has unveiled its latest address in Portugal with the opening of Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores - a gateway to the culture this new hotel invites curious travellers to feel local everywhere offering an experience that's deeply anchored in the spirit and identity of the destination a historic building on the city's main shopping street Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores blends past and present in a setting reimagined with sustainable design and energy efficiency at its core two outdoor swimming pools for adults and children and meeting facilities for up to 60 guests the hotel is a springboard for exploration and enrichment guests are immersed in stories of travel and discovery compasses and travel artefacts are integrated within the hotel connecting guests with the spirit of the destination and the legacy of the first travellers who stayed on the island The interior design reflects São Miguel's natural beauty - from volcanic landscapes to verdant tea fields - while warm hospitality from local hosts ensures every stay feels personal and connected where guests can savour hand-crafted cocktails and hot and cold bites made with Azorean ingredients The menu is a tribute to island living: refined yet relaxed infused with the flavours and creativity of the region On these islands straddling Portugal and America Mercure is ready to reveal the most precious and unique aspects of this destination to curious travellers And it does so with conscience - supporting local culture always one of Mercure's greatest strengths is dedicated to providing guests with a unique and authentic experience Heartists are always be on hand to offer the most authentic recommendations - often hidden treasures that are only known to locals The Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores team has collated a range of recommendations guests can sip tea in a traditional kitchen or watch a period-costumed harvest each May These thoughtful suggestions embody Mercure's Discover Local spirit celebrating lesser-known gems and epicurean encounters This opening comes at a very special time for Mercure after celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and surpassing 1,000 hotels worldwide in 2024 It also brings Mercure's Iberian presence to 16 hotels - eight in Portugal seven in Spain and one in Andorra - and contributes to Accor's total of 38 hotels across Portugal is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the area Ponta Delgada is the gateway to this fascinating group of islands and a destination that enchants history and nature lovers ocean-swept spot is captivated by its charm An enormous heritage enriches Ponta Delgada Mercure has been dedicated to unveiling the treasures surrounding each address creating an immersive experience for guests Mercure's 1,000+ hotels take pride in delivering high-quality standards infused with a deep sense of the locality Hotel website Brand OwnerAccor PONTA DELGADA - Looking to reduce its workforce globally, the U.S. State Department is looking to shut down almost a dozen consulates around the globe in the coming months reported the Reuters news agency on Thursday After being asked about the possible closure of the Ponta Delgada Consulate, US Consul in the Azores Margaret C. Campbell said on Friday that the United States “continues to assess” the situation in a prepared statement sent to Portugal’s Lusa news agency “The State Department continues to assess our global posture to ensure we are best positioned to address modern challenges on behalf of the American people,” Campbell said The New York Times also reported on Thursday that the US State Department had included the Ponta Delgada Consulate in the list of a dozen U.S diplomatic posts targeted to close this summer the Portuguese government refuted on Friday that Donald Trump’s Administration had decided to close the Ponta Delgada Consulate classifying the cited news reports as mere speculation “According to the information we have at the moment, there are no plans to close the Ponta Delgada Consulate in the Azores,” an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) told Lusa on Friday analyzed the embassies and consulates they have around the world and no decision has been made about the posts in Portugal any news on the subject is just speculation,” according to the MFA official As stated on the website of the US embassy in Portugal the Ponta Delgada Consulate’s main function is to “maintain the historic ties of partnership and friendship with the people and government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores of Portugal,” as well as to “provide high-quality service to US citizens in the Azores safeguarding their safety and well-being” and to “increase educational commercial and cultural exchanges between the US and the Azores especially in renewable energy and green technology development Although there has been a vice-consul in the Azores since 1790 Consulate was formally established in the Azores on July 7 making it the oldest continuously operating U.S the Consulate was transferred to Ponta Delgada in April 1899 missions around the world had been asked to look into reducing both American and locally employed staff by at least 10 percent as President Trump and Elon Musk unleash an unprecedented