THIS
IS THE AZORES
Azore Islands Highlights
The Sea
From whale watching on the surface, to diving below, or viewing from the shore, the sea surrounds you at every turn.
Portuguese Identity
Azoreans proudly celebrate their unique cuisine, music, and culture by honoring traditions and heritage.
Evergreen Landscapes
Walk, hike or cycle the emerald paths through year-round forests, up to magnificent viewpoints, or down to craters. ​
Cuisine of the Azores
The distinct Azorean flavors have been shaped from its isolation, inspired by the mainland, and drawn from land and sea
Eco-Adventures
Let the untamed nature of the diverse islands inspire your adventures big and small.​
​
Volcanic Terrain
The forces that created the islands can be seen and felt in the black stone fields, rugged coastlines and thermal springs.
Ancestral Winemaking
Centuries old traditions, forged in unforgiving lava fields, with relentless effort and innovation creating wines not to be missed.
Boutique Hotels
Discover the true meaning of 'saudade' – a deep longing for the beauty that surrounds you.
​
The Azores
Just a short flight from North America (less than 5 hours from the East coast!) this stunning archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands sitting in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, parallel to Lisbon. A treasure for nature lovers and adventure travelers seeking a variety of comforts without overdevelopment.
​
The “Hawaii of Europe” as it’s often called presents a mosaic of interesting terrain. Dramatic Volcanic landscapes, rugged coastline, steaming fumaroles, and waterfalls nestled among the lush green hillsides and turquoise crater lakes. The famous emerald-hued calderas provide a breathtaking backdrop for your exploration.
​
As you step onto these lush, verdant islands, covered in blue hydrangeas you'll be struck by the serene tranquility that permeates the air. Hiking along picturesque levadas (irrigation channels) that wind through dense forests, you can't help but stop to admire the incredible Azorean flora and fauna that thrive in this unspoiled environment.
Azores Islands Itinerary
Craft your custom itinerary to experience The Azores islands by discovering the unique nature and atmosphere of each island or build your perfect itinerary for you very own "best of" trip.
Sip the celebrated wines while admiring the stunning landscapes. Cycle through the black volcanic fields or green pastures. Taste authentic farm-to-table cuisine. Unwind in quaint fishing villages and connect with warm locals. Uncover the wonder of The Portuguese Azores.
-
Whale Watching - The Azores are one of the best locations in the world for whale watching and spotting diverse marine life. Nestled in the deep blue expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean, the islands are completely unique in their access to marine life. Peak viewing season stretches from April through October, but with as many as 10 whale and dolphin species in the area, there is much to admire in the isolated marine habitats around the islands!
-
Culinary traditions - From the first sip of mineral-rich wines grown in ancient lava fields to the steam-cooked feasts prepared in the earth's natural ovens, the Azores seduce visitors with experiences that exist nowhere else on earth
-
Eco-Adventures - Tap into your wild side, spending time in the untamed natural beauty of the islands. Trek to the summit of Pico da Barrosa, a dormant volcano, try cycling around sulfur pools, canyoning in the forest, climbing and more!
-
Relaxation - From natural hot springs, and sulfur pools to wellness retreats and spa resorts, relaxation and ease is a way of life.
-
Wineries - Today's winemakers are keeping ancestral winemaking traditions alive while forging innovations with noble grape varieties. The largest and oldest wine operation in the Azores, Pico Wines is a UNESCO-protected site. Soak in the beauty of the coarse, untamed landscape, and sample some of the best wines in the region.
The Azores
This far-flung paradise weaves together pristine wilderness, deep-rooted culture, and an enlightened approach to gastronomy that promises travelers not just a journey, but an awakening of the senses.
The Azorean way of life is deeply rooted in tradition and expressed in the rich cultural tapestry of the islands. Visit charming fishing villages where the aroma of freshly grilled seafood mingles with the sound of church bells.
Engage with the warm, welcoming locals who are eager to share their stories and customs. Attend lively festivals that celebrate the islands' heritage, from São Miguel’s Gorreana Tea Plantation to the captivating Sanjoaninas festivities in Ponta Delgada.
Indulge in the Azores' exceptional culinary offerings, where the bounty of the land and sea converge to create a unique gastronomic experience. Savor the region's renowned cheeses, sample the delectable cozido das Furnas (a slow-cooked stew), and sip on the renowned Azorean wines, which have been meticulously cultivated for centuries.
For the adventurous at heart, the Azores offer a wealth of activities to explore the untamed natural beauty. Kayak through tranquil lagoons, venture underground to marvel at the mystical lava tubes, or embark on whale-watching excursions to catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals in their natural habitat.
Embrace the slow, mindful pace of life on these unspoiled, enchanting islands and discover the true meaning of 'saudade' – a deep longing for the beauty that surrounds you.
The pace of life is a perfect backdrop for intentional travel. Whether you seek a restorative retreat or an immersive cultural journey, the Azores Islands promise a transformative experience that will linger long after your return.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
How long do you suggest for a trip that spans several islands in the Azores?
It really depends on how much time you have allotted for this trip, how much area you want to cover, and what is a comfortable pace for you to move about. We usually advise from 6-12 nights, depending on the pace you like to travel, and the places you are interested in visiting. That said, we always encourage travel that is slow and intentional to allow travelers to have a more meaningful experience.
What is the best way to get around?
Driving is the most convenient for covering larger distances between cities and villages on the islands. We usually recommend a driver/guide for day trips to make the most of your time and create ease for our travelers. Our team will coordinate all the intra-islands travel via ferry or plane. Flights between islands are ultra convenient, and quick due to the short distances. Most towns are very walkable, as well as extremely bike friendly!
What airport is best to arrive into?
The Azores has several airports, many are best for intra-islands travel. When coming from North America the main airport is João Paulo II Airport (PDL), located on São Miguel Island. SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines offer non-stop flights from several cities on the east coast of the USA, making for an easy flight when compared to other European destinations. Many flights link the Azores to mainland Europe via Lisbon, Paris and more.
What is the climate like on the Azores?
The Azores Islands have a maritime subtropical climate, though temperatures tend to remain moderate throughout the year.
What currency is used in the Azores?
The Azores use the Euro (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities, though smaller towns may be more cash-based.
As an US passport holder, do I need a visa to visit The Azores?
The Azores are a part of the European Union's Schengen area. U.S. citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Are the Azores safe?
Portugal is a very safe country, with low crime rates, and the Azores islands are no exception. Normal precautions for travel apply.
What language is spoken in The Azores islands?
The official language of the Azores is Portuguese. Like many places, the Azores has a unique dialect, and its use of language may be recognizable from the mainland by a native speaker.
Many locals also speak English, or other European languages, especially those working in the tourism industry. Learning a few key Portuguese phrases or attempting to speak the language is generally appreciated by locals when visiting.
What kind of traveler does CTC work with?
We welcome all travelers, this means solo, couples, trios, groups - you name it! Most of the folks we design for are traveling with just one or two other people. We have lots of expertise in travel design for just 1-2 travelers and know how to capture the essence of immersive travel for travel groups of every size!
​
We also work with travel agents, and small group trip leaders to design something really customized and special for their travelers. Travel agents know their clients, and are deeply in touch with what they will enjoy, and we are deeply connected to the destination, so this makes for a dream team!
​
We also love to design for groups, but really encourage folks to keep their groups small, no more than 14 people. Group travel because it's a great way to have a private, fully curated experience at a great value, plus the immersive experiences work beautifully when sharing with a group.
​
For more on our design process, click here
Need clarification or have additional questions?
We are happy to be of service! Just send an email to hello@conscioustravelcollective.com