How to book your Azores ferry
Booking an Azores ferry couldn't be easier with AFerry. You can either use the booking engine at the top of the page to find the best price around. Or, if you see a price you like on this page, just select the number of passengers and click go.
About the Azores Islands
The Azores Islands are a group of nine islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are part of Portugal, and are found 850 miles west from the coastline. Each of the islands are formed from a volcano, most of which are dormant. The islands have a mild climate, averaging 15-25 degrees Celsius throughout the year. If you are an outdoors person who enjoys hiking, cycling and numerous water sports including scuba driving and canyoning, then these islands are ideal! There are plenty of things to do and see, all whilst being surrounded with stunning scenery.
The Azores Islands are situated about 850 miles west of Portugal. They consist of nine volcanic islands, some of which have no recorded volcanic activity since the islands were created and settled. AFerry offers travel between six of these islands; Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, Sao Miguel and Santa Maria.
Pico you will find the highest point in Portugal. Mount Pico measures 2,351m above sea level. In fact, when measured from top to bottom (the bases are at the bottom of the ocean), the Azores islands measure up as some of the tallest mountains in the world.
The islands were first discovered in the early fourteenth century. It is unclear who exactly discovered the islands, but it wasn't until 1433 that the first settlers arrived to the islands, with Santa Maria being the first island to become habited. With them, they introduced wildlife such as pigs, chickens, cattle and sheep and planted crops to then sell on.
Azores Islands are very beautiful islands with a lot of unspoilt land and stunning lakes. The islands benefit from a mild temperature averaging 15-25 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Travel between the Azores Islands
Passenger ferry services began back in the 17th century and it still continues today. It is an easy form of transport and allows both foot passengers and those with vehicles to travel between the islands comfortably and efficiently.
Travelling on the islands depends from island to island. Each of the Azores islands than can be reached with AFerry offers a bus service. However, operating times do differ. Sao Miguel and Santa Maria offer a daily bus service around the whole island, Faial buses only run on week days, Pico has services every day except Monday, Sao Jorge only offers a bus service on Wednesday and Friday and Graciosa only has a service in the morning and afternoon. We recommend looking up bus timetables in case any changes have been made.
buses are not preferable or are lacking flexibility for you, then most islands also offer taxi services. To be completely in control of your travel you may want to look at renting a car, which most islands offer.
Things to see and do in the Azores Islands
The Azores Islands are fantastic for those who like outdoor activities. There are many things you can do by yourself or with a guided group. The top activities they you'll find include:
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Bird watching
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Canyoning
- Golf
- Horse riding
- Paragliding
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Whale watching
- Yachting
So whether you're a fan of water sports or land activities, or relaxing or adrenaline fuelled activities, the Azores islands will have something for you to enjoy!
As well as a wealth of activities to keep you entertained, the Azores Islands offer a number of beautiful and unique sites to visit. One of the most famous areas and most stunning scenery is Caldeira das Sete Cidades on Sao Miguel. It is a twin lake situated in the crater of the islands dormant volcano. You may also want to visit Lagoa do Fogo lake whilst on the island. Pico mountain (on Pico island) is also a must see when visiting the Azores Islands. If you manage to reach the top you will be rewarded with some spectacular views!