cost-cutting effort across the U.S is also on the list of consular posts reported for potential closure Material from Reuters and Lusa was used in this report Accor has expanded its presence in Portugal by opening its latest property the hotel is set in the restored Pensão Central The Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores offers guests a fusion of past and present with a design focused on sustainability and energy efficiency and meeting facilities capable of accommodating up to 60 guests The interior design reflects the natural beauty of São Miguel from volcanic landscapes to verdant tea fields and travel artifacts that aim to connect them with the history and spirit of the destination The Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores staff have compiled a range of guest recommendations These include visiting the Porto Formoso Tea Factory where guests can experience a traditional tea brewing process or witness a period-costumed tea harvest each May The opening of the Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores marks a significant milestone for Accor as it now operates 38 hotels across Portugal The hotel's debut also coincides with Mercure's recent celebrations of its 50th anniversary in 2023 and the brand's achievement of surpassing 1,000 hotels worldwide in 2024 the capital of the Azores and home to the new hotel is a destination celebrated for its cultural heritage The city's roots date back to the 15th century offering a rich history for visitors to explore Click here to join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest hotel news and trends Copyright © Hotel News Resource & Nevistas | All rights reserved Octant Ponta Delgada is a gastronomic paradise on São Miguel Island Rui Soares/Courtesy of Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada From left: Courtesy of Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada; Hugo Moreira/Courtesy of Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada From left: Courtesy of Octant Furnas; Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure is among 17 consulates slated for potential closure under a cost-cutting initiative by the Trump administration.  the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it has received no formal notification from US authorities regarding the closure.  “There is no indication to that effect,” the ministry said adding that the government has had “no contact” from the United States on this matter Politico and The New York Times reported that the U.S was evaluating the closure of several diplomatic missions as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy Portuguese officials reiterated that no official communication had been received This plan is part of a broader effort to reduce the State Department’s budget by nearly 50% aiming to cut over $30 billion in fiscal year 2026 The closures are influenced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) which seeks to streamline federal operations and reduce expenditures Reuters reported that the State Department is seeking to reduce its global workforce and shut down nearly a dozen consulates worldwide in the coming months The list reportedly includes Ponta Delgada and Hamburg (Germany); Florence (Italy); and Belo Horizonte (Brazil) These measures are said to be part of a new “Department of Government Efficiency” plan spearheaded by Elon Musk aiming to slash $2 billion in federal spending The US Consulate in the Azores holds historic significance as the oldest continuously operating American consulate in the world when President George Washington appointed John Street as the U.S Consul during Thomas Jefferson’s tenure as Secretary of State the consulate was relocated to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island in April 1899 Its mission includes supporting American citizens in the region and fostering educational locals and US citizens in the Azores are advised to contact the US Embassy in Lisbon or refer to official communications from the embassy The Azores (population 250,000) is a region of Portugal composed of nine islands discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976 The government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores includes the Legislative Assembly elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; the Regional Government and Presidency a Vice-President and seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government’s executive operations The Autonomous Region of the Azores is represented in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government by a representative appointed by the President of Portugal over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent live in the United States It is estimated that over 20,000 US citizens live in Portugal Aircraft arrive in the morning from North America and connect to Europe Cape Verde Islands and within the Azores.  Kurt Hofmann has been writing on the airline industry for 25 years Swiss and German television and broadcasting… SATA Air Açores Group Privatization Crucial For Azores’ Connectivity is published in Aviation Daily an Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) Market Briefing and is included with your AWIN membership Already a member of AWIN or subscribe to Aviation Daily through your company? Login with your existing email and password Not a member?  