If you are thinking about traveling to the Azores, then congratulations on your excellent choice! However, there are some things you should know before coming to the middle of the Atlantic, in order to enjoy your holidays in the best way.

1) THE AZORES ARE A NATURE DESTINATION

This may seem basic to many people, but it’s not too much to mention because I’ve already heard comments like “This is just green and pasture, there’s nothing else”, “What does the Azores have more to offer besides landscape? ”.

Surely you’ve heard that for a happy life, nothing better than having our expectations calibrated. So, from the Azores you can expect breathtaking landscapes, black sand beaches, natural pebble pools and hot springs, among other things.

If you are looking for nights out, shopping / malls, historic cities / architecture, then the Azores are not the best option.

Note that these things also exist, but on a very small scale.

That said, the Azores are a nature destination par excellence and are the ideal option for a retreat from your daily routine.

2) THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM INSULARITY

Which is to say, not much can be done about the consequences of being isolated on an island in the middle of the Atlantic.

Some amenities you take for granted in your homeland may not be as accessible here. For example access to some products, when the stock runs out, it may take weeks for them to be replenished.

This mainly affects the locals and those who come from outside to set up their businesses here.

Therefore, the best quality you can have around here is patience, taking a deep breath and accepting that what you sometimes take as urgent is not around here.

3) IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO MAKE WEATHER PREDICTIONS

The Azores are known for experiencing all four seasons in one day. Thus, those forecasts you see on the news are too simplistic to have a precise idea of the weather it will be.

The best advice I can give you is: enjoy the sun whenever it peeks out, because we don’t know if it will last long.

For your stay to be a pleasant experience, be prepared that you will experience cloudy and rainy days, even in summer.

4) BE CAREFUL ON THE ROAD! THERE ARE ATYPICAL USERS

If you are going to explore the island by car, it is almost certain that you will encounter a herd of cows along the road. Take care!

5) MEANS OF LOCOMOTION ON THE ISLANDS

Being a small mand, the public transport network leaves much to be desired, although some improvements have already been verified, namely, the inauguration of a night timetable for buses.

Even so, bus schedules are very limited for those who want to explore the island. If you haven’t noticed, we don’t have a metro network either.

So, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the island, or choose to hire tourist tours (you can consult our tourist tours here).

6) DON’T BE ASTONISHED BY OUR AZORIAN SYMPATHY AND PRIDE

We are one of the proudest peoples of their land. Don’t be surprised if after a trivial conversation, people get excited and start talking about the wonders of living in paradise.

We also don’t like to see people in difficulty (looking lost and with map in hand, etc.), most likely a local will approach to try to help.

I hope that with these tips you can make the most of your getaway to the Azores and count on me to help with whatever you need.