Azores in March?
 

I am looking for a destination to take my 16 year old daughter for Spring Break in March. The Azores seems to be a great fit - for scenery, food, temperate climate, proximity to US, safety, friendly residents.

I do have a few questions - hoping some of you veterans can help ...

The first hotel I investigated is closed only open May-Oct (on Pico) which made me wonder if much of the islands operate seasonally and will we be making a mistake to travel there in March? It seems that the ferry system does not operate in March so we will need to fly between islands?

We are interested in hiking, small charming villages - and she loves to sail so it would be wonderful to find a sailing trip for the day - perhaps to visit another island.

The most attractive lodging to me keeps coming up on Pico (small, charming, but good facilities) and Pico looks to be a lush and beautiful island - but it is of course a little more difficult to reach (2 flights to Boston, then Boston - Sao Miguel - Terceira - Pico ... makes for tiring travel even though the flights are short). I am willing to take the extra flights if the final destination is worth the extra travel - any thoughts??

Thanks in advance for any help!

The final destination is worth the extra travel - the Azores !!! But, as you can tell from the closures, March is not the time to visit. Better to go in June-August. All the flowers will be in bloom, ferries will be operating, and everything will be open.

Thanks Bedar - I should probably clarify that unfortunately going this summer is not an option - I can only travel in late March (summer is committed). I am trying to learn if I will get there and find restaurants, etc to be closed in the "off season".

And regarding the final destination - trying to decide if getting to Pico is worth 2 extra flights. Sao Miguel is relatively easy to reach but then I must fly to Terceira and then Pico (no directs to Pico from SM on our dates). Couple of hours between each flight.

You could fly from Sao Miguel to Faial or to Sao Jorge and take the ferry to Pico. It operates all year round.

To get to Pico you could fly to Faial and then take the ferry there. That one should be operating. But, were I you, I'd stick with SM for a taste of the Azores. It's the largest island, and restaurants in Ponta Delgada should be open. Pico is "OK", but our favorite island is Faial.

Thanks - what do you like about Faial?

Based on my limited experience, I would agree with Bedar on his suggestion to visit San Miguel, the largest island, given your March plan.

I went to four islands in July 2012: San Miguel, Faial, Pico (via ferry from Faial), amd Terceida. I thought San Miguel was very pretty. I stayed at the Pousada in Faial (the fort) and took the ferry to Pico for the day - it's a short ferry ride. Have fun deciding.

I would highly recommend Cyprus,the Canary Islands or even Madeira if you are going at spring break from the US. All have great weather,sailing ,etc.

P.s., I thought San Miguel was a more "lush" island than Pico.

We stayed in Horta on Faial a few years ago in the Pousada and enjoyed it a lot. We also visited Pico, S. Miguel, S. Jorge and Terceira.

None of the islands have large towns and most of the places are small, "villages" at least by UK standards. Horta was a great place, with a limited but very good choice of restaurants, a choice of boat trips and whale watching. March will be quieter, but there were a lot of Americans there in the Summer, so I'd guess that Spring break will have too.

The best walk we did was from the top of the volcano on S.Jorge down to the sea and along the coast.

Both SM and Faial are more lush than Pico. Horta on Faial is the port to stop in for runs from Bermuda to Europe on your sailboat so there are more sophisticated ex-pats to be found there - go to Peter's SportsBar for their hangout. We, too, have stayed at the Pousada in the fort (used to belong to Raymond Burr) and at the Quinta de Bouganvillas (sp?). Spent two mos. in the Azores in '90 and a mo. each in '92 and '98. Shouldn't think it's changed much because, TG, there aren't vast beaches which lead to development !!

Pico is my favorite of the islands, but not in March, much is closed, the towns are tiny even by Azores standards and the weather may or may not favor hiking. It is not lush like some of the others but rather has its own flora that is unusual and unique. Faial is my next favorite island for the reasons mentioned. Horta is a delightful town all year round, and there will be things to do if the weather does not cooperate. SM is a good choice as well. Faial is just a short ferry trip from Pico (about 4 miles) so you can visit Pico as a day trip from there. If the whale watching tour is running from Pico in March (not too sure of that) it is not to be missed.

Agree with above, so wondered for all the traveling you need to do--2 flights just to get to Boston, and then onward, have you thought of Portugal as you would get the same vibe. Southern Spain, Sicily are other options. I know you have to go in March but the Azores is not the fit for that month. It sounds like a you may get there but then what do you do if it's out of season and nothing is open or available kind of scenario.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Had to jump off of travel planning for a few days to get through Thanksgiving. I have thought of Portugal and Southern Spain ... and have not ruled them out but am drawn to the Azores for the natural beauty. I am exploring Horta (found a place to stay there that looks good) and perhaps splitting our time between islands.

on any of the islands you will want to rent a car - a smaller car is fine since some of the roads are very narrow as are many streets in the towns. parking can be tight as well and a smaller car will be an advantage.. since the islands are small there is little possibility of being lost for long so that is not a problem...a simple map will be fine. Horta is a fine base. Since it is in the central group, you might want to fly to Terceira for a day. Do not miss the interiors of any island that you are on - those are the most beautiful parts and on some you can visit the calderas (volcano). the one on Terceira is especially interesting to explore.

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Good choice. As Basingstoke said, you will want to rent a car, if only for a day or two. Pico, your original choice, is across the canal 4 mi away. Go to the NYT and put into the search box "Azores". There's a wonderful article, "Splendid Isolation in the Azores" from April 2, 1989. We'd lived in Europe for 20 yrs and were looking for a holiday/retirement place. This article drove us to visit at our earliest convenience which was the summer of '90. We wound up buying a house there. While I realize you can't visit next summer, summer is "the" time because of the profusion of flowers. Incredible and overwhelming. All roads are bordered and farm fields are divided by hydrangea hedges. We called them the Blue Monster. To hell with the whales, sailing, and the volcanos and calderas - all interesting, mind you - it's the flowers that will take your breath away.

