Festivals, events and gardens of the Azores!

 

The Azores are spectacular islands of gleaming blue and green lakes, volcanic craters, vast undulating valleys, rugged mountains and sheer cliffs plunging into the sea. This natural paradise is ideal for walking, dolphin watching, cycling, horse riding and golf. Keen gardeners, artists and photographers will be in their element, too. Indeed, the Azores are delightful to visit at any time of the year due to the favourable climate.

 

During the winter months, with average temperatures of 14ºC/15ºC – much warmer if you’re sitting in the sun, unsettled weather means that the islands do not attract a large number of international tourists. This is the time to see the real Azores, blend in with the local residents and truly experience their way of life. The slow pace of life on the islands guarantees that a trip at this time of year will truly recharge your batteries. Christmas is a relatively low key and traditional affair. The hotels will offer a traditional Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve which can either be pre-booked or can be paid for locally. This is a religious
community and nativity scenes are prevalent in Ponta Delgada and many towns and villages throughout the islands.

On New Year’s Eve, in 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 in Ponta Delgada. Similar celebrations, on a lesser scale, can be enjoyed in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Horta in Faial and many smaller towns and villages across the archipelago.

In February (20-24 February) Carnival is celebrated throughout the archipelago. In Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, grand balls are held on the evenings of the 20th and 23rd February and a matinee masquerade ball on the 21st February

(Sunvil Discovery can prebook tickets for clients wishing to attend these events); and on the last day of the festival an entertaining water battle takes places at the marina.

April is a peaceful time on all islands and the month for Azaleas, especially in Furnas on Sao Miguel. The area around Furnas lake is wonderful at this time of year.

 

May sees the second largest religious festival in Portugal unfold in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel. The Festas de Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Christ of Miracles) takes place on the 5th Sunday after Easter (15-21 May) and includes many cultural events, celebrations and a street procession through the capital city.

 

Throughout the year the Azorean waters attract a number of migratory cetacean species. In April, May, late September and October larger whales such as the Blue whale, Fin whale, Humpback whale, Sei whale and Minke whale pass through the Azores, whereas during the summer months and in winter time pods of Sperm whales are more likely to be seen.

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 (Santa Maria and Terceira are the two exceptions with golden sand beaches), and offering little in the way of tourist facilities. They do however, provide the ideal place from which to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. 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!

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 (05- 12 August) brings the island to life with musical performances and a number of regattas. Whaler’s Week (last week of 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.

 

For more detailed festival information in the Azores, please visit the individual resort pages.

More information on where to go in the Azores >

 

VISIT THE GREEN GARDENS of Sao Miguel...

 

Sao Miguel is peppered with lush plantations and public gardens filled with tropical fruits and rare plants. Botanical beauties such as the Jardim Antonio Borges in Ponta Delgada and the fabulous Terra Nostra Park in Furnas envelop an already beautiful landscape with patches of colour and heady scents. So why not take a walk in the park during your stay on Sao Miguel?

 

Month of Bloom	Flower
December to January	Aloe Vera’s
December to March	Camellias
March to April	Azaleas and Rhododendrons
End of May to August	Hydrangeas
June - Month of Flowers	Roses, Agapanthus – Everything blooms in June
August	Yellow Ginger Lilly
September to October	Pink Amaryllis Bella Donna
November	No new flowers
End November to December	Yuccas

 

View our other activities in the Azores here >