How to Travel in the Azores

Parochial Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça in Porto Formoso, situated on São Miguel Island in the Azores

Azores Transportation 101

You’ve been dreaming of a trip to the Azores, but there are 9 different islands, and you’d like to see as many of them as possible. So how do you make that happen? And how do you best get around once you get to each island? Let’s break it down.

Advantages of Air Transportation

Air transportation is widely considered the safest and most comfortable way to travel between the Azores islands, especially for visitors seeking a smooth journey. Sata Azores Airlines is the main airline for the islands, and they make it very easy to reach even the outermost island.  Some advantages of air travel while visiting the Azores:

• Speed and Efficiency: Flying is much faster than taking a ferry. While routes between distant islands can take hours or be unavailable entirely, air travel is quicker, and there is a route between every island.

• Year-Round Reliability: Flights operate consistently throughout the year across all nine islands. Ferry services can be seasonal and also much more weather-dependent. 

• Complete Archipelago Coverage: Inter-island flights connect every single island in the Azores. Ferries only run within close-knit island clusters (like the "Triangle Group" of Pico, Faial, and São Jorge, or the western group of Flores and Corvo).

• Smooth Travel Experience: Ocean conditions in the Atlantic can sometimes lead to rough sea trips. Flying avoids potential seasickness and generally offers a smoother, more predictable journey between island destinations.
  

Advantages of Ferries

While flying is faster for long spans across the archipelago, taking an inter-island ferry in the Azores—primarily operated by Atlânticoline—can offer some real advantages:

• Cost: Ferries are significantly more affordable than inter-island flights, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers or frequent back-and-forth trips. If you plan to visit multiple islands, using the ferry may save you a significant amount of money.

• Convenient Short-Distance Travel: For some islands—especially within the central "Triangle Group" (Pico, Faial, and São Jorge) or the western group (Flores and Corvo)—ferries are extremely convenient. For example, the crossing between Pico and Faial takes only about 35 minutes and runs multiple times a day. When you pair that with the cost factor, you are almost silly to fly for those short distances.

• Free Scenic Tour: Ferry rides double as scenic excursions, offering stunning coastline views and opportunities to spot migrating whales, dolphins, and other marine life in the wild. A free ocean cruise-an experience that can add joy and relaxation to your trip - why not?

• Greater Flexibility & Less Hassle: Ferry travel bypasses the airport security lines, check-in waiting periods, and harsh luggage restrictions, allowing for a more relaxed day-trip experience. For casual travelers, this is a definite plus.

Rental Cars

Now once you’re on the island(s), how do you get around?

Well, if you haven’t booked with a tour group, you will want to consider renting a small car. You can walk many places, and there are taxis, but unless it is just two of you or less, you may end up paying more for a taxi than you will to rent a car. It is a good idea to rent the smallest car you can for your group size, as many of the roads on these islands are narrow, winding, and steep. Sudden weather changes can also present challenges to drivers.

Driving laws in Portugal can also be different than what we are used to in the States. You will want to learn about the nuances before you leave for your trip. While you don’t have to have an international driver’s permit to drive a car in Portugal, some car rental companies will ask for it, so you’ll also want to check ahead. Also, know that most cars in the area have manual transmissions, so getting an automatic will cost you more. Booking with a small tour company to see the sights that you want to see can avoid some of this and means you won’t have to rent a car on each island you visit. If you are interested in visiting the Azores, transportation options are just one part of your trip. Contact me for personalized planning help to create the best itinerary for you, especially if you're over 50!

Thinking about booking a trip now? Reach out and book a consultation call, and I will be happy to help you plan the best Azores itinerary for you and your group!