Those who visit the Azores usually want more than just relaxation. There are many options for this: leisurely strolls or scenic hikes, sports like golf, tennis, or fishing. Modern leisure activities such as diving and bodyboarding have been added in recent years. The majority of offerings are limited to excursions, hiking, golf, and water sports.
The vast majority of offers are limited to the months of May to September. Outside of this holiday season, there are only a few offers available, and some providers have closed their kiosks. Contact is then only possible by telephone, and offers are only provided if there is sufficient demand. Whale-watching-TourFor example, while some companies offer boat trips year-round, you'll hardly ever see one in winter because it's impossible to get six people together. The smaller the island, the less likely you are to see one. TourThere are fewer offers available.
Active holidaymakers can therefore look forward to it: The Azores have a lot to offer:
Fishing and sport fishing:
The Azores sea is rich in fish. Fishing is therefore a popular pastime, and seafood is also the main source of food for many people. Deep-sea fishing is also possible. Large specimens can be found even relatively close to the coast. The best time for this is from April to October. This is also when you have the best chance of catching one of the few professionals.
Swordfish (autumn), white and blue marlin (autumn), tuna (summer), and sharks (year-round) are the heavy delicacies that can be caught on the hook. Between June and September, you can catch Faial, Sao Miguel and Santa Maria Charter a boat with crew. Especially in the triangle Pico, Faial and Sao Jorge Record catches are achieved time and again. A base for deep-sea anglers is the port of HortaBut the pleasure is expensive.
The Azores still hold the EU and world records. The yacht Double Header returned with a 274 kg blue marlin on a 5 kg line and a 524 kg marlin on a 20 kg line. The yacht Shanghai caught a 477 kg blue marlin on a 35 kg line. The fish are usually released back into the sea. Only record-breaking sizes are brought ashore.
Those who prefer a more leisurely pace and want to save money can fish along the coast, like many locals do. Just make sure you have a secure footing and don't overdo it. Every year, several people die from fishing accidents along the coast!
This is an alternative, especially for self-caterers.
A license from the forestry authority (Servicos) is required for swimming in the streams and rivers. Florestais).
Birdwatching
For biologists and nature lovers, there's another hobby: birdwatching. The islands' location in the middle of the Atlantic makes the Azores an ideal resting place for many migratory bird species. Protected and functioning ecosystems also provide other species with ideal conditions year-round. Almost 40 species regularly breed in the Azores. These include two endemic species and ten other subspecies. Around 350 migratory bird species have been recorded. The best areas for birdwatching are the wetlands around the lakes and the rocky islands off the coast. Here, the birds are safe from predators and find plenty of rest and food.
The best time to observe is late autumn, from September to November. The most common species include the Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis), the Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma monteiroi), the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi), the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii), and the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo linnaeus). The rarest is the endemic Azores Bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina).
Canyoning
A new, modern popular sport has also reached the Azores: Canyoning is now offered on some islands for adventurous holidaymakers.Touroffered. Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Flores and Sao Jorge They have over 50 designated gorges suitable for this. Some of them are very difficult or lead through high waterfalls. TourThey are only offered in the summer, if at all. Weather and water level allow it.
Health and wellness
In the Azores you can not only play sports, but also relax. Sao Miguel and Graciosa There are hydrothermal springs that can be used for various purposes. The water is usually rich in iron and carbonic acid. The local population has been using this natural resource for centuries. The thermal baths in Carpapacho are highly recommended (Graciosa) and at Ponta da Ferraria (Sao MiguelIron-rich basins are also found in Furnas and above Ribeira Grande (Caldeira Velha).
paragliding
Hang gliding and paragliding are among the more exclusive sports. However, favorable winds blow on the mountains and slopes of the Azores, providing sufficient lift, offering ideal conditions for paragliding.
On the islands Faial, Terceira, Santa Maria and São Miguel Courses are occasionally offered. With a bit of luck, you can also get the equipment there.
