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For those drawn to the allure of this archipelago, here is your guide on how to get to the Azores. As Azores enthusiasts and seasoned travelers, we’ll be sure to share an overview of your options to get to this natural paradise.
Where are the Azores?
Before we delve into the logistics of how to get to the Azores, it’s important to answer the question of where are the Azores.
The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, composed of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1,400 km (870 miles) west of mainland Portugal.
Option 1: Get to the Azores by air
Flying is the most popular and quickest way to get to the Azores.
Airlines to the Azores
Several airlines operate flights to the Azores with the primary carrier being Azores Airlines (SATA). You can see the full list of airlines that operate flights to the islands below:
- Azores Airlines (also known as SATA): Offers travelers direct flights from major European cities and some cities in North America like Oakland and Boston.
- TAP Air Portugal: provides extensive service to the Azores with regular flights from major international airports.
- Ryanair: Europe’s largest budget airline and offers flight options from various European cities to the islands.
- United Airlines: offers flights to the islands, typically connecting through Lisbon in the off-season, but offers some direct flights from Boston, Denver, and Newark in peak times.
These airlines are the main providers of flights, but it’s worth checking for seasonal offerings and additional carriers that may serve the islands.
Airports on the Islands
Several airports serve the Azores. Some provide access to international flights, some for domestic flights, and others for solely inter-island flights. You can find the full list of airports below:
International:
- João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel: the main gateway for many international flights into the islands.
- Lajes Airport (TER) in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira: the second most popular access point to the islands with international flights arriving from European destinations and seasonal flights from select North American cities.
Domestic (from mainland Portugal):
- Horta Airport (HOR) in Horta, Faial: An entry point to the central cluster of islands in the Azores from Lisbon.
- Pico Airport (PIX): Another entry point to the central cluster of islands from Lisbon. Direct flights from Lisbon are offered a few times a week.
- Santa Maria Airport (SMA) in Vila do Porto, Santa Maria: an alternative option to get between Lisbon and the islands. Direct flights from Lisbon to the islands are offered a couple of times a week.
Inter-island flights (these airports only operate for inter-island flights):
- Graciosa Airport (GRW) in Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Graciosa
- Corvo Airport (CVU) in Vila do Corvo, Corvo
- Flores Airport (FLW) in Santa Cruz das Flores, Flores
- São Jorge Airport (SJZ) in Velas, São Jorge
Option 2: Get to the Azores by sea
While not as common, another exciting way to get to the Azores is by boat. Cruise lines are now offering cruises that stop at the islands, usually in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel. Booking a cruise that stops in Sao Miguel may not be the best way to get a feel for the islands, but it’ll give you a glimpse of what this archipelago offers.
Cruise lines sailing to the Azores
Some cruise lines that feature the Azores as a port of call include:
Cruise ports on the islands
The main cruise ports in the Azores include:
- Ponta Delgada, São Miguel – Serves as a primary cruise port and is a popular destination for all the cruise lines listed above.
- Horta, Faial – Serves as a port of call for many cruise itineraries for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
- Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira – Visited by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line.
How to get to the Azores – Tips for Booking
When booking your trip, use these tips for a seamless journey of getting to the Azores:
- Be flexible with your travel dates. Flexible dates will allow for better pricing, scheduling, and convenience. For flights, flexibility will give more options of which island to fly to since some flights only operate on certain days. Flexible dates are also essential to booking a cruise that meets what you’re looking for in a vacation.
- Be open to connecting flights. If your travel dates aren’t super flexible, being open to connecting flights through mainland Portugal can provide you with more cost-effective options.
- Book in advance. Securing flight tickets or cruise bookings in advance often results in more favorable prices.
- Explore package deals. Some travel agencies offer package deals that include flights, accommodation, cruises, or activities. These packages may have a better price than what you can find booking individually.
- Reach out to us! We offer travel services at Mind Over Matter Travel.
Traveling to the islands can be a smooth experience thanks to the connectivity of flights and cruises to this mid-Atlantic archipelago. These options make it easy to get to the Azores for anyone seeking its natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and fascinating culture.