Azores Info

Discover the Azores

Nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic. Here is everything you need to plan your days — from crater lakes to whale watching.

The archipelago

Nine islands, one Atlantic soul

The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, made up of nine volcanic islands about 1,400 km west of Lisbon, in the middle of the North Atlantic.

Green pastures framed by hydrangeas, crater lakes, hot springs and dramatic cliffs make the islands one of the most unique nature destinations in Europe. Our houses are on São Miguel, the largest island, and on São Jorge, in the central group.

Humpback whale in the waters of the Azores
The nine islands

Three groups, nine different worlds

Eastern group

Central group

Western group

  • Flores
  • Corvo
São Miguel

Must-see places on the green island

The largest island of the archipelago — and home to four of our houses.

Sete Cidades
São Miguel

Sete Cidades

The famous twin lakes, one green and one blue, inside a huge volcanic crater. Don't miss the Vista do Rei viewpoint.

Lagoa do Fogo
São Miguel

Lagoa do Fogo

A wild crater lake at the top of the island, protected as a nature reserve, with trails down to its white-sand shore.

Furnas
São Miguel

Furnas

Fumaroles, hot springs and the Terra Nostra thermal pool — and the cozido, a stew slowly cooked underground by volcanic heat.

Tea plantations
São Miguel

Tea plantations

Some of the only tea plantations in Europe. Gorreana has been producing tea since 1883 — visit and taste it for free.

Whale watching
São Miguel

Whale watching

The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins, with more than 20 species spotted around the islands.

Ponta da Ferraria
São Miguel

Ponta da Ferraria

A natural pool where a hot spring meets the ocean — best enjoyed at low tide.

São Jorge

The island of the fajãs

São Jorge is a long, narrow island of steep cliffs. At their feet lie the fajãs — small flat lands by the sea where villages, vineyards and gardens grow.

Taste the famous São Jorge cheese, walk down to the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, known for its clams and its waves, and explore Velas, the island's main town, where our Cantinho das Japoneiras is located.

See Cantinho das Japoneiras
Photo of the fajãs of São Jorge
Meat dish with sauce and fries Slow-cooked meat with potatoes Grilled limpets with lemon A São Jorge cheese board A cup of tea in front of a tea plantation Limpets and a regional platter
Azorean flavours at your door

Typical food, delivered to your house

Don't want to go out? We bring the flavours of the Azores to the house where you are staying — so you can taste the islands at your own table.

Typical flavours of the islands

  • Cozido das FurnasMeats and vegetables slowly cooked underground by volcanic heat.
  • Bolo lêvedoA soft, slightly sweet flat bread from Furnas — perfect for breakfast.
  • São Jorge cheeseA cured cheese with protected designation of origin.
  • LapasGrilled limpets served sizzling with garlic, butter and lemon.
  • Queijadas da VilaSmall sweet pastries from Vila Franca do Campo.
  • Gorreana teaTea from one of the only tea plantations in Europe.

Ask us what is available during your stay and we'll take care of the rest.

How it works

  1. 01

    Tell us what you'd like

    Send us a message or call us with your house, the day and what you'd like to try.

  2. 02

    We bring it to your house

    Our local team delivers it to the house where you are staying.

  3. 03

    Enjoy it like a local

    Sit back and taste the Azores without leaving home.

When to visit

Four seasons, endless reasons to visit

The islands are mild all year round — each season simply shows a different side of them.

March – May

Spring

Green hills, fewer visitors and the season of migrating whales — blue and fin whales pass the islands on their way north.

June – August

Summer

The warmest months and calmest seas, hydrangeas in full bloom and village festivals almost every weekend.

September – November

Autumn

The sea is still warm, the crowds are gone and the light turns golden — a great time for hiking.

December – February

Winter

Mild and rainy, with dramatic skies. Perfect for the hot springs of Furnas and cosy days at home.

Good to know: sperm whales live around the islands and can be seen all year round.

Practical info

Good to know before you go

Getting there

Direct flights land at Ponta Delgada (PDL) on São Miguel — about two hours from Lisbon. São Jorge is reached by inter-island flight or ferry.

Getting around

Renting a car is the best way to explore. Use our partner promo code on the homepage for a discount.

Weather

Mild all year round, roughly 14–25 °C, but it can change fast — bring layers and a raincoat. Hydrangeas bloom in summer.

Time zone

The Azores are one hour behind mainland Portugal (UTC−1).

Money & plugs

The currency is the euro (€). Plugs are European type F, 230 V.

Emergencies

Dial 112 for any emergency. Our team is also just a phone call away.

Now choose where your story begins