# TRAVEL - AZORES 🇵🇹 "The Hawaii of Europe" and the "Islands of Colors" Azores were a well-kept secret until around 2015, when flying here became easier and cheaper. This Portuguese archipelago floating in the middle of the Atlantic is like if Iceland, Hawaii, and Ireland had a gorgeous volcanic baby Nine major Azores islands - São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and works as a hub to reach the other eight. Best time to visit the Azores is between May and August, when the weather is typically mild, and the skies are clearer for hiking, whale watching, and enjoying the islands’ natural beauty “Açores” in Portuguese Travel adapter plug (Portugal uses Type F) ## Basic Portuguese words and expressions * Hello – Olá (Olah) * Good morning – Bom dia (Bom deeya) * Good night – Boa noite (Boa noite) * Thank you – Obrigado (males) / Obrigada (females) * Yes / No – Sim / Não * Excuse me / Sorry – Desculpe (des-kul-pe) * See you tomorrow – Até amanhã (Atay aman-yah) English is widely spoken, but a little Portuguese goes a long way. Learn “Obrigado/a” (thank you). ## To Do: *  [Solar Branco - São Miguel Azores Eco Estate & Boutique Hotel](https://www.solarbranco.com) hotel that happens to house the largest “gin library” in Europe? 2nd in the world?. The collection of more than 1,500 bottles includes varieties from South Africa to Scotland, Malaysia to Mexico - has bar cats * [Gorreana Tea Plantation](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gorreana-oldest-tea-plantation-europe) - Europe's oldest still-operational tea farm * Violet Volcanic Tea - purple tea ## To Eat: * Cozido dos Açores - Azorean stew * Cozida das Furnas - hearty meat-and-vegetable stew cooked volcanic stem? * Bolos lêvedos (Portuguese Muffins) - larger, softier, chewier English muffins ## Portuguese food and drink - Ginjinha – a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries (sour cherries) in alcohol - Portuguese Coffee - Licor Beirão - Portuguese liqueur (hints of vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and lavender) - Sumol Ananás - soda - Mazagran "the original iced coffee" Coffee * Coffee Roasters Intz48 Azores Vinyl Record Shop * La Bamba Bazar in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Music * Calafonas (Music From The Azores And Portuguese Diaspora 1970's-1980's) * Danças E Cantares Dos Açores. Ponta Delgada, Azores [Plan a Perfect Azores Trip: Insider Tips from Portugal](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide-to-the-azores-7606691) 2.5-hour flight from the mainland (Portugal) Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, São Miguel beachside escape - property sits on a black-sand beach framed by cliffs, peak whale-watching season runs from April to August Soak in Terra Nostra Park’s hot springs in Furnas Most travelers arrive via direct flights into Ponta Delgada’s João Paulo II Airport (PDL) on São Miguel, which offers regular connections from major European hubs like Lisbon, London, and Frankfurt, as well as certain cities in North America, including Boston and Toronto. Old swimwear and towel (the thermal springs leave light orange iron stains that won’t come out São Miguel - green island; most visited; beaches; hot springs; nightlight in Ponta Delgada Pico - hiking and wine Terceira - hiking; history São Miguel is known for its iconic hydrangea flowers [16 Unmissable Things to do in São Miguel, Azores (2026 Guide)](https://www.saltinourhair.com/azores/things-to-do-sao-miguel/) Café Nunes is a small coffee plantation located in Faja dos Vimes on the island of Sao Jorge. [The Atlantic's Hidden Coffee Farm On The Azorean Island Of São Jorge \| Sprudge Coffee](https://sprudge.com/azores-coffee-114431.html) [Azores Travel Guide: The Best Islands to Visit and How to Choose – Travels and Treats](https://travelsandtreats.com/best-islands-azores-travel-guide/)