Visit Azores - Which is the westernmost point in Europe? No, not
Ireland. In fact it's the Azores, those other emerald isles, part of
Portugal, though 1,500km from its mainland, and one-third of the way across
the Atlantic. This group of volcanic islands, which rose up from the ocean
through seismic activity, are densely verdant, semi-tropical havens
inhabited over the centuries by wildlife, seafarers and adventurers. Today
they offer a new kind of adventure. And from May 2007 they will be only
three and a half hours away.
click to enlarge
Allure of the exotic - A mid-Atlantic stopping point for
adventurers for nearly 600 years, the Azores are bursting with exotic
allure. This rocky but lush archipelago offers scenery and a laidback way of
life that are just irresistible.
In touch with nature - For centuries the lives of the people of
São Miguel have revolved around the island's environment and wildlife, which
makes for some fascinating encounters for the visitor.
Baroque beauty - Nestling amid the lushness of Terceira is the
fabulously preserved town of Angra do Heroísmo, built on mercantile fortunes
but rich in so many ways.
Underwater wonders - The famous sailors' stopover of Faial is
becoming a must-see destination for scuba divers, too, with its exotic and
richly diverse aquatic life.
Timeless temptations - With Portugal's highest mountain,
mysterious caves and exotic vegetation, the island of Pico is like a
mythical lost world.
On the trail of the whale - Whaling might be history in the Azores
but its proud tradition has been reinvented in the form of eco-friendly
whale-watching tours.
Travel - News
Hot Hotel Deal of the Day: Solar Do Conde Aparthotel Azores ...from EUR 80 18/09/2007
Solar apartments in the main building for 2 or 3 people, with breakfast included.
Solar do Conde was built in the 17th Century, twelve apartments for 3 people with bathroom, sitting room, kitchenette ... Isle of Flores in Portugal's Azores is a hiker's paradise 22/03/2007
Europe's westernmost outpost lies in the middle of the Atlantic, about 1,500 kilometres from Lisbon and around 3,600 kilometres from the North American continent.
Nine volcanic islands emerge from ...
Sao Miguel Park Hotel Ponta Delgada
Located near the Botanical Gardens of Ponta Delgada centre, Sao Miguel Park
Hotel offers you everything in a perfect harmony with the typical green tones of
the Azores. The hotel boasts 163 air conditioned bedrooms that are comfortable
and equipped with a host of amenities. Attentive room service is also available
for your convenience. At the onsite, there is a snack bar and a restaurant,
serving a la carte and buffet styled menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guests are also welcome to avail of the fitness centre, games room, gift shop
and other numerous facilities the hotel offers.
Click here for last minute offers -
Click here for more information and Booking Details
Full Day Tour to Furnas - Hot Springs and Gorreana Tea Factory Vale das Furnas, a vivacious garden at the bottom of a vast crater where hot water springs run free. The vapor of Caldeiras is reminiscent of the original volcano of the island. You will also visit Gorreana Tea Factory, where you will learn why The Azores is the only place in Europe to grow tea.
Full Day Tour to Lagoa do Fogo - Volcanic Landscapes Marvel at the dramatic landscape of lava and sea. Visit Lagoa do Fogo, a lake located in the bottom of an extinct volcano with white sand beaches and very clear waters. Part of a nature reserve, this area is a nature lovers paradise. Lunch of local dishes is also included in your tour.
Full Day Tour to Nordeste Find the Belvederes, exuberant green vegetation contrasting with the blue sea, and landscapes which keep their original pureness, where man and nature have established a perfect relationship. Nordeste boasts the habitat for Priolo, a bird close to extinction, and the highest part of Sao Miguel Island.
Full Day Tour to Sete Cidades Discover the breathtaking scenery of Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul framed by steep tree covered slopes. Travel to the inside of the crate to find the village of Sete Cidades where you will dine on lunch in a typical Manor House.
Airport Transfers Azores
Sao Miguel Island (Ponta Delgada Airport) Shared Arrival Transfer Save time and money and book your transfer services before you go! This shuttle service will take you from Ponta Delgada Airport to your Sao Miguel Island hotel, without the hassle of picking up a rental car, negotiating unfamiliar traffic and maps. Take the easy way - book this efficient service online now and save time at your destination!
The archipelago’s location in the north Atlantic brings it in constant
contact with both the high pressure areas common to the North Atlantic and
the constantly moving polar and tropical air masses.
As the European continent is over 1500 km away oceanic conditions are the
controlling factors of the regional climate. Consequently the Azores has a
temperate, maritime climate characterised by agreeable temperatures with
small average annual variance.
A high level of humidity (77% average/yr.), and rainfall which is both
regular and well distributed throughout the year, although with greater
abundance during the winter months, are the dominant weather patterns in the
region.
Light cloud cover is common throughout the year. The annual median air
temperature is approximately 17ºC (63ºF), varying between 13º and 14º C
(55º-57ºF) during the colder months (January/February) and 22º-23ºC
(72º-73ºF) during the warmer months (July/August). The ocean temperatures
oscillate between 14º-15ºC (57º-59ºF) during the coldest month (February)
and between 22º-23ºC (72º-73ºF) in August largely due to the warming effects
of the Gulf Stream that passes this area.