Azores Region

The Bay of Horta combines beauty and history

Friday, 20 January 2012 00:00

The Bay of Horta, on the Azorean Island of Faial, now belongs to The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, after appreciation from an international jury. This proves once again the commitment of the Azores to sustainability and environmental preservation. The Bay of Horta was chosen among 30 other bays worldwide, being acknowledged for its natural beauty, as well as for its natural, historical and cultural quality. Among the criteria required for induction to the Club, the landscape and environmental sustainability of the bay and surrounding areas were decisive, as well as the bay's natural, commercial and tourist importance for the Harbor of Horta, the preservation of the area and of the island. Also noteworthy is the bay's central location in the Atlantic Ocean, making it accessible from both the United States and also Europe and Asia. Also known as Blue Island, Faial is the third most populous island of the Azores and its bay is, in fact, one of its main attractions. However, there is a lot more to do in Faial. From whale watching and swimming with dolphins to diving and boat riding, sailing, surfing or hiking, the hardest part is actually to decide what to do. And, of course, it is mandatory to enjoy the Azorean cuisine. All nine islands of the Azores offer the same possibilities, as their valuable cultural, historical and architectural heritage.

European Carnaval is yours for $699 and 4 hours in a plane

Friday, 13 January 2012 00:00

A festive Mardi Gras celebration is just four hours away if you aim to mark the holiday on the Mid-Atlantic Islands of the Azores. Azores Express/SATA, is offering travel packages starting at $699 per person (air and hotel plus tax, double occupancy). In the Azores, Mardi Gras is known as “Carnaval” a celebration starting on Saturday, February 17, 2012 and continuing through Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Parades and pageants are at the heart of the Carnaval festivities. There is lively music, colorful costumes, hand-made masks and floats. On the island of São Miguel, known for its mild weather, you can chose from several hotels in historic Ponta Delgada, the Azores’ main city. Carnaval has a sweet taste of São Miguel, with street vendors selling fried sweet dough, called Malassadas. The festival on the Azores largest island starts of with a black tie grand ball, and heats up with dance music at the restored Coliseu Micaelense. There is a children’s parade in the streets of the capital, Ponta Delgada, with children in costume from each school district on the island. Then, a massive Carnaval parade fills the streets into the wee hours with music, costumes and dancing. All packages are per person, and include roundtrip airfare between Boston and the islands, six nights lodging, and all breakfasts.

Azores Express/ SATA offers direct flights on wide body A310 aircraft to São Miguel, the main island in the Azores archipelago. Connecting flights from São Miguel are offered to Lisbon and the island of Madeira. Azores Express has connected New England with the Azores and mainland Portugal for more than 20 years. The carrier is part of the SATA Group, which connects the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, with the world.

For more information and reservations, contact Azores Express at 800-762-9995, www.sata.pt.

Europe: Just Four Hours Away

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 15:27

Azores Express Launches Winter Green Sale to Azores, Lisbon

Azores Express/SATA has a winter sale to help get out of the cold, and into a green mid-Atlantic adventure in the Azores or Lisbon, Portugal. Now, for a limited time, SATA  is offering special pricing on direct flights from Boston to Ponta Delgada - round trip from just $272.00 (plus taxes and fees). Or escape to Lisbon, the warm and sunny capital of Portugal from Boston for a mere $372.00 (plus taxes and fees) for departures starting on January 20^th.

Add in 6 nights hotels, and save as much as 10%, for departures on: 
January 24, January 31 and February 07. 
 That means that a week of hotel and round-trip air can be as little as $ 629p.p. (double).

The unspoiled nature, mild climate and European culture of the Azores Islands are just four hours from Boston with Azores Express/SATA’s new fall and winter packages. For 2011-2012 Azores Express has 26 different hotels on five islands.

The Azores are the closet point in Europe to North America. The islands were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, which have created a stunning and dramatic environment. From the black lava cliffs of the island of Terceira, to mythical Mountain Lake of Fire on São Miguel, the Azores offers an intensely green and sculptured landscape. This ocean-enveloped land enjoys a mild climate year-round between 60°F and 80°F.

The National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations recently named the Azores islands as the world’s second most appealing islands destination in its fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey. A panel of 522 experts reviewed conditions on 111 islands and archipelagos. The Azores received the title of “Authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so.”

Azores Express (part of the SATA Group) connects New England with the beautiful islands of the Azores. Year-round flights are available from Boston, with connecting service to Lisbon, Porto and Madeira. For information call 800-762-9995 or visit www.sata.pt

Azores files application for the UNESCO European Geoparks Network

Sunday, 11 December 2011 00:00

The official application of the Azores Geopark for the European Geoparks Network has been sent to the National Commission for UNESCO. The aim is to enhance the connection between geology, volcanic landscape, biodiversity and cultural values. “9 Islands – 1 Geopark” is the application's motto, referring to the nine islands of the Azores. The international relevance of the region's geological heritage, its scientific, scenic and educational value, as well as the islands' vast biodiversity and cultural heritage, count as valid reasons for the Region to be part of the European Geoparks Network. Given the location of the Azores, right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a few hours from Europe, the US and Canada, the archipelago is considered a bridge between two continents and it is certainly a destination not to miss. There is a unique historic, architectural and gastronomic heritage in every one of the nine islands. The landscape is equally impressive and that is why the Azores have become a popular destination. But nature in the Azores is not just for contemplating; there are many activities that allow visitors to interact with it. Diving, walking trails, geotourism, playing golf or whale watching are just a few examples of what you should experienced in the region. But if you prefer health and wellness, you will also find a wide and diversified offer on it in the Azores. For more information please visit www.visitazores.com.