On São Miguel e.g. via the Clube Asas de Sao Miguel (www.asassaomiguel.com) and up Terceira about the nature lovers Os Montanheiros (www.montanheiros.com).
Golf
There are three golf courses in the Azores. They are located on Terceira and Sao MiguelAll three are 18-hole courses. Another course is located on Santa Maria planned. On the island Faial There is also a rustic golf course – a cross-country course. The three existing courses are nestled in rolling hills and lush green countryside. The diverse landscape and mild climate make playing golf here a truly special experience. The grass is vibrant green, and flowers bloom all around. A golfer's paradise. The IGTM (International Golf Travel Market) ranks the islands among the best golf courses in the Azores, and simultaneously among the least developed. All three courses meet international standards and feature a restaurant, pro shop, putting greens, and driving range.
Furnas Golf Course:
The course is located approximately 40 km east of Ponta Delgada and can be reached from the capital in three-quarters of an hour. It was originally designed between 1936 and 39 by the renowned Scottish architect MacKenzie Ross under the name Achada das Furnas, and expanded in 1986 by Cameron & Powell with nine additional holes at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. Today, the two sections are virtually indistinguishable. It is the most popular course in the Azores. Playing under the crescent-shaped fir trees offers a tranquil and relaxing experience. It has the characteristics of a Scottish course, with undulating fairways and excellent greens.
Number of holes: 18
PAR: 72
Handicap: Men: 28, Women: 36
Race:
Farways: Festuccia
Greens: Penn Links
Distances in meters:
White: 6.232m (Rating 71,8; Slope 121)
Yellow: 5.955m (Rating 70,1; Slope 117)
Red: 5.266m (Rating 71,6; Slope 118)
Course record: 66 by Antonio Sobrinho
Important tournament: Azores Open
Dress code: Shirts with collars and sleeves. Jeans and tracksuits are not permitted.
Facilities: Clubhouse with bar, restaurant, pro shop and TV-video room.
Training facilities: 2 putting greens with 950 m², practice tee and chipping area for 20 players.
Batalha Golf Club:
The campsite is located just a 15-minute drive north of the capital, Ponta Delgada, and was built in 1996 by Cameron & Powell. It is the newest campsite. It lies on the north coast of Sao Miguel In Batalha (meaning "battle"; here, in the 19th century, liberals and absolutists fought for political supremacy on the island), about ten minutes from Ponta Delgada, on a small plain between wooded areas, it offers a magnificent view of the sea to the north. The course features long fairways and is being expanded to 27 holes, making it one of the largest in Portugal.
Number of holes: 27 (18 playable)
PAR: 72
Handicap: Men: 28, Women: 36
Race:
Farways: Bermuda
Greens: Pennlinks (soft spikes only)
Distances:
White: 6.435m (Rating 73.9; Slope 144)
Yellow: 6.120m (Rating 72.1; Slope 140)
Red: 5.366m (Rating 74.4; Slope 132)
Course record: 66 by Darren Parker, 67 by PJ Cowan
Important tournament: Azores Open Batalha
Dress code: Collared shirts with sleeves. Jeans and tracksuits are not permitted.
Facilities: Clubhouse with 3.000 m² of covered space with a bar and restaurant exclusively for golfers. Lounge with bar, luxury restaurant, event space for 300 guests, pro shop, and TV/video room.
Training facilities: Driving range for 80 players, chipping area and 2 putting greens with 2.000m².
Island Terceira Golf Club:
The site is located about 15 minutes by car north of Angra do Heroismo and is an excellent championship course with good infrastructure. It was founded in 1954 by the Americans of the Lajes Air Force. The course is located near Agualva, about 10 km from the airport and 13 km from Angra. You play among pine trees, flowers, and natural lakes.
Holes 10, 17 and 18 are for real experts.
The club is very popular, not least because of its pro shop. It offers an excellent selection of golf equipment at fair prices. The club's board of directors consists of government officials and representatives of the US base in Lajes.
