Azores Holidays

The Azores holidays

Sunvil discovered the Azores in 1990 and since then we have been one of the leading promoters of responsible tourism to this, one of the last paradises on earth. We invite you to step into the past and discover the beauty and tranquillity of these fascinating islands.

The Azores form an enchanting archipelago of nine emerald green islands set in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal (1,500km) and North America (3,900km). At one time thought to be part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis, the islands were discovered in the 15th century by Portuguese navigators en route to the New World and became the link between Europe and the Americas. In fact, they belong to Portugal and are part of Europe.               

Pico, the Azores

Holidays In The Azores

Geography

The islands of the archipelago separate conveniently into three groups: the Eastern group of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria; the Central group of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial; and the Western group of Flores and Corvo. Because of their remote location, the traditional lifestyle of the Azores, outside of the main towns, has remained virtually unchanged. There is hardly any industry apart from agriculture and fishing and pollution is unknown. The pace of life is slow and tourism is in its infancy.

Geology

The volcanic formation of the islands has endowed them with a spectacular natural beauty. Vast craters nurturing glistening blue lakes, sheer black cliffs falling in to the ocean, lush rolling valleys, rugged mountains and hot mineral springs and geysers combine to form a truly diverse scenery found nowhere else in the world. The climate is temperate, which ensures an abundance of flowers strewn across hedgerows and fields throughout the summer season, and the deep greens of the lush grasslands contrast markedly with dark volcanic stone walls and neat whitewashed houses.

Watch Sunvil Discovery's video about holidays in the Azores

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

Winter
During the winter months, with average temperatures of 14°C – much warmer if you’re sitting in the sun, unsettled weather means that the islands do not attract a large number of tourists. This is the time to see the real Azores, meet local residents and truly experience their way of life.

Christmas is a relatively low key and traditional affair. This is a religious community and nativity scenes are prevalent in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) and many towns and villages throughout the islands. On New Year’s Eve, in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel), there is a popular firework display in the main square with brass bands, sometimes rock bands, and free food and drink dispersed amongst the crowds. Similar celebrations, on a lesser scale, can be enjoyed in Angra do Heroismo (Terceira), Horta (Faial) and many smaller towns and villages across the archipelago.

Spring
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 11-17 May and includes many cultural events, celebrations and a street procession through the capital city.

Summer
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 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 (5-12 August). Whaler’s Week (20-26 August) on Pico pays homage to those who worked within the whaling industry and includes musical performances and celebrations. Other festivals include the musical, 'Festival of the sea' on Santa Maria, and the festival of Praia Vitoria on Terceira.

The weather in the Azores is mild and quite changeable. The average temperature ranges from 14 to 22 degrees centigrade. Sea temperatures range from 15 to 23 degrees centigrade. It is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day! If it is overcast in the morning, by early afternoon the sun will be shining. By late afternoon it may rain and be windy late evening. Be prepared for mixed weather on walks. Disruption to flight schedules and ferry crossings may occur, especially in winter, due to adverse weather conditions. Should flights/ferries be delayed or cancelled our local agent would be on hand to assist with alternative arrangements and overnight stays (if required).

Portuguese cuisine: delicious soups are popular as a starter; main course is either fish (including excellent seafood dishes) or meat (mainly local beef, spicy sausage or pork) accompanied by potatoes and vegetables. Salads are not very exciting and vegetarian dishes rare (although the Aldeia da Fonte in Pico does offer more choice than others). The desserts are mainly fruit (exquisite pineapple), flavourful cheeses, mousse and sweet cakes. Average cost of a 3-course meal with wine is 20 Euros per person.

No vaccinations are required for entry in to the Azores. However, it is recommended that all travellers obtain the standard triple typhoid/ tetanus/polio inoculation prior to any departure abroad.

Flights

Weekly service, every Saturday, from London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) - SATA International

S4 541 London Gatwick / Ponta Delgada             14:20 / 17:05
S4 540 Ponta Delgada / London Gatwick             08:40 / 13:25
 

  • Departures from London Gatwick (South Terminal)
  • Luggage allowance is 20kg (international and inter-island flights) / 10kg for infants
  • A sandwiich and soft drink will be served onboard your flight.
  • The Azores is one hour behind the UK all year


Advanced seat reservation: We are able to pre-book specific flight seats for our clients. If you have a preference for a window seat, aisle seat, seating together etc. please contact us and we will reserve these seats for you (subject to availability). As of the 1 February 2012 there is a charge for this service. The prices vary between £10 and £25 per person.

Excess Baggage: If you are intending to take golf clubs, dive equipment, bicycles or surfboards abroad then please advise us at the time of booking. We will inform the airline and advise if and what the charge will be above your normal luggage allowance.

Alternative flights with TAP Portugal (via Lisbon) to the Azores

We are able to tailor-make holidays using TAP Portugal daily flights from Heathrow or Gatwick, or three times a week from Manchester to Lisbon with a connecting flight to the Azores (Sao Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial). 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 our office for details and prices.

 

 

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Our holidays range from packaged hotel and villa breaks to Greece and Cyprus to bespoke travel itineraries off-the-beaten-track in Europe and beyond.

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