Portuguese Learning Community and Resources

1. Practical information for visiting the Azores 

The nine islands that make up the Azores are spread over a stretch of 1500 kilometres of Portuguese territorial waters. These are divided into 3 groups: The Eastern group consists of 2 islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria); the Central group consists of 5 islands (Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, Pico, and São Jorge) and the Western group consists of 2 islands (Flores and Corvo). To reach the Azores, there are direct flights from Lisbon and Porto to several islands: São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, and Faial. Travel between the islands of the archipelago is done by plane (all islands have airports) or by boat. The currency remains the Euro (EUR) and there are ATMs on all islands. Transportation within the islands is usually done by car, and there are several rental companies on all islands, costing approximately €25 per day. The Azorean climate is very unpredictable and, as they say there, you can experience all four seasons in one day. So, the best times to visit and plan your trip are in the Spring and Summer. In the Summer, it is easier to travel between islands (more frequent flights and boats, including boat connections that only exist during the Summer), although it is necessary to book everything well in advance (accommodation, flights, car rental...) because they sell out quickly and consequently prices increase significantly! 

2. São Miguel Island - What to Do and Visit 

São Miguel is the largest island (759 km²) and is where the capital, Ponta Delgada, is located, which is also the most populous city. It is known as the "Green Island" thanks to the incredible fertility of its soil. It is an excellent gateway to the Azores, with plenty to see and do and an incredible range of gastronomic and accommodation options. Here are the main places to visit in São Miguel (organized by area). 

• Furnas 

• Lagoa das Furnas 

• Parque Terra Nostra 

• Caldeiras 

• Cozido das Furnas 

• Miradouros (Pico do Ferro, Salto do Cavalo…) 

• Oeste (Sete Cidades e Mosteiros) 

• Lagoa das Sete Cidades e miradouros (Vista do Rei e Cerrado das Freiras) 

• Lagoa de Santiago 

• Miradouro da Boca do inferno ou Grota do Inferno 

• Lagoa do Canário 

• Sete Cidades 

• Miradouro Ponta do Escalvado 

• Piscinas naturais dos Mosteiros 

• Norte e Centro 

• Caldeira Velha 

• Lagoa de São Brás 

• Miradouro Santa Iria 

• Ribeira Grande 

• Praia de Santa Bárbara 

• Sul, Ponta Delgada 

• Ponta Delgada (Portas da Cidade, Portas do Mar, Mercado da Graça,…) 

• Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo 

• Praias (Milicias, Pópulo, Amora e Baixa D’Areia) 

• Plantações de ananás 

3. Ilha Terceira - What to Do and Visit 

As the name suggests, it is the third island in the archipelago to be discovered. What makes Terceira Island special, besides its relaxed and festive atmosphere, is the contrast between the natural beauty of the volcanic island and the work of man in the old city of Angra do Heroísmo. The capital, founded in 1534, was the first place in the Azores to be elevated to the status of a city and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are the main places to visit on Terceira Island (organized by area). 

• Sul e Interior da Ilha Terceira  

• Angra do Heroísmo 

• São Mateus  

• Algar do Carvão 

• Grutas do Natal 

• Miradouro da Serra do Cume e da Serra de Santa Bárbara 

• Gruta das Agulhas 

• Norte, Este e Oeste da Ilha Terceira 

• Alagoa  

• Piscinas naturais Escaleiras 

• Miradouro Humberto Delgado e Base das Lajes 

• Praia da Vitória 

• Porto Martins 

I hope this guide will help you in your travels and inspire you to visit these wonderful places this semester! 

See you and let’s explore Portugal together! 

Juliane, OLS Community Manager - Portuguese