Azores Region

The blue shark off the coast of the Azores nets Portuguese photographer an international award

Tuesday, 01 November 2011 00:00

Within minutes of lowering a container of bait into the sea, 'a torpedo-shaped shark shot up from the deep blue below,' says Nuno, alerted by the movement as well as the smell. Nuno's boat was over a seamount off the coast of Faial Island in the Azores, being used by a research team from the University of the Azores studying the importance of such seamounts as possible mating areas for blue sharks. Nuno's aim was to illustrate the beauty of this top predator, built for speed. Though supposedly abundant, an estimated 20 million blue sharks are caught annually, either as bycatch or for their fins to supply the Asian food market.

The Vivenda da Saudade Inn Opens on Terceira, in the Azores

Friday, 28 October 2011 00:00

Vivenda da Saudade is a serene B&B located in the fishing village of São Mateus da Calheta on the island of Terceira -the “Ilha Lilás” (the “lilac” island).

Parque Natural do Faial recognized as an European Destination of Excellence for Sustainable Tourism

Tuesday, 18 October 2011 15:59

The Parque Natural do Faial won a nomination at the EDEN Awards of Europe.

Read more: Parque Natural do Faial recognized as an European Destination of Excellence for Sustainable Tourism

The Green and Volcanic Islands of the Azores – air and six-night hotel from $699 just 4 hours away from the US

Tuesday, 13 September 2011 00:00

Europe (Unspoiled) just Four Hours Away: The Green and Volcanic Islands of the Azores – air and six-night hotel from $699 - Choose from 26 Hotels and Five Islands

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 starting at $699 for air and six nights hotel per person, less than in 2010-11.

The Azores are the closest and one of the more affordable destinations in Europe.

All packages depart from Boston’s Logan Airport and include roundtrip, non-stop air, six nights lodging and daily breakfast. Flights depart and return on Tuesday and Fridays and passengers can upgrade from coach to SATA Plus Business-Class for just a few hundred dollars each way. Children under six stay free, and pay only a child’s airfare.

The Azores Express/SATA packages cost $699 to $1,529 per person, before tax and are available through the fall of 2012. Availability depends on your choice of hotel (s), the islands you wish to visit and travel dates. To book a trip, call 800-762-9995 or visit www.sata.pt for more details.

There are five hotels offered on the island of Terceira, two on the island of Faial, one on the island of Santa Maria, two on the island of Pico, and 16 on the island of Sao Miguel.

New Hotels:

Baia da Barca, Pico- with panoramic views of the Atlantic, these apartments are set on a quiet bay with vistas of Ponta de Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. All apartments have a private entrance, fireplace and minibar.

Lince Hotel Azores, Sao Miguel - All rooms are non-smoking, with Mountain View/Sea View or City/Sea View, and the modern hotel offers a pool and restaurant.

Hotel Canadiano, São Miguel – A wonderful three star hotel situated in Ponta Delgada’s center with quality accommodations.

Hotel Vila Nova, São Miguel – A three star property in the heart of Ponta Delgada, close to many of the town's attractions such as the Convento da Esperança or the renaissance style Forte de Sao Bras.

São Miguel - São Miguel, with its crater lakes, geysers, and seaside villages is the main island in the Azores and where all flights from Boston land in the fall, winter and spring. With easy access to the airport and major roads, Ponta Delgada is a great location to make day trips from to the rugged coastline. Venture to mountain crater lakes or visit the steaming thermal lakes and tea and pineapple plantations in the interior.

Terceira - Terceira’s lively and historic main city, Angra do Heroísmo, has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and has ample cultural offerings. The north coast offers black lava cliffs and a wine museum.

Pico - Meaning, "peak" in Portuguese; the steep volcanic mountain that often rises above the cloud cover characterizes Pico. Visitors can climb to a 7,700-foot summit, the highest point in Portugal, or stay closer to sea level and enjoy Pico’s signature wine known for carrying just a hint of lava.

Other Islands - Two of the other islands offered include Faial, famed for its harbors that are often filled with yachts from around the world, and sunny Santa Maria, known for having some of the best beaches in the Azores.

About the Azores:

The Azores is 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.