The Azores Portugal Travel Guide
João Paulo II Airport (PDL) - Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island: This airport is the largest and busiest, operating as the main international gateway to the Azores. Most international flights land here. Lajes Field (TER) - Terceira Island: This airport serves international and domestic flights, notably important for connections from mainland Portugal and North America. Horta Airport (HOR) - Faial Island: mainly handles inter-island flights and some connections to mainland Portugal. It serves as a central hub for the Central Group islands.
SATA Azores Airlines (Azores Airlines) is the main carrier, offering direct flights from North America (Boston, New York/JFK, Toronto), Europe (Lisbon, Porto, Funchal, London Gatwick, Frankfurt, Paris), and extensive inter-island connections. TAP Air Portugal connects Lisbon and Porto to Ponta Delgada (PDL) and Terceira (TER). Ryanair and easyJet also operate low-cost routes from various European cities to PDL. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer seasonal direct flights from New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) to PDL.
April-May, October: Fewer direct flights, good connectivity, generally lower prices. (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner for deals).
November-March: Limited direct flights, lowest prices, potential layovers. Some routes suspended due to reduced demand.
Ponta Delgada (PDL): Taxis (€10-15), Aerobus (~€5). Car rental desks are at major airports. Pre-booked transfers on other islands.
Atlantico Line ferries are important for travel between islands, especially within the Central Group. Frequent daily connections between Faial, Pico, and São Jorge.
Less frequent connections spanning the entire archipelago. Schedules vary significantly by season and can experience effects from adverse weather. Book in advance for car spaces.
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) and Praia da Vitória (Terceira) serve as common ports of call for cruise ships. Immigration procedures apply for arrivals from outside Schengen.
No specific departure taxes or exit fees are paid separately at Azorean airports; these costs are typically included in your airline ticket price. You will not face additional charges upon departure at the airport.
Ponta Delgada (PDL) offers ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, car rental desks, cafes, restaurants, tourist information, and free Wi-Fi. It has all standard amenities for international travelers. Terceira (TER) features similar facilities but on a generally smaller scale. It remains well-equipped for its passenger volume. Smaller inter-island airports have basic amenities, typically including check-in counters and a small cafe.
Public bus systems operate on the larger Azorean islands (São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Pico). They are mainly designed for local residents and school commutes, not extensive tourist routes. São Miguel possesses the most developed network, connecting Ponta Delgada to some major towns and a few tourist spots. Service can be infrequent, especially on weekends and holidays. Other islands have even more limited bus services.
Taxis furnish a convenient way to get around, especially for shorter distances or when public transport is not available. They are typically cream-colored or black with a green roof and a taxi sign. Find them at airports, ferry terminals, and designated taxi stands. Hailing on the street is possible in larger towns, or book by phone. Drivers generally use meters for in-town journeys; for longer trips, agree on a price beforehand. Cash is preferred.
A rental car provides the most flexible way to explore the islands. It grants access to remote viewpoints and trailheads not served by public transport. Requirements include a minimum age (typically 21-23, sometimes with surcharge for under 25), a valid driver's license (held for 1-2 years), an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in a Roman alphabet, and a credit card for the security deposit.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available on São Miguel and Terceira, though less common than cars. A valid motorcycle license for motorcycles, and a standard driving license for scooters up to 50cc. Helmets are mandatory. Roads can be winding, steep, and wet, making scooters less ideal for inexperienced riders. Bicycle rentals are available in larger towns and from some hotels. The islands are very hilly, so electric bikes are recommended for casual riders to manage the challenging terrain.
Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Headlights are recommended in tunnels and low visibility. Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (rural), 100 km/h (expressways). Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
Town centers are pedestrian-friendly. Numerous well-marked hiking trails exist across all islands, from easy coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents. The official tourism board website details trails.
Avoid walking or cycling on main expressways (e.g., Via Rápida). Always respect trail signage and warnings. Do not enter closed-off areas due to natural hazards or private property.
Town centers like Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo, and Horta are pleasant for walking, with historic streets that encourage leisurely strolls. Numerous well-marked hiking trails crisscross all islands. These range from easy coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents. Many trails are linear, making arrangements for pick-up or drop-off at the endpoint necessary.
Dedicated cycling paths remain limited, especially outside of urban areas. Cycling on roads can prove challenging due to narrow roads, steep inclines, and winding sections. Road cycling is popular with experienced cyclists, but calls for caution due to traffic and road conditions. Wearing a Helmet and bright clothing is advised.
Avoid walking or cycling on main expressways, for example, the Via Rápida on São Miguel, where traffic moves quickly.
Always adhere to trail signage and warnings. Do not enter closed-off areas due to landslides or other natural hazards.
Respect private property. Stay on designated trails and public areas to avoid trespassing.