Number of holes: 18
PAR: 72
Distance: 5.965 m
Course record: 65 by Joao Couto Ilha Terceira Golf Club
Most important tournament: International Week in July
Dress code: Collared shirts with sleeves. Jeans and tracksuits are not permitted.
Facilities: Pro shop and restaurant, driving range and putting green.
Caving and Geotourism
Guests interested in geology can combine vacation, hobby, and work. Volcanic activity has created kilometers of lava channels, leading deep into caves and kilometers of tunnels.
On Terceira For example, can one go into the Algar do Carvao Stalagmites and stalactites are the surprises here. Just a few kilometers away lies the Gruta do Natal, On Pico One of the longest lava tubes in the world is partially accessible – the Gruta das Torres near Madalena, On Sao Miguel A trip to the Gruta do Carvao on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada leads into the underworld of volcanism.
But the region's diversity, with its volcanic origins, can also be explored above ground. Many islands feature interesting volcanic cones with outcrops, craters, lakes, and steep coastlines. Sao Miguel Fumaroles also bear witness to the volcanic activity underground. In some places, the government has established information centers that provide information about local features.
Mountain biking, bicycletouren and scooter
The Azores may be mountainous, but the low traffic volume and stunning scenery make them a wonderful area for mountain biking. The entire archipelago can almost be described as an insider tip. However, regular city bikes are completely unsuitable. You need a sturdy frame and plenty of gears, as many of the trails are forest and farm tracks. Away from the main roads, the route is always on steep gravel paths.
None of the nine islands can be considered particularly suitable. While there is less traffic on the smaller islands, there are no bike rentals. On the larger, more densely populated islands, you should stay away from the main roads – traffic there is now relatively heavy.
Bike rentals are not yet widespread, but are on the rise. Those planning to take their bike on vacation should inquire about transportation options well in advance. In the rugged mountainous landscape of the nine islands, tradition and landscape blend seamlessly. People often travel along the coast, cycling through the charming, often still uninhabited parts of the island's interior, and circumnavigating secluded crater lakes. Depending on their fitness, they can choose their routes along the coast or head into the mountains. But even along the coast, several hundred meters of elevation gain are easily achieved.
The first e-bikes are now available. However, they are mostly still in the hands of private owners who took their luxury bikes with them when they emigrated and now make them available to their guests.
While it's possible in principle to bring your bike from home, it can be problematic when transporting it to other islands. If SATA does take a bike on its small propeller planes, it usually has to be disassembled. Taking it on the Atlanticoline ferries is much easier and cheaper. However, these only operate from May to September. Furthermore, it's still quite difficult to find good spare parts locally.
If all of this seems too much effort for you, there's a less strenuous alternative: You can also explore most of the islands on a scooter. This offers a bit more flexibility than a rental car and is also cheaper. However, a two-wheeler doesn't protect you from the rain.
horseback riding
The landscape can be enjoyed particularly well from horseback. Riding stables in Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande. São Miguel, in Angra on Terceirain hat and Cedros on Faial as well as in Santa Cruz Graciosa They offer guided horseback riding excursions. But you can also ride horses on the other islands. It's especially easy if you stay in a private room on a country estate. Here, alongside the cows grazing in the pasture, there's often a horse in the stable; horseback riding has been part of the islands' tradition for centuries, and some quintas offer riding lessons as a side business for their guests.
Surfing and bodyboarding
The Atlantic Ocean around the Azores offers ideal conditions for surfing. However, in the Azores, surfing is not usually done in the traditional way with a board and sail; instead, people go out with bodyboards to ride the waves, which is especially popular with younger people. Santa Maria (Praia and St. Lawrence) and São Miguel The coastline is ideal, especially around Santa Barbara beach near Ribeira Grande. International championships are held annually in Ribeira Grande. Also on Faial, Graciosa, Sao Jorge and Terceira You can surf there. The so-called point breaks and beach breaks are internationally renowned. Sao Miguel and Santa MariaInsider information about the best waves and spots can be found on the relevant websites. www.windguru.cz and www.wannasurf.com.