Learn how to access the market intelligence and data you need to stay abreast of what's happening in the air transport community insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily exclusive experiences and our expertly curated destination guides reviews of rare spirits and delicious cocktail recipes pioneering yacht builds and boundary-pushing private jets Explore the worlds of haute horology and fine jewelry as well as carefully selected style guides Explore the finest properties on the market standout interior styling and architectural wonders From science-backed retreats to traditional spas Be inspired by our conversations with Leaders in Luxury Elite Collections is a trusted distinction of excellence Get insider access to luxury’s best-kept secrets and exclusive offers Elevate your inbox with the best in refined living Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.You will recieve a confirmation shortly our writer indulges on the culinary gems of Europe's hidden jewel The Azores, nine islands 870 miles west of Lisbon, is as far west as you can go in Europe. Most of it is a wild paradise with volcanoes to hike up, hydrangea-covered hills to wander through, and top-notch surfing – the ‘Hawaii of Europe,’ some say. And now you can add a growing number of boutique hotels some of which are sporting top chefs building an exciting dining scene – one that is making the most of the archipelago’s particularly flavorful produce Stallholders in the Mercado do Graça in Ponta Delgada the Azorean capital on the main island of São Miguel are trying to outdo each other with their displays of homegrown pineapples And they have something to shout about: They are the only pineapples grown in Europe introduced in the 19th century after a pressing need for a cash crop and not exactly easy to cultivate the morning before eating a delicious lunch prepared by locals we aren’t piling into people’s homes – this is all part of a culinary event called Como em Casa (‘Like at Home’) which invites amateur cooks into a professional hotel kitchen It’s an initiative dreamed up by forward-thinking Portuguese boutique hotel group Octant that places localism at the heart of operations and aims to highlight the knowledge and flavors of each region in its restaurants Boasting impressive sustainability and eco-friendly credentials with properties from the Douro to the Algarve taking the event – and the legacy it leaves – to each of its hotels with its smart new sea view suites and new food and wine shop [See also: Delve into the Mediterranean Diet at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel] A goodie basket in our room greets us on arrival and it’s laden with the best the island has to offer from the sweet pastries queijadas de Vila Franca to addictive typically smothered over fresh cheese and served at the start of every meal here who brings the stories to life as we move around the market feeding us samples of local specialties and introducing us to the people who make it happen – from the hotel’s butcher to its fruit and vegetable supplier And thanks should go to Octant Ponta Delgada’s Como em Casa coordinator discovered the amateur village cooks who wanted to share their recipes and stories who shares his grandmother’s deeply flavored chorizo made piquant with local pepper pimenta da terra; and we meet home cook Vânia and try her bread-stuffed mackerel laced with sweet paprika and her light Last out is Marilia and her melting beef stew from her home on Terceira Island and finishing with Faial Island speciality fofas fennel-flecked buns filled with a lemony cream Eyes sparkle as they each run through their recipes in the hotel’s À Terra restaurant who is clearly getting as much out of it as the amateur cooks Azores’ cuisine is Europe’s best-kept secret The nutrient-rich volcanic soil gives a distinct terroir to the food produced here from the highly prized beef (there are said to be more cattle than people in the Azores) to the dialed-up flavors of the fruit and vegetables but the terroir is most notable in the abundance of cow’s milk cheeses which range from soft and creamy to hard and salty named after the island where it is made; it’s a tangy semi-hard raw cow’s milk cheese that silences the group as we nibble on it at the market’s best cheese shop We tried it again for lunch with an ambrosial Azorean fortified wine plucked from the hotel’s list packed with local wines Wine has been produced here since the 15th century – but like with the pineapples from the strong Atlantic winds to birds scoffing the grapes but producers stick with it because the potential is huge The revival began here more than a decade ago thanks largely to the Azores Wine Company (AWC) and its star Portuguese winemaker António Maçanita who made it his mission to revive forgotten grape varieties Add to that a curious training system where vines grow through cracks in the volcanic rocks enclosed in centuries-old stone currais that protect against the Atlantic winds and you have a unique terroir one listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2004 And there’s a smart winery accommodation on-site and chef-to-watch Rui Batista in the kitchen who serves up a stunning tasting menu to match AWC’s equally exciting wines At the other end of the presentation scale a traditional hearty stew of meats and vegetables slow-cooked in a hot spring We’re back on São Miguel to try this Furnas speciality the town famous for its rejuvenating hot springs just a 45-minute drive east of Octant Ponta Delgada With more than a whiff of Jurassic Park about it (it smells faintly of sulfur) the old geothermal power station is now a swanky 55-bedroom boutique hotel – Octant Furnas boasts its own hot springs employing a sustainability manager to keep things on track Part of the Octant mission is to keep local traditions alive – and what better way to do that than by getting the guests involved in making cozido before topping with cabbage to keep things moist The pot is then wrapped tightly in cloth before being transported by car to the hot springs and lowered into the ground where it will remain for the next six hours We use that time for an appetite-building walk around Furnas Lake trying to spot a priolo (an Azores bullfinch) found only on São Miguel and to plot a return visit to this remarkable pontadelgada.octanthotels [See also: Experience the Authentic Food of Nevis on this Culinary Tour] Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email The Teatro Micaelense will focus on music and dance throughout the months of May and June.  they will present the show “Um português e um brasileiro entram num bar” on 19 and 20 May to celebrate the similarities and differences between the Portuguese language used in both countries they will also have the show “Vamos todos morrer ao vivo” including the choreographic composition “Acorrentados” by Ana Cosme (31 May) by the company Bodybuilders together with choreographer Rafael Alavares (07 June) by the dance studio Ana Cymbron and the Osquestra de Sopros do Conservatório Regional de Ponta Delgada (14 June) There will also be educational workshops for theatre lessons on 23 and 31 May said that their goal is to reach a larger audience and include more locals national and international in their schedule We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal The Azores is known as the 'Hawaii of Europe'—with whale watching and dramatic volcanic scenery NEW BEDFORD – New Bedford and Ponta Delgada in the Azores may be on their way to becoming sister cities Ponta Delgada Mayor Pedro do Nascimento Cabral raised the sister city idea to Mayor Jon Mitchell during a recent visit to New Bedford as part of his trip to Massachusetts from June 5 to 11 Mayor Cabral told O Jornal he hopes this agreement would further help deepen the shared historical and economic ties that bind the two cities hailing from the municipality of Ponta Delgada has an important representation in the city of New Bedford,” said Mayor Cabral “Azoreans are contributing to the economic social and cultural development of New Bedford and are recognized for their relevant professional and personal skills.” The two mayors were together at the Portuguese flag raising ceremony as part of the Day of Portugal celebration in the Whaling City where Mayor Cabral publicly challenged Mayor Mitchell to formalize the Sister City relationship Mayor Mitchell welcomed Mayor Cabral to City Hall and the two had the opportunity to further discuss the subject “I think it’s a great idea,” Mayor Mitchell told O Jornal “The contributions to New Bedford by immigrants from Ponta Delgada and the rest of São Miguel have been profound and the relationships among our residents and theirs are deeply intertwined I look forward to working with Mayor Cabral to formalize the connection between the two cities – a Sister City Agreement.” Mayor Cabral said the next step would be to see when it would be a good time for Mayor Mitchell to visit the Azores and sign the Sister Cities protocol “We’ll work to make it as soon as possible,” said the Ponta Delgada mayor “Our intention is to take advantage of a special occasion in which Mayor Jon Mitchell can reconcile his schedule with a major event we have in Ponta Delgada the Santo Christo Feast or even the Day of Ponta Delgada New Bedford would be Ponta Delgada’s second sister city in Massachusetts Fall River and Ponta Delgada have been sister cities since 1978 Ponta Delgada is also “twinned” with Newport Through the Regional Directorate for Communities and the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities the Government of the Azores is promoting the “Thinking about the Diaspora” colloquium on 20 and 21 March the colloquium aims to promote in-depth reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing the Azorean diaspora explore new ways of strengthening ties between communities and their roots and create conditions for defining development strategies that take into account their future based on the strategic contribution of prestigious figures with extensive experience in numerous sectors of the communities with an opening session attended by the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores The inaugural conference will follow at 11:30 a.m. a full professor at Brown University in the United States of America The plenary sessions will begin at 3:00 p.m with the “Political Panel,” featuring António Cabral a member of parliament for the State of Massachusetts (USA) Regional Councillor for the City of Brampton and the Region of Peel in Ontario (Canada) press