If the Azores have been on your bucket list for a while, or if you’ve just discovered them and are already dreaming about those endless green landscapes, there are a few things you should know before booking your trip.
I have extensively covered my trip to the Azores in my previous post, so this time I will stick to the point and try not to ramble too much.
1. The weather is unpredictable
I mean, very unpredictable. You can easily experience all four seasons in a single day: sunshine, rain, fog, and wind, sometimes within the same hour. That’s simply the nature of islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The good news? The Azores have a very mild climate, it never gets too cold or too hot, so do not worry about any extremes like that.
The best thing you can do it is to adjust and not let the moody weather ruin your vacation. Pack layers and make sure to bring a rainproof jacket with you.
And most importantly….enjoy the rainbows!🌈🌈🌈
2. Consider renting a car
Obviously this one is not a must, especially if you are not driving. You can rely on public transportation and book group tours like this one, but there are sooo many beautiful attractions that cannot be reached by public bus and having a car here really gives you so much freedom, which of course will make your vacation much more enjoyable
Not to mention that is extremely affordable. You can check fees and additional info here and make your booking right away. It is actually recommended to book your car months in advance to make sure you will find an available car that suits your needs.
While on the road keep an eye for the miradouros, viewing points that offer a spectacular view over the island.
And beware of the cows!🐄🐄🐄 Especially in the evening when they return from pasture.
3. It is not a beach destination in the traditional sense.
I know, you probably imagined sandy sunny beaches, people in bathing suits lounging with a book in their hand while getting tanned. But the Azores are very different than that. Sao Miguel is a very green island, with a dramatic coast line and black volcanic sand beaches.
The Azores are more about nature, adventure, and exploration than lounging on the beach all day.
However, I am still encouraging you to bring a bathing suit, preferably a dark colored one as the island is filled with natural thermal baths, rich in minerals and great for your skin and bones., but that will stain light fabrics due to the high iron content.
4. One of the safest places you will ever visit
Crime rates are extremely low, and there’s a general sense of peace across the islands. You can explore freely, drive around without stress, and fully relax into the experience.
Also worth mentioning: no dangerous animals, no snakes, and no unpleasant surprises of that kind which, for me at least, is always a huge bonus.
5. Food is amazing… but not always fast
Food in the Azores is really, really good, but… service can be a bit slow.
Not in a bad way, just in a very relaxed, island-life kind of way. Meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. So if you’re used to quick service, this might feel a bit unusual at first.
You might wait a little longer for your food, especially in smaller, local restaurants but it’s absolutely worth it every time.😋 I did not have one bad meal during the entire time we were there. Everything was delicious and reasonably priced.
My advice?
Don’t go to restaurants starving and in a hurry. Go when you have time, sit down, enjoy the atmosphere, and just go with the flow.
I hope these five little tips will make your planning easier and your trip that much smoother. At the end of the day, the Azores are one of those places you don’t fully understand until you experience them yourself. But chances are, you’ll fall in love with them just like I did.