ciaony

Is there any reason to want to visit the Azores instead of the long flight to the rest of Western Europe?

LoveItaly

Hello ciaony, what made you think about the Azores..do you have relatives there or ancestors from the Azores?

ciaony

No, I'm just looking for a short flight to a great destination from New York City.

ekscrunchy

How do you fly direct to the Azores from NYC?

basingstoke1

I have been to the Azores 14X during my service time and love the islands. Having said that, you are not going to save any time on a "short hop." From the US flights to the Azores almost always go through Lisbon on the way to Ponta Delgada on San Miguel - the largest and most cosmopolitan Island, or Lajes, on Terciera - the site of the Air base. Because of the time and expense of getting there, the Azores are decidedly non touristy and that is part of their beauty. Physically they are beautiful volcanic islands in three groupings. There is little in the way of tourist excitement, rather they are islands where you explore and enjoy the beauty and history. Angra, on the Island of Terciera is an historic treasure. No beaches to speak of - usually pools formed by volcanic formations are used for ocean swimming. In the spring and summer the islands are covered in flowers, particularly hydrangeas. Horta on the Island of Faial has a harbor that is used by ocean crossing private craft to restock. The passage between Faial and the Island of Pico is part of the migration route for sperm whales and whale watching there can be spectacular.
Sometimes, one can find a charter flight direct to the Azores out of Boston. The only other way that I know of to go directly is on military flights.

About the same distance, you might want to consider Iceland. Spectacular this time of year with direct flights from New York. About 5 hours.

elina

Azores are beautiful. I have been to five out of nine islands. Hiking & relaxing. But one would have to compare them to some other peaceful, beautiful corner of Europe, not "the rest of Western Europe".

Jimjim

ciaony,

Check www.Azores-Express.com for information about 4 hour flights to the Azores (and beyond) from Boston.

There is also a lot of info about the islands, such as, history, lodgings, what to do etc.

Enjoy, Jimjim

basingstoke1

JimJim-the Azores express site is a great find. Sata is the airline that connects the islands. The islands also have boat connections within their groupings in season. New England probably has more people of Azorian ancestry than now live in the Azores, hence Boston as the jumping off point from the US.
As Elina noted, the Azores is a place one visits for its natural beauty. My own fave is Pico with its unusual plant life and volcanic stone buildings. Nothing really in terms of a city - just a few small towns. The volcanic field in Terceira is also a great place to explore as you walk among its many steam vents, each its own mini eco system with multi colored mosses and small plants. Also on Terceira the shoreline at Biscoitos is a sight to remember as giant waves break against black volcanic rock formations with white spray tens of feet high. With a few exceptions, hotels are simple and for my taste, the best restaurants are those found in the little fishing villages. If your idea of a good time is walking through unusual places of natural beauty, then the Azores is your place. If you are looking for night life, then not.