Destinations

AÇORES Overview

Composed of nine volcanic islands located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese archipelago is one of the few unspoilt paradises of the planet. Straddling the mid-Atlantic ridge around 1529km west of Lisboa, lies the stunning Azores archipelago. Often described as the tips of the lost continent of Atlantis, the islands maintain an Old Charm that is difficult to find almost anywhere else in Europe. On the East, on the island of Santa Maria, the beaches of warm and white sand and the vineyards cover the slopes like an amphitheatre resemble a staircase for giants. São Miguel, the largest island, is seductive with its Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons. The power that emanates from the earth is felt in the geysers, hot thermal waters and volcanic lakes, as well as in the tasty “Cozido das Furnas” slowly cooked inside the earth. In the Central Group, the islands of Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Graciosa are set harmoniously in the deep blue sea, where wales and dolphins can be spotted. On Terceira, the World Heritage town of Angra do Heroísmo, as well as its festivals, is steeped in history. Faial is the cool blue of the hydrangeas, the marina colourfully painted by yachtsmen from all over the world and the extinct Capelinhos volcano. In front is Pico, a mountain that emerges from the sea, with vineyards planted in black lava fields. On São Jorge, the highlights are the Fajãs and the cheese, a unique speciality with an unmistakable flavour. Graciosa, graceful in both name and appearance, is an island of green fields covered with vineyards that contrast with its peculiar windmills. In the Western group, on the island of Flores, the beauty of the natural waterfalls and lakes carved out by volcanoes is breath-taking. The tiny island of Corvo has a broad, beautiful crater at its centre, and attracts many species of birds coming from both Europe and America. These are Azores. Nine islands, nine small worlds that have as many similarities as differences, but where the hospitality of their inhabitants is a common aspect.

How to get there

The main hub is Ponta Delgada. There are daily flights from Lisboa with TA P and SATA airlines to the islands of S. Miguel, Faial and Terceira with connections from many major cities around the world.

Best time to visit AÇORES

The Azores Islands are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and therefore subject to extreme climate variability. The ideal time is from April through October. In order to see the most beautiful flora of the Azores Island, the best time of the year to visit is May and June. Although,
Summer is perfect for whale watching.


MICE Venues


Faial Island
Teatro Faialense; Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo Regional São José da Graça.

Graciosa Island
Centro Cultural da Ilha Graciosa

Terceira Island
Centro Cultural e de Congressos de Angra do Heroísmo; Auditório do
Ramo Grande (ARE) Praia da Vitória.