The Azores archipelago lies far off the coast of Portugal and despite their extraordinary beauty, these islands remain a well-kept secret. If you’ve seen photos of Hawaii and its islands the Azores look very similar. They’re lush, flower-filled and green with towering volcanic peaks and vivid jewel-like crater lakes, stunning black sand beaches, vast caves, waterfalls, hot springs and geysers.
The wild Atlantic waters are home to whales, dolphins and porpoises. Nature surrounds you at every turn. And it’s brilliant for adventurous family holidays. The best island to visit with your family is São Miguel in the eastern group of islands. It’s the biggest island, the easiest to reach, and there’s the biggest variety of stuff to do, important when you’ve brought youngsters with you.
Here’s the low-down on family holidays on Sao Miguel, including three special tourist destinations for everyone in the family to enjoy.
A magical destination just 4 hours from the UK
All this magic is only around four hours’ flight from London, making it one of the closest exotic holiday destinations to home. The landscapes and seascapes here are like nothing you’ve seen before, like being in another world.
Most families tend to spend a week to ten days on the island, enough time to see and do loads of cool things as well as spend time relaxing into the island lifestyle. The island’s volcanic past reveals itself at every turn. The towns are packed with culture and interest, many dating back to the early 1400s when this place was first populated by bold Portuguese settlers.
You can completely lose yourself in nature, the ultimate in relaxation, or hit the adrenaline hard with sailing, diving, surfing, paragliding and all manner of other thrilling activities: kayaking, mountain bike tours of the hills, canyoning, even lagoon snorkelling. Day trips and jeep tours, swimming with dolphins, lounging around in the hot springs and naturally-heated volcanic pools await you, all washed down with a satisfying helping of the island’s famous cozido stew, cooked underground by natural volcanic heat and taking the idea of outdoor cooking to a whole new level.
When’s the best time to take the family to the Azores?
Sao Miguel is at its most beautiful from June to September, in summer, although the weather in the archipelago is a lot like the UK. It’s unpredictable thanks to being surrounded by ocean. You can expect May to July temperatures in the range of 16-20C, rising to 20-26C in the hottest month, August. It’s also thundery sometimes because of the subtropical climate.
Is it OK to take young children to the Azores?
There are no age limits, of course, and the short flight from the UK means little kids are more likely to be able to handle the flight than they would a long-haul journey. But it’s fair to say slightly older children probably get the most from the experience.
If your children are into nature and conservation, like so many of them are these days, they’ll be spellbound. And if they love the movie Jurassic Park, they’ll adore it. It’s easy to imagine dinosaurs crashing around in the ancient-looking jungly landscapes or silhouetted against the sky as they perch on the edge of a vast volcanic crater. Grrrrr!
Where conservation comes first
The local people here are rightfully proud of their beautiful island. Conservation sits close to their hearts and they have a deep-seated respect for the ocean. This enhances the tourist experience. You feel you’re with like-minded people who care about preserving nature as much as you do. In that way, you’re spending your holiday money wisely.
If you love to lounge on a beach all day and go clubbing ‘til dawn, this place isn’t for you. If you love to hike, climb, eat well, enjoy fine wines and indulge your appreciation for culture and history it’s magic, with a fresh new adventure around every corner.
Ideal family accommodation in the Azores
Some of the best-loved family friendly resorts on Sao Miguel are Pestana Bahia Praia, Hotel Marina Atlantico, Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort, Sao Miguel Park Hotel and Hotel Arcanjo in impressive natural settings.
Many families choose to rent a guest house, apartment or villa rather than a hotel. This isn’t the kind of place where you get loads of 5 star hotels to choose from, or even loads of big hotels. Whatever you choose, the surroundings are quality eye-candy.
Visit Furnas on Sao Miguel island
Furnas is a charming, pretty town and also happens to be the island’s most geothermally active place. Youngsters are fascinated by natural water so warm it actually steams, and the jungle-like setting is amazing.
It’s extraordinary watching actual geysers erupting in the town centre and there’s a multitude of hot springs to visit, along with luxuriant botanical gardens and an awe-inspiring volcanic caldera. The viewpoint overlooking it delivers a ‘gasp out loud’ moment every time. Hire a bicycle in town and cycle to the caldera if you like, a long uphill ride children seem to manage pretty well.
The Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens are home to a volcanic thermal pool that reaches 40C and steams like there’s a giant kettle underneath. The water is toffee brown but it feels fabulous to relax, swim and play in.
There are numerous experiences to get under your belts including the dramatic thermal spas at Poca da Dona Beija, the breathtaking lookout at Pico do Ferro, the fascinating Furnas Environmental Interpretation Centre packed with volcanic facts and the delightful Grena Park with its gracious old house and remarkable views. Let the kids play safely in the greenery while you admire the beauty of it all.
Explore Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel
Ponta Delgada began life as a safe haven for ships sailing between Europe and India. Now the capital of the island, it’s home to about 68,000 people, about the same size as Stafford, Royal Tunbridge Wells or Ellesmere Port.
This must be one of the most attractive cities in Europe, now more than 500 years old and the Azores’ economic capital. There’s a lot to see and do here including the brilliant Gruta do Carvão cave, home to fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, all sort of volcanic oddities and a huge lava tunnel. Here, your kids will be able to sense the ancient geological violence that created the islands aeons ago.
For another cool place to play and explore try the Jardim António Borges, one of the biggest green areas in the city, a delightful botanical garden packed with exotic species. This romantic haven dates back to the 1800s and has plenty of secrets to reveal including more small caves. There are volcanic caves all over the place here.
Street art is perfect for kids, a hot trend around the globe that has found a home on the island. Think Brighton’s North Laine and you get the picture. The impressive graffiti art and other creative treats turn up all over Ponta Delgada, particularly along Rua de Lisboa, Rua Eng. Abel Ferin Coutinho, Rua 6 de Junho, and Rua de São João.
For authentic Azores souvenirs visit the Mercado da Graça, a market dating back to the 1800s where you can buy local food, wine, handicrafts and other island goods including pottery, locally-made lace, baskets and embroidery. Take it easy and stop for a chat with the stallholders. It’s a great way to get a flavour of the city’s everyday life. Maybe buy the makings of a picnic and find a sunny, chilled-out spot to snack.
Immerse yourself in the waters around San Miguel
The ocean delivers some of the finest Azorean thrills of all. Imagine a water sport and it’s probably available. These waters are stuffed with sea life too, making whale and dolphin watching trips a must.
There are romantic private boat trips and islet tours, sea cave tours, kayaking and wild swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, SUP, glass-bottom boat trips and swimming with dolphins. Some tours come with expert biologist guides to inspire and inform you. And don’t forget this is a surf island, offering the best surfing in the Azores.
You can charter a boat and crew for a sea fishing trip, fly across the waves on a catamaran or take to the waves on a jet ski. Alternatively enjoy a beach day at one of the island’s sandy beaches, rocky beaches or volcanic beaches, including the popular Praia de Água d’Alto with its soft sand, crystal-clear waters and impressive cliff backdrop.
The Azores – A very different family holiday destination
Think outside the usual package holiday box, book an Azores holiday. Treat the kids to a place that’s literally unforgettable, offering something for everyone without the racket, crowds and fish ‘n’ chips. Heavenly!
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