starmom

We have been searching for a nice spot to vacation in August (yes it's a little late to be planning) Our kids are 5 and soon to be 2 years old. We are located in Boston and Bermuda was a thought but we decided against it for various reasons.
The Azores islands are only a 4hr flight away from us non-stop. They look absolutely beautiful and the flight/accomodations/etc do not seem too expensive. Is there anything i'm missing? It does appear that I will have to call hotels directly to find one. The airline also must be called directly as it is small and does not show up on travelocity/expedia. Would one particular island be a better fit for a family who wants to relax, swim, see some sights? We will likely take ferries to visit more than one island but would like to pick one as a home base. We will also rent a car if possible. We plan on staying for 10 to 14 days or so...

elina

In my opinion only in the central island group distances are so short that you can visit by boat. Plus the two western islands Flores and Corvo. We flew between islands, except the tiny boat ride between Faial and Pico. And if I remember right the flight between Flores and the main island Sao Miguel was 2,5 hours.

I would choose Sao Miguel for a family. I really, really liked Flores, but it is TINY. Sao Miguel has more things to do and more hotels than Floresīs approximately three.

Just remember that Azores are not tropical, and you can experience rain and shine, warm and coldish during one day.

elina

And remember that most islands donīt have sandy beaches.

NEDSIRELAND

I'm not sure of my directions but in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) looking from the esplanade across from the Capitania there appear to be some sandy beaches where the high-rise Hotel & Condominium complexes. They may be private.

There is also at least one sandy beach on Terceira I.

I think those direct flights from Boston are mainly unscheduled Charters run by a Travel Agency there in Boston; and they probably go to Sao Miguel's John Paul II airport in Ponta Delgada. The people from there are very proud that Pope John Paul II was the first Pope ever to visit the Azores.

Thumbs up for Sao Miguel! I have flown inter-island (SATA airline) between Sao Miguel and Terceira but haven't taken inter-island boat.

August may be 'tight' as far as lodging goes: it is peak tourist season and many European tourists, especially German, vacation in the Azores. It has been so hot on the European mainland this year that the crowd looking for a cool vacation spot may be bigger than ever this year.

lobo_mau

I second Nedsireland about Ponta Delgada/Island of Sao Miguel.
Google "whale watching azores", "cozido das furnas" and "horta faial Peter's Cafe".
Happy travels.

starmom

darn, the airline is booked until late August which won't work for us That's what we get for planning last minute, I suppose.
We are planning on going next year. After doing research, we have fallen in love with the Azores islands!

basingstoke1

starmom- just saw your post asking for Azores info. If you haven't done so already, check the Azores thread, particularly #7 Azores: What's there, for some more detailed info.