Hiking in the Azores

What is the best time of year to visit the Azores? - We would suggest that March-June are the best months to visit the Azores. Not only is the spring weather delightful for taking a walking holiday there, but this is the time of year when the big whales tend to arrive, and by big, we mean, the biggest. The Blue Whale, Fin Whale, and Sei Whales all inhabit the waters around the Azores at this time of year, so combining that with the temperate climate would make for a great time to visit the Azores. 

How far are the Azores from Portugal? - The Azores are around 900 miles from Lisbon and approximately 1,200 miles from the African coast. There are frequent daily flights from Lisbon, and it takes about 2.5 hours to fly there.

How do you get to the Azores? - Getting to the Azores is reasonably straightforward. You simply have to get yourself to Porto or Lisbon, and from there, regular flights depart every day to Ponta Delgada Airport, on the main Azorian island of Sao Miguel. There are also less frequent flights from London Gatwick airport in the UK with SATA, the official Azorian airline.  

What is there to do in the Azores? - There is a wealth of things to do in the Azores, but we are slightly biased and would say that hiking in the Azores is one of the most significant reasons to visit. There are so many outstanding hiking opportunities like the Sete Cidades, a mind-blowingly beautiful volcanic crater that is about as lush and green a place as you could ever visit. The other major reason for visiting is the marine wildlife. The Azores has an abundance of dolphins and whales visiting year-round, but to see the most enormous creature ever to exist, you should be looking to visit between March and June. 

What are the Azores known for? - The Azores are best known for their lush biodiversity. The islands are a sub-tropical wonderland full of turquoise volcanic lakes, deep green forests, and plains dotted with the bright colors of blooming hydrangea. Because the islands are so 'young,' the powers that form them are always on show, with natural hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles bursting from the ground. All of this together makes you feel like you are walking through nature in progress; there is a special kind of one-ness that comes with getting out to the Azores and exploring them.