In the bay of Porto Pim, in the city of Horta, there is a place where the history of Faial meets the richness of the ocean. Porto Pim Aquarium – Live Fish Station showcases some of the most common coastal species of the Azores and offers visitors an opportunity to discover more about the extraordinary…
On Pico’s central plateau, before the road begins its climb up the mountain, a cluster of four small volcanic lakes is often the first sign of fresh water on an island otherwise dominated by volcano and sea. The plateau and its lakes The four lakes — Capitão, Rosada, Caiado and Peixinho — occupy old craters…
Porto Pim Beach is one of the most iconic places on Faial Island and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Azores. Located in a sheltered bay next to the historic centre of Horta, it is known for its golden sand, calm waters and stunning natural surroundings, framed by the impressive Monte da Guia….
Here are the most common questions from people planning their first trip to the Azores — from the best time to go to whether you really need to rent a car. What’s the best time to visit the Azores? There’s no single answer: summer has more dry days but also more tourists and higher prices;…
Planning a trip to the Azores has quirks that don’t apply to other European destinations: the archipelago is spread across nine islands, the weather can change within a few hours, and getting between islands depends on flights and ferries with limited frequency. This page brings together the essentials for planning your trip with confidence. When…
The Azores are split into three groups, separated by hundreds of kilometres of ocean: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Each of the nine islands has its own landscape, pace and identity — visiting the Azores…
With nine islands spread across more than 600 km of ocean, planning an Azores itinerary means making choices: is it better to focus your trip on a single island and explore it in depth, or visit several in one trip? This page brings together the most requested itineraries, organised by length and by island, to…
A municipal seat between 1486 and 1855, this town lost its status to Santa Cruz da Graciosa and only regained it in 2003, after nearly 150 years.
Next to the tallest lighthouse in the Azores, an ancient volcanic vent resisted marine erosion in a shape so whale-like it became a symbol of the island.
About 20 red-domed windmills, blending Flemish and English influence, still dot the landscape of this island that, in the 19th century, was the only one producing wheat and barley at scale.
At 587 metres, the island’s highest point holds 1950s military installations built to protect a radar, and the site of Portugal’s deadliest air disaster.
Operating since 1927 at Ponta do Castelo, this lighthouse was named in 1930 after the navigator who led the first Portuguese settlers to Santa Maria.
