The Azores are made up of 9 islands situated in the Atlantic ocean. The islands are each as beautiful as one an other and are picture perfect with flowers and rolling fields, vistas of the sea and blue lagoons. The fertile volcanic soil gives them a lush and varied vegetation - hydrangeas, camellias, hibiscus and magnolias can be seen everywhere.
Holidays to the Azores are based around a relaxing enviorment with activities such as swimming with dolphins, whale watching, deep sea fishing and even golfing on the 2 golf course on Sao Miguel Island.

The largets of the islands is Sao Miguel at 290 square miles and the smallest island in the Azores is Corvos at 7 square miles. The islands are approximately 2 hours from Lisbon and 5 hours from the East coast of America. The cosmopolitan town of Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores is a pleasure to visit. With its cobbled streets, turn of the century architecture, modern marina with shops, bars, restaurants and night clubs makes it the perfect holiday destination in the Azores.

Weather in the Azores

The weather is best between June and October with the hottest months being July, August and September. November to January is also pleasant but temperatures dip a bit. February through May tend to be on the rainy side.

How to get to the Azores
There are daily flights from Europe to the Azores via Lisbon and some direct flights from the UK with some of the UK charter companies. Flights go on a weekly basis from North America and Canada. Once in the Azores transport between islands is by ferry or sailing boat.

Accommodation in the Azores
Accommodationin the Azores ranges from small family run bed and breakfasts up to 4 star hotels. There are no 5 star Luxury hotels in the Azores but all accommodation is relaxing and compliments the islands of the Azores.
Many hotels offer their rooms to package operators but some can be booked directly with the hotel. Prebooking is highly recommended in particular for the smaller islands.

Golfing in the Azores
On the island of Sao Miguel there are two championship golf courses to be played. Campo de Golfe de Batalha and Furnas Golf Course each one offering different challenges . There is also a new golf course on the island of Terceira Island called Terceira golf and another 9 holes will soon be added.

Things to do in the Azores
The Azores are famous for their Flora and Fauna as well as Whale watching. Many birds stop off at the Azores during the migration season so if you love bird watching there will be many to see.
A Walking holiday in the Azores is a perfect option with the choice of many long walks through flower covered roads and green country side.
Popular outdoor sports are golf, Tennis, hunting and lake fishing.

Banks and Currency in the Azores
The Azores are part of Portugal and therefore accept the Euro as their currency. Most larger hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards but some of the smaller family run accommodation or small restaurants may not. It is always advisable to carry a small amount of cash for payment of meals when in small restaurants in the Azores.

Banks:From 8:30 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday; closed on official holidays.

Visa Requirements

Portugal, along with Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain , forms part of the border-free travel zone subject to the Schengen Agreement. No visas are required for EU nationals. Nationals of Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the USA can stay for 90 days visa-free. Everyone else needs a visa.

Calling Home

International phone calls can be made direct from almost any telephone booth in the country, but in smaller rural towns you'll need a good deal of patience to get a line - making calls at a post office phone section is easier. Phone cards are available from post offices and newsagents. There is no cheap-rate period for international calls.

The domestic operator number is 118;

For international assistance - and collect calls - 098.

Incase of an Emergency

Portugal is a remarkably crime-free country, though there's the usual petty theft in Lisbon and the larger tourist resorts. Rented cars are always prey to thieves - leave them looking as empty as possible.

Dial 112 for all emergencies.

What to do in the Azores
Holidays in the Azores are fairly low key with the attraction being the islands themselves and their wonderful floral vistas. However the popular activities in the Azores are jeep safari, whale watching, walking, golfing and swimming with dolphins in the Azores.

Car hire in the Azores

Book your holiday hire in the Azores on line with goeasy travel. Call or email for a car hire quote in the Azores. Azores Holiday Car Hire

Driving abroad is often an unusual experience but on the Azores Island it is pretty easy. The biggest island in the Azores is Sao Miguel with its lagoons and Volcanic mountain. The Azores are a destination of beauty rather than a beach holiday destination.

Activities most popular on the islands of the Azores is Whale watching, treking and horse riding.

For more information on the The Azores Tourist Board

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