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City guide

The Azores (Islands)

The Azores, officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores, is an archipelago of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,400 km west of the Portuguese mainland. Politically and administratively, together with Madeira, it is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal and a special territory of the European Union.

Type Island

Why go

  • Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic.

History

The Azores, officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores, is an archipelago of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,400 km west of the Portuguese mainland. Politically and administratively, together with Madeira, it is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal and a special territory of the European Union. It is the westernmost point and region of Portugal.

Getting there by ferry

Terminal Marítimo João Quaresma
Ferry terminal · 9.2 km from the centre
Outdoor
Madalena
Ferry terminal · 9.3 km from the centre
Outdoor
Terminal Marítimo de São Roque
Ferry terminal · 13 km from the centre
Outdoor
São Roque
Ferry terminal · 13 km from the centre
Outdoor
Horta
Ferry terminal · 16 km from the centre · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Horta Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal · 16 km from the centre
Outdoor
Horta – São Roque
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Horta – Madalena
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Linha Azul: Horta → Madalena
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Linha Azul: Madalena → Horta
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Linha Verde: Horta → Madalena → Velas
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Linha Verde: Velas → Madalena → Horta
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Linha Verde: Horta → São Roque → Velas
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor
Linha Verde: Velas → São Roque → Horta
Ferry route · Atlânticoline
Outdoor

Where things are

6 of the places below have exact coordinates and are pinned.

Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. We do not yet hold airport or rail details for The Azores (Islands) — check the official tourism sources below for the best routes in. By water: 6 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Terminal Marítimo João Quaresma, 9.2 km); routes include Horta – São Roque, Horta – Madalena, Linha Azul: Horta → Madalena.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for The Azores (Islands). Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail