This is probably a silly question since the two are vastly different, but we are trying to decide on going to either mainland Portugal or the Azores. We, my husband and I, love nature; hiking, windsurfing, beaches, and history and of course learning of different cultures. We have never been to either place. Our timeline would be some time from mid September to mid October for a total of 10-12 days not including travel days. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
495 posts
The first sentence is 100% correct regarding being vastly different destinations. I have been to the mainland six times and have still scratched the surface of places to visit.
If you have not read the first 52 pages (FREE) of my Azores guidebook, I suggest you do it to learn a great deal about the Azores. The link to it is at the top of this forum in a post written by the webmaster.
Windsurfing is not popular in the Azores, but everything else you want to experience certainly is. What will be difficult is choosing which islands to visit. The island of Sao Miguel could easily keep you busy for a month!
I am always a private message away if you have any specific Azores questions.
Posted by
Connecticut
118 posts
First question is where are you flying from?
If the Boston area, they have direct flights to that Azores.
Otherwise, you will be flying through Lisbon anyway so why not stay a couple of days? You can see a lot in 2 days.
Dennis
Posted by
Toronto
8 posts
Hiking and Nature - Azores. Historic and beaches - mainland. If going for 12 days I recommend perhaps doing a stop over in Azores for a few days and then the rest to mainland (AzoresAirlines has promotions that let you do a stopover in Azores for a few days on your way to Lisbon).
Since you want to go in September or October, be aware that you won't be able to really swim or enjoy beaches in Azores as it's already getting cold especially towards October. Also all the festivies have ended so evenings and nights are a bit boring with little to do so a few days in either Sao Miguel or Terceira will be more than enough.