Azores Region

New Manuel de Arriaga Museum

Friday, 10 February 2012 00:00

Built in his honor in his childhood home, the Manuel de Arriaga Museum is a new cultural facility that exceeds the concept of a traditional house museum, located in the city of Horta, Faial Island. It is a contemporary museum with a focus on educating visitors on the meaning of democracy, citizenship, and relevant aspects of those histories. It is able to hold both short and long-term exhibitions, with film projection, a documentation, and a multi-purpose room. Exhibitions will be available in both English and Braille.

Deal to Azores's Santo Cristo Feast

Tuesday, 24 January 2012 18:35

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.