My husband recently found out he has a conference in Lisbon at the end of June. Something I've always been curious about is my heritage (I know.. so American!). One of my great great grandfathers emigrated from Sao Jorge Island in the 1800s. My thought is to spend a few nights in Lisbon towards the end of my husband's conference and then fly to the Azores to visit San Jorge. His conference ends on Friday at noon in Lisbon. My guess is he'd really only want to spend another 4 or 5 nights away. Would a 3 night Sao Jorge trip be worth it? And then a couple nights in Sao Miguel? Vice Versa? Or am I doing what I hate doing and splitting up my trip so much into tiny pieces that I spend too much time in transit? I think I've answered my own question... but please share your thoughts. This isn't a true "heritage" tour in that I have no idea where my ancestors in Sao Jorge lived and I only have a common first name for him. it'll be fun to check out nonetheless, and like I said, I am happy to hike, explore, and eat.
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
526 posts
My first inclination is to try and persuade your husband to stay longer in the Azores. He, and you, will not regret staying as long as possible!
I looked at flights around when you are thinking (I assumed June 27)...and only searching on SATA/Azores Airlines and purchasing the "flex" ticket option...
The earliest flight you can depart Lisbon is 2:10 pm, and the next is 5:25 pm. I would then stay in Sao Miguel for the next 2 days and then fly over to Sao Jorge (if possible) on the 30th at 10:50 am (nonstop). If you can then return to Sao Miguel on July 3rd at 10:55 am, you should have plenty of time to continue on to wherever you live, if on Azores Airlines on the late afternoon flight. Be aware that the Azores Airlines flights from Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) to Boston are quite expensive, so if you have an alternative way home from the Azores, maybe connecting back in Lisbon, then see what might work.
Depending on your interests, you could easily enjoy 3-7 days on Sao Jorge. Sao Miguel is impossible to truly explore (at a minimum) with less than a week. Some have disagreed with me on this point. Everyone has different time frames of travel and interests, so that is that.
Please refer to the webmaster's post at the top of this forum to access the link to my Azores guide. The first 52 pages are FREE to read and they will have all your logistical questions answers. There is no obligation to purchase my 533 pages, digital, Azores guidebook.
If I can help in any way regarding your Sao Jorge ancestry, send me a private message. I have been researching my wife's Azorean ancestry for 40 years, and we have been visiting the islands since 1994! It would be amazing to connect you to your ancestral homeland. At least you can try, and at worst, say we gave it a shot. :-) If you have a family tree somewhere, that would be a big help.
As you will be visiting Sao Jorge relatively soon, reserve you car (with free cancellation) first, then lodging (with free cancellation) next, and finally, the flights. The rental car supply is very limited, and you will need one to explore. The longer you wait on any of these three, the more expensive they will get. You might also lose out on a car and lodging for Sao Jorge. Sao Miguel will always have availability for a car and hotel.
Good luck!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Just want to thank you for your advice!
I'm going to look into the options you mention. We found a family tree...I'm from Faial too!
Thanks again.
Posted by
3 posts
Are you thinking youd stop there either on your way to Lisbon or on your way back? There are direct flights to Azores from Boston (via Azores Airlines) and from Newark NJ (via United). That would save some backtracking. Lisbon to Sao Miguel (or vice versa) one way doesnt cost much at all esp that time of year. I did something similar visiting Slovenia - it really was such a satisfying thing to do, being in this place where our people came from a hundred and 20 yrs ago. I have benefit of some research a family member did, but even without that you still get such a feel for a place just by standing there taking in the sights, smells, hearing the language spoken, the birds, church bells, etc.!