The Azores are situated about midway between North America and Europe, making them a remote yet accessible destination renowned for their natural beauty and unique landscapes. São Miguel, often called “The Green Island” for its lush vegetation, is an ideal travel destination for nature and hiking enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to hike to a volcanic crater, swim with dolphins, or unwind in one of the numerous volcanic thermal baths, the Azores provide all these and much more.
Find below all information for your Azores trip in 2024 including the best activities, tips and tricks, where to stay and more.
Best time to visit the Azores
While the Azores can be visited year-round, it’s worth noting that the weather can be quite variable and unpredictable due to the islands’ location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, packing layers and being prepared for changing weather conditions is always a good idea. The best time to visit the Azores will depend on the activities you want to do:
Spring for Whale Watching
The peak season for whale watching is from April to October, with larger whales like blue whales and fin whales passing through during the spring. The weather is warm but not too hot, and there are fewer tourists compared to peak summer months. Occasional rain can occur during spring
Summer for Beach days
July to August are the warmest and also the driest months to visit the Azores, making them the perfect months to for any beach lovers and water activities. The summer months are also the only months were you can visit the so called “Princess Island” Vila Franca do Campo, a small islet that can be reached from São Miguel. This islet is protected, therefore only open for tourists to visit a few months per year. Vila Franca do Campo is also a very popular snorkeling spot, where you can explore the underwater world with vibrant marine life and volcanic formations.
Fall for hiking
From September to October the weather still remains warm but cool enough to hike. These months are also great for whale watching.
Best Tour Activities for the Azores
How many days to spend on Sao Miguel, the Azores
With its wide range of activities, you should plan to spend at least four to five days exploring São Miguel. Additionally, there are flights from São Miguel to the other islands in the Azores. While ferries used to connect the islands, these services have been on hold since the pandemic.
5 Day Itinerary for Sao Miguel
This is a short version of the itinerary, you will find a more in depth version here.
How to get around on the Azores
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore São Miguel at your own pace. It allows you to visit remote areas and attractions that might be difficult to reach by public transportation. Several car rental agencies operate on the island, and booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Public buses are available and operate between major towns and villages on the island. While they are an affordable option, they may not cover all tourist sites and might have limited schedules.
Which area to stay in Sao Miguel
Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel, offers convenient access to and from the airport. Despite being relatively small, the island allows you to reach major sights within an hour’s drive. In Ponta Delgada, you’ll discover a variety of restaurants and numerous grocery markets, making it a convenient hub for dining and shopping.
Tips for the Azores
Check the weather
Spotazores.com will be your best friend during this trip. The website provides live webcams of various parts of the island, allowing you to check current weather conditions and visibility. Since many sites are elevated and often have low visibility, it’s essential to check the webcams before heading out. The weather can change quickly, so prioritize visiting clear spots as soon as you see good visibility.
Pack in layers
As mentioned the weather can change rather quickly, so make sure to pack in layers and don’t forget your rain jacket and water proof shoes
Wear Sunscreen
We’ve learned this the hard way! Despite a relatively mild day, we still managed to get a sunburn, so make sure to always wear your sunscreen even if the day doesn’t look sunny at all.
Pack old / dark swimwear
The volcanic water can contain rich minerals such as iron, giving the water a bright orange color. As pretty as this may look it can definitely stain your swimwear, so make sure to wear a dark piece or something you’re comfortable with throwing away after.