There are sailing clubs that can help you find the right equipment. The Clube Naval is always the ideal place to start. Professional rental shops are rare.
Diving, snorkeling and shark diving
The abundance of fish around the Azores makes diving a pleasure. This is due to the moderate water temperatures of 17°–24°C, the excellent visibility of up to 40 m, and the rugged coastline with crystal-clear waters. The marine fauna and underwater landscape are correspondingly diverse. Around the nine main islands, you'll find caves, grottos, ancient shipwrecks, and a fascinating underwater world. Small rock arches and lava tubes can be found everywhere. Off Angra do Heroismo, there's a protected diving area with ancient wrecks and anchors – an underwater archaeological park.
The most beautiful diving area is located around the Formigas. This is a group of eight rocks, located about 40 kilometers north of Santa Maria rise out of the sea. They have already suffered the fate of some Vessels The fate of the wrecks is sealed. Today, they are a paradise for divers. Here you can encounter manta rays and whale sharks.
For a short trip, snorkeling goggles are sufficient. Those who want to pursue the sport more intensively are usually well advised to contact professional providers. The equipment can usually be provided on-site. Occasionally, there are also options such as night diving or trips to remote hotspots.
A new phenomenon on the market is so-called shark diving. Several providers, especially on [website name], offer this. PicoThey have recognized this market gap and have been offering high-priced excursions or week-long packages during the summer months for several years.
Professional diving instructors offer beginner courses and dives at the hotel freshman The diving school offers PADI diving courses. Equipment can be rented. Vila Franca do Campo There is a diving school. Except on Corvo There are water sports clubs on all islands that rent equipment.
On too Pico and the neighboring island Faial For over 10 years, there have been professional diving schools with professional equipment and sufficient experience.
Tennis
Tennis can be played on almost all the islands. It is usually played on hard courts. The larger hotels typically have their own courts, but there are also courts belonging to tennis schools. Terceira, Faial and Sao Miguel They can often be used upon friendly request.
Hiking and mountaineering
The Azores are ideal hiking destinations. They're waiting to be discovered. The natural beauty of the nine islands is something you have to see. The hilly landscape, lush vegetation, and tranquility make hiking a truly memorable experience. Hiking maps and guidebooks are now available for first-time visitors to the Azores. Guided tours can also be arranged through travel agencies. TourThey can be booked on site.
For mountaineers, the Pico A real challenge. The 2.351-meter-high volcanic cone is the highest mountain in Portugal. While the ascent doesn't require alpine climbing skills, it is physically demanding and shouldn't be underestimated. However, you'll be rewarded with a truly breathtaking experience.
All islands have a number of hiking trails of varying difficulty, well signposted and marked according to international standards. The trail network includes several dozen suggested hikes. Many of them are of biological or geological interest and lead through protected areas. Unfortunately, the trails are not always well maintained. Therefore, it's not surprising if signposts suddenly disappear or the trail becomes overgrown. Only a small portion of the trails are designed as circular routes, making them suitable for visitors.
Beautiful and leisurely hikes can be found especially on Sao Jorge and Flores companies. Most Touren can be found on Sao MiguelOn these extensive hikes, you can enjoy magnificent views and often come into direct contact with the friendly locals. You'll traverse beautiful laurel and juniper forests, pass small lakes, watermills, and waterfalls, and almost always have the vastness of the ocean in view. Around the numerous crater lakes or across the plateaus, there are easy alternative routes of all difficulty levels. The coastal trails also frequently offer opportunities for a refreshing swim.
Whale watching and swimming with dolphins
The Azores are among the most interesting and best destinations for marine mammal watching. More than 20 species of whales and dolphins can be observed between June and September. Some of them are native to the Azores. Besides dolphins, sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are by far the most common sighting. These whales regularly raise their tail flukes above the water before diving. Sperm whales can grow up to 18 meters long and weigh 45 tons. In spring, large blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be seen. Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are almost always seen, and bottlenose dolphins (Trusiops truncatur) and spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) are less common.