officer for the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities the “Cultural Panel” will feature interventions by Lélia Nunes president of the Academia Catarinense de Letras and director of cultural heritage for the Government of the State of Santa Catarina (Brazil) moderated by journalist Sidónio Bettencourt The last panel of the first day of the colloquium from the University of British Columbia (Canada) director of the newspaper Açoriano Oriental with the “Economic Panel,” featuring Duarte Miranda former vice-president of the Royal Bank of Canada (Canada) founder of the company MAJAM in São Paulo (Brazil) deputy director of the newspaper Correio dos Açores with the “Generational Panel,” featuring Richard Ambrósio president of the Portuguese Cultural Association (Bermuda) vice-president of Casa dos Açores Los Azorenos (Uruguay) director of the Portuguese Times newspaper (USA) director of the LusoPresse newspaper (Canada) executive director of the Diário dos Açores newspaper with the presentation of the “Institutional Panel” president of the World Council of Houses of the Azores (USA) coordinator of Commission 1 (Brazil and Uruguay) of the Azorean Diaspora Council (Brazil) coordinator of Commission 2 (United States and Bermuda) of the Azorean Diaspora Council (USA) coordinator of Commission 3 (Canada) of the Azorean Diaspora Council (Canada) The papers presented at this colloquium will constitute the essential content of the first issue of the magazine AÇORIANIDADE to be published annually by the Regional Directorate for Communities By carrying out initiatives of this nature the Government of the Azores aims to strengthen ties between the Azorean communities spread throughout the world and their homeland collaboration and the development of joint solutions that strengthen the Azorean identity and foster the progress of the various communities involved Source: Press Release @ portal.azores.gov BOSTON – Boston Archbishop Richard G. Henning has been invited by Bishop Armando Esteves Domingues of Angra and the Diocese of the Azores to preside at the Santo Cristo Feast in Ponta Delgada Known as the most important religious celebration in the Azores the feast attracts thousands of visitors every year among them many Azorean immigrants from Massachusetts and Rhode Island Archbishop Henning, who served as bishop of the Providence Diocese before he was installed as archbishop of Boston on Oct told O Jornal he has developed a deep appreciation for the Portuguese-speaking communities their faith and contributions since moving to this region a couple of years ago “Rhode Island has a long history of immigration from the Azores there are 10 parishes founded to serve the sacramental and pastoral needs of Portuguese speaking Catholics I came to appreciate the contribution made by these communities to the Catholic faith and to the wider society Portuguese speakers were among the veterans I especially appreciated the vibrant community and philanthropic organizations.” who served parishes in his native state of New York until he was appointed by Pope Francis as Coadjutor Bishop of Providence in November 2022 and then as Bishop of Providence in 2023 said he was delighted to participate in Portuguese feasts and processions in Rhode Island such as Our Lady of the Rosary in Fox Point I considered making my own pilgrimages to the places of origin for this deep faith,” Archbishop Henning said The Santo Christo Feast date changes every year as its Procession always takes place on the fifth Sunday after Easter The official schedule is yet to be announced Archbishop Henning is expected to be the principal celebrant at the Solemn Eucharist of the feast on Sunday May 25 and in the afternoon take part in the Grand Procession which lasts several hours and travels through the main streets of Downtown Ponta Delgada which are covered by colorful flower-laid mats and lined up by thousands of faithful The invitation for him to preside at the Santo Cristo Feast came last summer when Bishop Domingues visited this region to be a guest of honor at the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England held in Fall River “It seemed a perfect opportunity to honor the importances of Azorean communities in Providence and learn more about their life of faith,” Archbishop Henning said “Now that the Holy Father has sent me to a new mission in the Archdiocese of Boston I look forward to getting to know the communities of Massachusetts I wished to maintain my commitment to making the pilgrimage I am grateful to our communities for their witness of faith and for the warm welcome they extend to me as their new Archbishop.” In April 2025, the International Football Tournament Azores U11 organized by Clube União Micaelense of São Miguel will bring 32 teams to the Azores The General Director of Clube União Micaelense was in the United States this week to promote the 17th edition of the tournament and also held meetings with several clubs and other organizations involved in the promotion of youth soccer “It is a tournament that places teams from literally almost the whole world in the middle of the Atlantic,” Furtado said “We have had teams from five continents in the tournament.” The tournament has a single age group: U-11 The upcoming tournament will mark the 10th anniversary of the