The Azores are tourist. so far rather underdeveloped. Most TourThe islanders are independent travelers. The sea provides their sustenance. Private rooms and guesthouses offer an alternative to hotels and resorts. A negative example is the unfinished construction site in Vista do Rei on [island name missing]. Sao MiguelTwo hundred beds and rooms have been empty since the 80s because there is no marketing concept and no infrastructure.
Anyone visiting the Azores should consider how they want to get around the islands beforehand. Walking alone is the only way to get around. Corvo Explore. There are various options for the other eight islands. Air travel is the best way to get from island to island. Ferries are cheaper, but less frequent. However, they stop directly in the island capitals, eliminating the need for taxi transfers. Only in the central group do they have an advantage over air travel during the summer, and you might even spot whales and dolphins on the crossing. The best connections are between Faial and Pico.
Hiking:
The Azores are ideal for exploring on foot. All of the islands have beautiful hiking trails where you can walk for hours without seeing another person. The most beautiful paths, regions, and valleys can be explored almost exclusively on foot. The chirping of birds and the splendor of flowers along the way will accompany you.
It is therefore not surprising that in recent years, especially in the hiking and adventure sector,tourThere has been a noticeable increase in tourism, as the Azores archipelago is a paradise for independent travelers. Most hiking trails are forest and logging roads. They serve the local population for managing their land and are therefore rarely marked. This has been recognized, and efforts have begun to mark a few selected trails. Specialized hiking guides are now also available. Before hiking in more remote areas, it is essential to check the trail conditions, as a landslide can quickly render a path impassable for months.
Hitchhiking:
Hitchhiking is no problem in the Azores. Many islanders work in rural areas and therefore travel in their pickup trucks. There's always room in the back. You can avoid many climbs if you show your appreciation. Sometimes the true friendliness of the Azoreans shows itself unintentionally, and you'll simply be approached and asked if you'd like a ride for a few kilometers. Nevertheless, you shouldn't rely on the "service" from the outset and only take advantage of their willingness to help when other options have already been exhausted.
By bicycle:
The Azores are quite mountainous, but cycling here is fantastic. However, you'll need a mountain bike and strong thighs. You should also plan ahead how you'll transport your luggage from point A to point B. Designated TourThere are no paved roads. You drive on unpaved tracks and side roads. That's what makes it so... Tour The road is quite bumpy and hard on both your backside and the bike. The real problems are logistical: there are hardly any bike shops. If you have a breakdown, you're out of luck. You have to bring your bike from home. That's a bit inconvenient and expensive, but at least you get a quality bike. You can then take it with you on the ferry in the Azores.
Car Rentals:
Rental cars aren't exactly cheap, but they allow you to move freely at any time. Therefore, it's certainly the most convenient way to get around. Some companies have recognized this and expanded their fleets. However, during peak season, you should reserve well in advance from home. There are usually two rates available: billed by the mileage and a flat rate. There is often a minimum rental period (2 days). Expect to pay approximately €40 and up per day. If you want to travel to more remote regions, a more expensive four-wheel drive (4WD) is recommended. However, you can also rent just a scooter. You should make sure you have fully comprehensive insurance (CDW). However, there is usually a high deductible, which can be further reduced with additional insurance (Super CDW). However, these additional insurance policies are quite expensive. For your own safety, you should clearly note any damage to the vehicle in the rental agreement upon picking it up. Theft insurance is actually unnecessary, as it's not that easy to get off the island.
You shouldn't expect heavy traffic there, especially on the larger islands. Sao Miguel and Terceira However, the number of vehicles is steadily increasing. This is also where the first highways in the Azores are located.
Taxi:
If you're only staying for a few days, we recommend taking a taxi. Especially for shorter distances, it's often a better alternative to a rental car. You may also need a taxi on hikes, as the starting and destination points rarely coincide, and you have to return to pick up the rental car. If you'd like a taxi to pick you up as well as drop you off, you can arrange this with the driver. Many now speak English, and some quickly become excellent tour guides.
Taxis are available on almost all the islands. Taxi ranks are always located in the larger towns. However, taxis don't cost much less than at home. It's best to ask about the price before your journey. Drivers should have a list of standard fares. For longer distances or day trips, you should consider a taxi.tourYou can negotiate a fixed price. It's a bit more expensive at night.
Taxi fares: approximately €3,50 basic fee; 75 cents per kilometer, journey time half price
Bus:
While there is a bus service in the Azores, it is not intended for tourists. The lines run infrequently (two to three times a day). Public transport is usually completely suspended on weekends. Only on the islands... Sao Miguel, Terceira and Pico The scheduled bus service is really interesting. Sao Miguel It has the best public bus network. Fares are very low. Timetables are available at local tourist information offices and the town hall. It's advisable to arrive at the bus stop early, as buses sometimes run ahead of schedule. Some bus stops aren't clearly marked. Especially in rural areas, you need to signal the driver with a clear hand gesture. Older buses may still have a bell that serves as a stop signal. Tickets are always purchased on the bus. During peak season, you can also join sightseeing tours, which are usually organized by travel agencies.
Airplane:
Flight connectionsIf you want to travel to the Azores, you can hardly avoid flying.
Air traffic is divided into the Eastern Group, the Central Group, and the Western Group. Key points are: Terceira and Sao Miguel.
The Azores airline, SATA Air Açores (SP), flies regularly to all the islands of the archipelago.
Modern propeller aircraft cover the air traffic. Anyone who suspects a provincial airline will be disabused of this notion. While there is occasional improvisation, handling and security meet international standards. The airports, however, may surprise those familiar with modern, glass-walled, and fully air-conditioned major airports. The aircraft usually have space for around 70 passengers. However, bottlenecks can occur during holiday periods or major events. Especially during the winter months, the Weather This could throw a wrench in the works and lead to delays or even flight cancellations. Therefore, you should plan a safety day and take precautions. Flights Confirm your booking on-site the day before. SATA offices are located in the larger cities.
There is no onboard service on intra-island flights, but the staff is friendlier than on almost any other airline.
If you want to island-hop and combine many islands in one vacation, you should inquire about the Azores Airpass. It's a cost-effective alternative to many individually booked SATA flights.
Ferry:
You can also take the ferry, especially in the Triangulo between Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial This is the fastest and cheapest option. In the summer, there is also a connection four times a week to... Terceira, including 2x via Graciosa. There is also a connection between Flores and Corvo.
There is no ferry service between the island groups. It was discontinued in 2020 and never resumed. The only option is to travel by plane.
In the triangle of the central group (Faial, Pico and Sao JorgeThere is a regular ferry service. The best connection is between Faial and PicoThe ferry service between the three islands operates year-round. During the summer months, the ferries run until late in the evening. Several small ferries operate: the small car ferries Gilberto Mariano and Mestre Jaime Feijo, which also transport vehicles. In addition, the Cruzeiro das Ilhas and the Cruzeiro do Canal, both of which were taken over from Transmacor, also operate.
In the western group there is a year-round connection between Flores and CorvoThe Ariel, a small pilot boat with room for a dozen passengers, operates here. Service is severely limited in winter.
The ferry service is divided into different colored routes:
Linha Rosa (Rosa): Flores-Corvo
Linha Azul (Blue): Faial-Pico
Linha Verde (Green): Triangulo
Linha Lilas (Purple): Triangulo to Terceira
Linha Laranja (Orange): Triangulo Pico Sao Jorge
Linha Branca (White): Triangulo over Graciosa Terceira
