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Overview

Introduction

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. 

A year round destination

A year round destination

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

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 02-09 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 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).

Whaler’s Week (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 (3rd week of August), and the festival of Praia Vitoria on Terceira (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.

Autumn

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.

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.

In February (04-12 February) Carnival is celebrated throughout the islands. In Ponta Delgada, grand balls are held and a matinee masquerade ball takes place on the 12th February (Sunvil Discovery can pre-book 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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

About the climate

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).

About the food

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.

Flight information

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 Saturday 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 18 May and 28 September 2024. Please contact Sunvil for details and a quotation.

  • Sao Miguel Outbound: Departing London Heathrow at 12:20 - arriving into Ponta Delgada at 15:30
  • Sao Miguel Inbound: Departing Ponta Delgada at 16:25 - arriving into London Heathrow at 21:15

Scheduled Tuesday and Thursday weekly flights with SATA Azores Airlines to the Azores:

We are able to tailor-make holidays using the direct flight with SATA Azores Airlines from London Gatwick to Sao Miguel. Flights operate once a week between 04 June and 26 September 2024. Please contact Sunvil for details and a quotation.

  • Sao Miguel Outbound: Departing London Gatwick at 13:35 - arriving into Ponta Delgada at 16:35
  • Sao Miguel Inbound: Departing Ponta Delgada at 07:50 - arriving into London Gatwick at 12:35

Car hire

THE AZORES - Car Hire Terms & Conditions 2025

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.

Useful information

Talk to one of our experts

020 8568 4499

We're open tomorrow at 9:30 AM

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Alison
Alison Garrard
Best time to go
  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Time Difference

GMT - 1 hour

Currency

Euro

Language

Portuguese

Average flight times

4 hours 5 minutes

  • Average temperature

    Average rainfall

Talk to our The Azores expert

Alison
Alison Garrard

Alison joined the Sunvil team in 2019 but has long been an extended member of our family, having sold our holidays as a travel agent for 25 years! Sunvil is more than a business, our approach to travel - introducing visitor to lesser-known places and placing them among the locals, is a concept that our staff buy into and feel passionate about. Our holidays are those that we ourselves enjoy and would recommend for our friends and family. Alison is no exception having chosen a Sunvil trip to the Azores for her honeymoon and having recently returned from Veneto.

Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on

020 8758 4722

We're open tomorrow at 9:30 AM

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Please use this form to request further information about a Sunvil holiday or destination.

We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
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Sao Miguel, Azores

The Azores

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We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Spain, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774
  • Marketing: 020 8758 4731

Required Information

* Mandatory Information
Title *
First name *
Surname *
Telephone number *
Alternative telephone number
Email address *
Confirm email address
Preferred method of communication *
If you would like to be called during a specific period, please specify
Booking reference number *
Alternatively, please enter your query in the box below:

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Thank you for your enquiry. A member of our specialist reservation teams will be in touch shortly.

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774

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