participation of the first team from this area: Fall River United we always have the [Azorean] diaspora fully represented,” Furtado said We will have four teams from the United States The four teams from the United States come from New Jersey two from Connecticut and one from Rhode Island which has participated in six consecutive seasons But soccer is not the most important component of the tournament it is a tournament with a very big social character,” he said Three days that transform Ponta Delgada into the capital of youth soccer in the Azores.” teams will be coming from a very wide range of countries “In addition to the teams from the [Azorean] diaspora we will have two teams from South Africa,” he said “We will have Sporting CP and FC Porto back as they have participated regularly in recent years We’ll have several teams from the mainland it is a cultural mix that we are going to put in the middle of the Atlantic The games - 96 games in all - will all be played on the same field At the genesis of the tournament is the desire to promote the autonomous region and to link the best of several worlds with youth soccer being the common dominator “The main reason for us to bring all these people together in the middle of the Atlantic is to show the good things that the Azores has to offer - the landscapes the cuisine - through youth soccer,” Furtado said “The game appears as the least important amid all of this That's the magic of the União Micaelense Tournament the most important thing about this tournament is what happens off the field He said that anyone who has experienced the tournament knows this is true but what takes place off the pitch is much more important The bonds that are created between kids from different parts of the world and in the Azores He said the number of teams interested in participating in the tournament has increased from year to year organizers regret not being able to accept “everyone who wants to participate because there are quotas,” he said there is also the Macaronesia line that has always been present “Teams from the other islands also have to be present They must be present because for us it is as important to have a team from Flores as it is to have Manchester United as it affirms our social responsibility to give the chance for these kids from Flores to have this contact with teams from all over the world.” The tournament is always held during Easter weekend to take advantage of school vacation “The teams start arriving on Sunday and by Wednesday they will all be in Ponta Delgada,” he noted “The tournament begins on Wednesday with the opening ceremony It is estimated that the tournament will bring about 5,000 people to Ponta Delgada because “when these kids come to play in these tournaments they don't come alone an event of this size has a tremendous impact on the local economy “The government is aware of this,” he said “We have the support of the Regional Government because they are aware of what this represents for our economy All teams participating in the tournament will have the opportunity to visit some of the main tourist attractions in S one or two tours around the island,” he said Nordeste - and the other in Sete Cidades.” Regarding clubs in this area that may be interested in participating in future editions of the tournament, since the lineup for 2025 is already set, he said the best way is for them to contact Luís Melim at LMelim@comcast.net “We also have a Facebook page that provides all the information and shows the matches live,” he said The 'Clube União Micaelense Children's Football Tournament’ Facebook page can be visited at https://www.facebook.com/IFTAzoresU11/?_rdr A TAP flight that was travelling from Lisbon to Miami last night had to land in Ponta Delgada due to a passengers "inappropriate behaviour" had to make an emergency landing in Ponta Delgada after a series of assaults occurred on board a 45-year-old man from Portugal attacked two people inside the aircraft and endangered the physical integrity of the passengers and crew the PSP entered the plane and arrested the suspect The two victims of the attacks did not need to receive hospital treatment and the flight returned to Lisbon at 00:10 am on Thursday whereby passengers were accommodated in hotels and are expected to resume their journey to Miami today He should definitely receive a jail term and have to pay for all expenses incurred by the airline and compensation to the passengers and to all those that may be reading this post I understand how upsetting must've been to be on that flight.. but does anyone knows what really happened and how I was on this flight and one of the passengers that was attacked was seated next to me He got into a verbal argument with a flight attendant trying to calm him I believe the physical assaults were probably minor (pushing not hitting) I will be reaching out to the airline for a refund They displaced us and gave us hotel vouchers and 18 euro for meal This route to Miami was a connecting flight from Madrid This passenger has been causing issues from the terminal gate in Madrid Unfortunately they allowed him to board and then catch the long 8:45 hours flight to Miami About 3 hours into the route it was diverted to the Azores which took about 1.5 hours where police arrested him The airlines then went one