Azores

Portugal

The Azores are a stunning Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, famous for dramatic volcanic landscapes, twin crater lakes at Sete Cidades, world-class whale watching, and geothermal hot springs. With lush green pastures, hydrangea-lined roads, and some of Europe's most spectacular hiking trails, the islands offer an unspoiled natural paradise just a few hours from mainland Europe and the US East Coast.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$60/day
Mid-range$125/day
Luxury$325/day

Known For

azoresponta_delgadasao_miguelsete_cidadesfurnaswhale_watchingvolcanic_landscapehot_springscrater_lakesportugalatlantic_islandsgeothermalhikingcanyoningtea_plantationdolphinsnatureadventurethermal_poolslagoa_do_fogonordesteisland_hoppingterceirafaialpicosustainable_tourismecotourismmiradourosviewpointscaldeirascozidoeuropean_islandsmid_atlantic

🇵🇹 Country Information: Portugal

CapitalLisbon
CurrencyEuro (€)
LanguagePortuguese , English (widely understood in tourist areas), French, Spanish
Phone Code+351
Electricity230V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary but not mandatory in restaurants (5
  • 10% is common for good service, round up or leave a few euros)
  • Tipping taxi drivers is not expected but rounding up the fare is appreciated
  • Tipping for hotel staff (porters, housekeepers) is appreciated (1
  • 2 euros)
  • Tipping for tour guides is optional but welcomed (5
  • 10 euros)

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas; check with your bank for fees
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa and Mastercard, though some smaller establishments might be cash
  • only
  • It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, particularly outside major cities
  • There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Punctuality is appreciated but a few minutes late is generally acceptable socially
  • Dress code is generally casual but smart
  • casual for dining out or formal events
  • Greet people with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks (among friends/family)
  • Eating customs include waiting to be seated in restaurants and using cutlery

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Portugal is considered very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage, and adoption rights.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Public consumption of alcohol is generally allowed but excessive public drunkenness is frowned upon
  • Drug possession for personal use has been decriminalized, focusing on treatment rather than punishment, but trafficking remains illegal

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0
  • 05% or higher
  • Jaywalking is technically illegal, although often overlooked
  • Fines for littering can be significant

Common Phrases

NoNão (nowng) Não
YesSim (seeng) Sim
HelloOlá (oh-LAH) Olá
PleasePor favor (poor fah-VOR) Por favor
GoodbyeAdeus (ah-DEH-oos) Adeus
Excuse meCom licença (kong lee-SEN-sah) Com licença
Thank youObrigado (male speaker) / Obrigada (female speaker) (oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah) Obrigado/Obrigada

Climate

Mild oceanic climate with moderate temperatures year-round (57-77°F/14-25°C), influenced by the Gulf Stream. Expect frequent microclimates, sudden rain showers, and lush green landscapes. Weather can change rapidly throughout the day - locals say you can experience four seasons in one day.

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Cozido das Furnas must_try

Volcanic-cooked stew with beef, pork, chicken, blood sausage, and vegetables slow-cooked underground in geothermal caldeiras for 5-7 hours. The signat

Lapas Grelhadas must_try

Grilled limpets harvested from coastal rocks, served sizzling with garlic butter and lemon. A beloved appetizer at seaside restaurants throughout the

Bolo Lêvedo local_favorite

Sweet, fluffy muffin-like bread from Furnas, perfect for breakfast with butter or as a sandwich base. Slightly sweet with a uniquely soft texture.

Queijadas da Vila must_try

Traditional tarts from Vila Franca do Campo made with milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. Creamy custard filling in delicate pastry shell.

Alcatra local_favorite

Slow-cooked beef stew with wine, garlic, and spices cooked in a traditional clay pot. Tender, flavorful comfort food originating from Terceira island.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Whale Watching Tours tour_or_activity
Book 3-14 days in advance

Peak season tours sell out days in advance. Morning tours with calmer seas are most popular.

Vila Franca Islet Attraction
Book 1-7 days in advance or arrive very early

Limited to 400 visitors per day during July-September. Tickets sell out early morning.

Rental Car Transport
Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Essential for exploring. Limited supply on islands. Prices increase significantly if booked last minute.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Canyoning Tours tour_or_activity
Book 2-7 days in advance

Popular activity with limited group sizes. Quality operators book up in peak season.

Fun Facts

Ready to explore Azores?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip