Why Go On Holidays To The Azores?
I love going on holidays to the Azores. But I don't go there every single vacation. It depends on what I am looking for in my vacation.
You are reading this site wondering if you should spend your hard earned dollars on an Azores vacation. So I thought I would share the reasons that you should, and should not, take a vacation to the Azores.
Planning holidays to the Azores is likely a little different from planning some other island vacations. The Azores are not about crowded beaches, massive resorts, or flashy nightlife. Instead, they offer something much rarer in the form of natural beauty thanks to dramatic volcanic landscapes, quaint european villages, incredible ocean views, and a slower pace of life that many travelers find refreshing.
Before you book your trip, it helps to understand what kind of destination the Azores truly are. In this guide, I’ll share some of the reasons why the Azores can be one of the most magical vacations you’ll ever take, along with a few reasons why they may not be the right destination for everyone.
Why You Should Go On Holidays To The Azores
- You want to go somewhere unique, remote and beautiful
- You want a chance for some peace and some quiet meditation
- You love being at, and seeing, the ocean
- The idea of seeing current geo thermal activity and old volcanic activity (ie hot springs, calderas, old lava tubes, lava rock, craters) is of interest
- You want to try some of the best Dolphin and Whale Watching in the world (summer months are best. More than 20 species of whales and dolphins can be spotted in the surrounding waters throughout the year.
- an "old world" atmosphere is appealing to you (ie little villages with cobblestone streets, seeing the farm life)
- You like wine and cheese (at a great price)
- You like seafood at a great price (there are other options too)
- you want to go hiking or birdwatching
- Lush green scenery and a flower covered landscape interests you
- You want to go sailing or deep sea fishing
- Exploring little villages sounds good
- You want to go scuba diving or snorkeling
- You have a sense of adventure and like to explore new spots
- Every day is a good day for golf
- Fewer tourists than many other travel destinations
- authentic Portuguese culture
- You are not in a hurry - the Azoreans live a slower paced life than I am accustomed to
One of the most remarkable things about holidays to the Azores is how untouched the islands feel. Unlike many island destinations that have been heavily developed for tourism, the Azores maintain an authentic feeling.
You’ll still find small fishing villages, farmers tending fields bordered by stone walls, and roads lined with bright hydrangeas. It feels less like a tourist destination and more like stepping into everyday island life. In some areas, you might even feel like you've stepped back in time.
Perhaps the busiest spot you will visit is at the miradouro (Scenic lookout), Vista do Rei, that looks out over the two lakes of Sete Cidades.
It is well worth stopping here, with a bit of patience in the high season, to take in this view.
I recall the first time I stood here and the feelings I experienced. There was a feeling of awe and appreciation for the natural beauty and the peaceful feeling. There was also a moment of realization that I was looking at a painting that I saw regularly while growing up in Canada. You see, my grandparents immigrated to Canada in 1958 and they had a painting of this view hanging in their house. I would see it every time I visited.
If you are interested in a trip to the Azores, click this image to see some options:
Why You Should Not Go On Holidays To The Azores
- You are looking for a heat wave so you can soak up the sun (this is not the Caribbean and only the summer months get hot)
- You want a lot of commercial places to visit (i.e. a high end mall)
- You can't afford a rental car. A car is essential to see the Islands - unless you plan to hike, bicycle, rely on buses, or stay in one of the more populous cities
- You want to go night clubbing in a high end club
- You don't like any rain or fog while on vacation - there is almost always some rainy or foggy weather on the Azores
- You are looking for an all inclusive resort experience
The Azores
So there you have it ... a few reasons why you should and should not go to the Azores. I love going there and bet you will too. You just need a good idea of what to expect so you go understanding what the islands have to offer (and more importantly what they do not have to offer).
Click this image to check out trip options
Visit about the Azores for more information that will help you decide if you should go or not.
Go to www.magical-azores-islands.com for more information on Holidays to the Azores
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