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Help Wanted: November Trip to the Azores

Posted by (Chicago, IL) on

Hello -

I'm planning a trip to the Azores this November with a group of friends - we know it's not ideal timing, but we found cheap flights and couldn't pass up the opportunity! There will be 6-8 of us (all in our mid-20s) and we're planning to stay in a vacation rental, but we haven't determined where on Sao Miguel to say. We will be on the island from early Saturday morning to mid-day on Wednesday (4.5 days) and are open to all types of activities. We definitely want to be outdoors - weather permitting - and are in good shape. We are also planning to rent cars, so that won't be a limitation for us.

Since there isn't a ton of info out there, I'd love any suggestions you may have! We're looking for info on where on the island to stay, where to snag the best local food, any must-see historical or cultural sites, cool marketplaces to wander around, and favorite activities (hikes, thermal baths, etc.) that cannot be missed. Also, if you have any suggestions on what to pack for a November trip, that would be much appreciated.

Thank you!!

Posted by
472 posts

Hi Spelly,

I just sent you a private message with the link to my Azores guide. I am confidant it will have most of the answers you are looking for.

Here are my specific responses to your questions...

The weather is tricky in November, more pop up showers, but nice in the 60s to 70s. Some days are still stunning with no rain! Bring light rain jackets and a sweatshirt or lightweight flannel shirt (for the girls) that can be tied around your waist when not wearing (my 22 year old daughter is helping me write this😁), nothing heavier. Jeans are perfect. Non-slip walking shoes or light boots are advisable. Even the sidewalks are very slippery in wet weather. Ponchos are good for being outdoors rather than umbrellas, except walking around Ponta Delgada. Bring a Dollar Store umbrella for each person. If you plan on daily hiking, each of you should buy a foldable hiking stick to bring...$10-15 dollars? I am sure you guys will take chances on hikes (mid-20s 😁), so this is very useful and safe! Your parents will feel better too!

Ponta Delgada is your best choice for lodging, based on its’ location. Lots of restaurants within walking distance. The waterfront and harbor at night is amazing!!!

If you rent (2) 5 passenger cars, it will cost about $25 bucks a day per car. This may be better because the size of many streets are very narrow. IF you decide you want to travel together, rent a 9 passenger van, nothing smaller! It will cost about $85.00 per day. I strongly recommend the 2 cars, though. Most cars and vans are standard, not automatic. If you get automatic, you will pay a lot more. Just be aware.

Let me know what other questions you have or anything else you need.

Carl

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you so much, Carl! Your guide is amazing!

One more question for you - if we don't stay in Ponta Delgada (there doesn't seem to be as many options for larger groups where we can spread out), where on the island would you recommend staying?

Thanks again!!

Posted by
472 posts

Spelly, we stayed Quinta de Santana for a week around the same time you will be there. You can rent (2) 2-bedroom apartments that come with a living room and kitchen. I checked some dates and it will be around $80.00 per night for EACH 2 bedroom apartment. Easy access to Ponta Delgada (15 minutes) Ribeira Grande (5 minutes), supermarkets, etc. and the grounds are beautiful. Go to booking.com for the info and pics. Shop at a market for breakfast items to save time in the mornings looking for somewhere to eat. That’s what we do.

If you do not like Quinta, let me know what your group would like to experience and your budget.

Carl

Posted by
67 posts

We stayed in Ponta Delgado for 8 nights renting a wonderful apartment in an upscale neighbourhood on edge of the old town centre but too small for you.

We did lots of hiking getting good use of our rental car.

There are no travel books which tells you it’s a nice quiet place! We found this post to be very useful: https://www.geekyexplorer.com/sao-miguel-island-in-4-days/#overview

Also the visit AÇORES website has a great section on hikes - we did 5.

While the roads are quite good and traffic light being in P/D was a great convenient base including zipping out to restaurants in nearby towns.

We went in late March and yes there was light rain on several days but it was almost always sunny in the afternoon.

Wonderful time! Exceeded expectations.

Posted by
82 posts

Hi Spelly
My husband & I just got back from Sao Miguel a week ago. The island is stunning! We used Carl's guide, and, you are right, it is amazing! Full of great information and directions. So take all the advice he gives - he is the expert. I really think Rick Steves should hire him as a consultant and add the Azores to his book on Portugal. When I started to research the islands a year ago I couldn't believe Rick didn't have a book on the Azores or Madiera. You and your group will love the beauty of the island and all the activities it offers. I think it will just wet your appetite to want to come back again to explore at a time of the year when your weather might be more predictable.
We stayed in Ponta Delgada for 5 nights at the Solmar Apartments right on the waterfront. Find it on Booking.com. We were very happy with the studio we had, complete with a kitchen & nice seating area & a little sundeck with a view of the harbor. They also have underground parking for $5euro a night. As Carl said, if you stay in Ponta Delgada, it is nice and central & you have a choice of loads of restaurants. I would also follow Carl's suggestion of 2 small cars. The main highways and roads are fantastic & well signed but when you get into the smaller towns the roads are narrow & winding. Have a wonderful trip!
Lynne

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