Bedar - on which island did you buy your house if I may ask. I have been to the Azores 14X and have considered that as well. It is true about the flowers - they are breathtaking, driving roads lined with tall hydrangeas is an experience not to be missed. There will be some flowers in Marc, particularly late in the month, but nothing like the spring and summer display. The public garden in Angra blooms even in the winter.

On Faial in Norte Pequeno. We also liked Terceira esp Praia. Our favorite restaurant there is the Zigzag, also the Sargents' Club on the beach. Adored Graciosa but thought it might be too small. Haven't yet been to Corvo, Flores, or Sta. Maria. Maybe next summer.

Thanks Bedar, just read the Times article. Inspires me more to want to go! Basingstoke2, I definitely will plan to rent a car, thanks.

I need to spend our last 2 nights on either Terceira or Sao Miguel (because of the way the flights operate that time of year) - thoughts? I found a lovely looking place to rent in Terceira and can't really find anything in Sao Miguel that engages me - so I am leaning toward Terceira unless Sao Miguel is much more lovely and interesting. It will really only be for one full (2 nights).

IMO Terceira is the more typical of the islands. SM is bigger and is beautiful as well, but T has always been our base, mainly because there is a US base there and there is where our flights would transit.

Terceira has lovely villages throughout the island and a lovely interior. The caldera has been a favorite place to visit there.
I agree with Bedar that the Zigzag restaurant in Pria is excellent, but it is hard to find a bad meal on the island especially if you stay with seafood and chicken. My two favorite restaurants on T is one in the fishing village of Beira Mar (the lower town on the water). It is the one that overlooks the fishing boats - you really can't miss it. We go there at least once every time on the island. Our other favorite (I can't recall its long name, but will look it up for you) is in the upper Beira Mar in the hills. It is the one that recreates a turn of the 20th century farm and features food typical of the island at that time - mostly soups and stews. Try the bread soup and their homemade blackberry liquor is unbelievably good. It is part of a working farm and make their own dishes, linens, cutlery etc. It is an experience eating there. That is another place that we never miss on a visit.

Have a great time.

The restaurant I was thinking of is called Quinta do Martelo. It is a truly unique experience. I also found a review of the place:

"If you are looking for a true Terceirense experience as it was 50 years ago, then Quinta do Martelo is a must! This restaurant is located in an old farm setting, an etnographic restaurant that meticulously maintains all the old traditions of 50 + years ago. The majority of the vegetables and meats served in their dishes are grown on the farm. While you are waiting for your meal to be served take a walk around and appreciate the revival of traditional and original arts and crafts, tools and costumes."

The bread soup is also called Holy Spirit soup and the stews are called Alcatras and can be either meat or fish, but most often meat.

Wow, Holy Spirit soup sounds like something I should not miss. I love the idea of a farm dinner. Can't wait for this trip! Thanks so much for the help.

lynnalan - again, have a wonderful trip. As Bedar and I can attest to, the Azores is a place that is easy to fall in love with and keep returning. When I am there my stress levels falls to about a minus 20.

BTW I nearly forgot, if on Terceira do not miss Biscoitos. Large waves crashing against lava formations - foam, spray, magnificent. There is also a nice winery nearby that you can visit - they make a very drinkable wine. Also, in the town of Angra, a UN Historical site, the city hall is also the presidential apartments when the President of Portugal is in town. Tours are usually available for the asking and are worthwhile.

When we were on Terceira for 3 nights, we stayed in a small Quinta near Angra. It's a good island to visitand I seem to recall that Angra do Heroismo is a Unesco site.

We also understood that there was a large US Naval base near Angra at the time. Angra itself was quite small but again with several good, typical restaurants.

I remember that most people we met were doing a holiday with at least two different island bases.

The base is near Pria, about a 5 minute drive, not Angra which is about a half hour drive, although with the size of the Island, nothing is very far away. The base is adjacent to the airport. If one is eligible to stay on the base they have very nice lodging.

Lynnalan - forgot to mention, you might want to bring umbrellas or rain ponchos along.. The weather is funny - huge cloud banks will blow in with rain, then it's sunny, then more cloud banks, etc. One can never count on a totally sunny day. A bit annoying but ...

Definitely will pack the rain gear! (plan for the worst, hope for the best).

Hi!
I am looking for a trip just like you were researching, with my daughter in March. I'm curious, did you ever go to the Azores, or did you find another destination?

Thanks,
Diane

Diane, I don't know if the OP is still posting but you can't go wrong in Azores. The only exception is if you are looking for nightlife. You can find some on S. Miguel. The other islands are for gorgeous scenery, great food, people who will treat you as a guest rather than a tourist, and total relaxation. Most of the islands have little in the way of good beaches. We have been there in every season and although spring and summer are best we have enjoyed our visits year round. If on Terciera in summer don't miss the street bullfights. The Bulls are not harmed and seem to enjoy it.

Diane - I clicked on the OP's name and yes, she did go. If you click on it you will find a very nice TR.

Thanks for the information! Sounds perfect--no need for nightlife, just relaxation and natural beauty. Would love to see whales, but I think March is too early.

March is an excellent month for whale watching. Humpbacks are there all year 'round and the baller men whales are attracted to the plankton which are are at their peak that time of year. Use a company in Pico-you can stay either on Pico or Faial. The whales travel in the waters between the two islands. Don't expect a boat like in the US but rather a 12 passenger inflatable with an outboard. We saw 30 whales on our trip.

Bailer men??? Auto correct again - that should read baleen.