The TourThey are usually offered as half-day courses and typically last 3-4 hours with a detailed theoretical introduction.
The whales love the clean, nutrient-rich waters around the Azores. Until 1987, the whales were hunted. Since then, the harpoon has been replaced by cameras. But even today, whales are still a part of the lives of the Azoreans. The whale-watching scene has developed significantly over the last 15 years.
Especially the island Pico It has developed into a true center for excursions. The island is now a mecca for whale and dolphin lovers and is considered a hidden gem worldwide. Whale watchingtourThey are used to a greater extent by Pico, Faial and Sao Miguel offered, whereby Pico This offers the best chances. Early booking is required in the summer. The actual whale watching season lasts from May to September. Outside of this period, it is usually difficult to find any tours at all.
The activities in this area are a direct consequence of the whaling ban in the 80s. At that time, many residents lost their jobs. However, their knowledge was preserved, and a skilled whale watcher from the old days guides the boats unerringly and more accurately than any GPS to the mammals. From the 'bufos,' the observation posts on the shore, the sea is scanned with binoculars. Years of hunting experience are necessary for this. The tension on the boat rises when the whale-watching crew's radio crackles to life.Tour 'Baleia, baleia' echoes through the air. Then even the tourists get a little taste of whaling. A mixture of fear and joy accompanies them.
The sperm whale as a regular guest:
Sperm whales can be found year-round around the Azores. A sperm whale can weigh up to 50 tons. It grows to 20 meters long and dives to depths of up to 1.000 meters. Before departing for the deep, it proudly displays its tail fluke one last time. Artful carvings, such as scrimshaw, have been made from the bones and teeth of these marine mammals.
The blue whale – a rarity:
Over the past six years, sightings of large baleen whales have become increasingly frequent in April and May. Besides fin whales, sei whales, and humpback whales, the most prominent is the blue whale, the largest animal ever to inhabit our planet. These whales can reach lengths of up to 33 meters and weigh up to 200 tons. That's roughly equivalent to the weight of 33 African elephants! There are only a few places on Earth where one has a high probability of seeing blue whales. Pico It is considered one of the safest places and the chance of encountering one of the last giants of the seas is high.
Whale populations:
Northern minke whale: approx. 150.000
Sperm whale: approx. 1-2 million
Humpback whale: approx. 28.000
Gray whale: max. 27.000, extinct in the Atlantic
Sei whale: max. 50.000
Yachting, sailing and canoeing
For centuries, the Azores have been a popular destination for Atlantic crossings. Over the last 50 years, the Azores have developed into a sailing destination in the middle of the Atlantic. Three beautiful marinas in Horta, Ponta Delgada, and Praia da Vitória are particularly suitable with their facilities and offer sufficient shelter. Excursions are also offered from here. They have the necessary facilities and offer sufficient shelter. Excursions are also offered from here. Here, you will meet an international audience and Atlantic crossing enthusiasts.
Cafe Sport in Horta on the island is a meeting place and world-famous in insider circles. FaialBut there are also suitable anchorages on all the other islands. International events regularly start and finish in the Azores. These include, for example, Les Sables – Azores – Les Sables, the OCC Azores Pursuit Race, Atlantique Pogo, Ceuta – Horta, and many more. Many towns have built small marinas with modern infrastructure for stopovers. More than 1.000 berths are available. Some operators also offer day trips for a taster course or to add some variety to your holiday. It's difficult to find a yacht for self-sailing locally – even with all international licenses. Therefore, you should be prepared to have at least a skipper on board.
For those less seaworthy, there's the option of canoeing on inland waters or near the coast. This is a great way to explore the otherwise inaccessible coasts with their wild caves. Some outdoor providers also rent or arrange canoes or kayaks. It's not uncommon to spot rare seabirds.
