General Information
During the last 500 years the Azores arquipelago has remained almost completely unspoiled and the tranquility of the islands is ideal for the vacationer who wants to get away from it all. There are not too many people or no blatant commercialism. Instead you will find beautiful islands with fabulous scenery.
Volcanic craters have been transformed into lakes, and there are soaring cliffs, gentle valleys, beautiful and unusual flora amid lush vegetation, geysers and mineral springs, secluded coves and inland, the landscape is speckled with white-painted cottages. The Azores are a true escape from the pressures of modern living. Indeed, a unique experience. For more details click here.
Climate
The Azores have a temperate climate all year round. Temperatures range from a mild 57° F in winter to a comfortable 71° F in summer.
| Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 58 |
57 |
58 |
59 |
62 |
66 |
70 |
71 |
70 |
67 |
62 |
60 |
Food
The cuisine of the Azores is rich and varied. The fish dishes, the seafood, meat and cheeses, the famous wine from Pico island (once the table wines of the Czars of Russia) and the pineapple form an enviable basis for regional cooking. Not to be missed are the unique meals at Furnas where the cooking pots are buried in the ground and the food is slowly cooked by steam from the hot springs.
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink and bottled mineral water is available everywhere.
Popular Festivals
The deep religious feelings of the people of the Azores are expressed in their festivals which keep up the devotion and color of the past. The festivals of the Holy Ghost, with roots in the Middle Ages, are common to all islands. The Festivals of Christ Lord (Senhor Santo Cristo) at Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, are truly colorful and entertaining events and bring in visitors and pilgrims from around the world. These are the most attended festivals but a schedule of all festivals can be obtained at the Regional Tourist Office.
Shopping
With Portugal's entry in the European Union (EU), there has been a shopping boom although most Americans will find many items a bit pricey. Still very affordable, however, are traditional craft items such as scrimshaw, flowers made from delicate fish scales, wicker, dresses, hats and clogs, glazed earthenware, cane furniture, beautiful lace and crochet needlework, rugs and wrought iron.
Banks and Money
Banks are open between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM. The unit of currency is the Euro which is the same as all members of the European Union. The Euro uses this symbol: € and is approximately 15-20% higher than the US dollar at present. You can use this link to get up to date conversion.
Most major credit cards are accepted and there are automated teller machines everywhere where you may use your US credit or debit card to obtain local currency - the machine uses the current daily rate for the conversion.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycles AC with continental 2 pin plugs.
Tipping
Hotels and restaurants typically include a service charge, although tipping is welcome.
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