taken. Please note that the credit card needs to be in the name of the designated driver. A full UK or EU driving licence, held not less than two years prior to rental, is required.
2. Cars will be supplied with a full tank of fuel. Any missing fuel on return of the vehicle will incur an additional service charge of 20.00 Euros payable locally.
3. Minimum age is 18yrs with a current driving licence for at least one year (Group A, B, C), and 23yrs (all other groups). Drivers aged 18-23yrs are charged a supplement of 2.89 Euros per day (maximum of 28.89 Euros per rental). No maximum age limit.
4. Driving is on the Right.
5. We are not liable for any police or traffic fines incurred by clients. An admin fee for handling fines or penalties is applicable at 38.89 Euros.
6. We can request but not guarantee a particular make of car.
7. Child seats on request and payable locally at a rate of 6.61 Euros per day (maximum of 66.11 Euros per rental). Mandatory for children aged 12 or under or if height is less than 135cm. Height and age of child required.
8. These conditions also apply to car hire already included in the cost of our holidays.
9. Distances are relatively short and the majority of roads are good. Some roads can be precipitous with hairpin bends.
10. GPS (Navigation System) equipment is available on request at a cost of 13.11 Euros per day (maximum amount payable is 118.00 Euros per rental

Prices shown apply to car hire on Graciosa

Included in your MEDINA & FILHOS car rental

1. Unlimited mileage.
2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). In the event of an accident this insurance covers the full value of the vehicle. However, you remain liable for the excess amount of: 750.00 Euros (Groups A & B); 1,000.00 Euros (Group C); 1,200.00 Euros (Group D); 1,300.00 Euros (Group E); and 1,950.00 Euros (Group F). Note: This insurance does not cover damage to the vehicle’s tyres, undercarriage or windscreen.
3. Third party Liability Insurance. This covers any third party in the event of an accident.
4. All local taxes and airport surcharges.
5. Additional driver.

Not included and payable locally (optional)

Please note that you do not have to purchase these extras. However, should you decide to do so, these will be noted on your car rental agreement and are payable locally.

1. Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW). This extra charge, if paid together with TP, will reduce the maximum excess payable to 58.00 Euros in the event that the vehicle is damaged or stolen. The price of the Super CDW per day is: 11.50 Euros (Groups A & B); 12.65 Euros (Group C); 13.80 Euros (Group D); 14.80 Euros (Group E); and 18.40 Euros (Group F).
2. The price of the TP per day is: 4.60 Euros (Groups A & B); 5.20 Euros (Group C); 6.90 Euros (Group D); 8.00 Euros (Group E); and 12.65 Euros (Group F). Note: This insurance does not cover damage to the windscreen, tyres or wheel rims.

General Notes

1. Cars will be supplied with a full tank of petrol. Clients will be required to leave a credit card imprint corresponding to a full tank of petrol. This deposit will be refunded when the car is returned with a full tank of petrol. Any missing fuel on the return of the vehicle will incur an additional service charge, payable locally. Please note that the credit card needs to be in the name of the designated driver. A full UK or EU driving licence, held not less than two years prior to rental, is required.
2. Minimum age is 18 years with a current driving licence for at least one year. No maximum age.
3. Driving is on the right.
4. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) will cover the cost of any personal medical costs incurred in the event of an accident. This insurance is optional and payable locally at 4.00 Euros per day. Please check with your insurance company prior to departure to see if you will be covered.
5. We are not liable for any police or traffic fines incurred by clients.
6. We can request but not guarantee a particular make of car.
7. Child seats on request and payable locally at a cost of 5.00 Euros per day (maximum amount payable is 30.00 Euros per rental). Height and age of child required.
8. These conditions also apply to car hire already included in the cost of our holidays.
9. Distances are relatively short and the majority of roads are good. Some roads can be precipitous with hairpin bends

Alternative excess cover that can be purchased directly online and will cover clients for a year for any vehicle you hire in Europe…

Excess Car Insurance (Optional cover)

More people are now purchasing Excess Insurance before they travel and find it better value if renting for more than 7 days, or hiring a car abroad more than once a year. A number of companies such as www.insurance4carhire.com offer this product.

This insurance covers not only the insurance excess but also the underside of the car, windows and tyres. Please ensure you have all necessary receipts before you leave the country should you need to make a claim, as you will have to pay and claim it back on your return to the UK.