by one overhead bag to confirm whose bag was whose to be retrieved for the passenger which made the Situation even harder as we all waited in the plane for another couple of hours before we departed back to Lisbon I know one person was hurt and continued with the flight to Miami TAP could’ve done better once we landed when they had separated parents with young children Everyone was cutting the line to be serviced They separated everyone but with no direction as to what would be next so stand in the group of people to be serviced for info on what’s next at this time it was about 5am local time I am guessing It was hard keeping track of time not being from EU I missed 2 days of work and the lack of sleep was exhausting I hope to travel through TAP again but I hope they can figure this mess out for next time I don’t know if he was drinking or drunk but he was with his parents It’s my understanding he was being threatening and fought his dad The attendants were avoiding him when he walked to the back of the cabin while I waited for the casa do banho I felt bad for dad as he had a very mark on his face and mom was not seen when we landed back in Lisbon I think maybe she stayed behind with her son at Porto Delgada I’m not sure but a lot of people witnessed his behavior The guy punched the dad and continued to threaten the flight attendants as he paced up and down the aisle of the aircraft asking for air Marshall to take him It was a very tense scene as there were small a children on board The parents stayed on the air taxi and did not get off The TAP Air Portugal plane was grounded at Ponta Delgada Airport on Sao Miguel Island until the aircraft was accessed for damage SATA Azores Airlines is making changes to its North American network for the upcoming summer season dropping several routes introduced in 2024 Kennedy International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport will not return this summer three routes from Porto Airport to the same destinations are also not scheduled to resume The airline introduced five of the six routes during the summer of 2024 with the Funchal-New York service launching in November 2021 The Porto flights marked Azores Airlines’ return to transatlantic operations from mainland Portugal following the suspension of Lisbon-Boston and Lisbon-Toronto routes in October 2017 Despite the discontinuation of nonstop services the airline plans to maintain one-stop flights from Funchal to New York and Toronto via Ponta Delgada according to data from OAG Schedules Analyser The carrier also intends to offer one-stop connections from Porto to Boston and New York through Ponta Delgada Other network changes this summer include the suspension of flights from Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) to Bermuda and London Gatwick Airport Terceira-Oakland is also not scheduled to resume frequencies from PDL to Faro will rise from 3X to 4X-weekly while both Frankfurt and Milan Malpensa will increase from 2X to 3X-weeky In its financial results for the nine months to Sept and Canada services from Funchal and Porto—mostly operated as part of an ACMI agreement—were “unsuitable commercial options mainly due to the increased costs involved.” “The latter effect was particularly noticeable in the third quarter of 2024 as the ACMI operation took place between June and September which was not the case in 2023,” the company said Azores Airlines reported an average load factor of 85.7% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024 a decrease of 1.2 percentage points compared to the same period in 2023 The decline was attributed to increased capacity from the use of larger aircraft including ACMI operations involving “oversized aircraft,” which negatively impacted load factor Operating costs also increased by €28.6 million ($29.3 million) in Q3 its operational plan would focus on its “core routes,” linking the Azores with Portugal and strong inbound tourist destinations such as France the global route development community's trusted source for news and information Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly 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Azores Here she shares a one-week itinerary for first-timers to São Miguel I was born and raised on the Azores Islands and these are the questions people ask me the most: Is it always raining sometimes answering involves me printing out a map of the archipelago and asking lots of follow-up questions.  This one-week itinerary covers the three largest islands: São Miguel, Terceira, and Pico. I’m sure you’ll want to return to explore the other six. When to arrive: The best time to visit the Azores is between June and August The weather is warmer; it’s beach season; it’s the best time for whale watching; and you’ll find more cultural events and festivals.  How to get to/from the airports: Driving is the best option to travel between the airports and the islands’ main cities – public transit on the islands is hit-and-miss plus understanding each network is confusing and time-consuming.  What to pack: A light, waterproof jacket is your best friend in the Azores. Although it's not always raining, the weather can shift quickly throughout the day. In summer, pack swimwear – there's always a spot for an ocean dip somewhere Planning tip: To travel between islands, optimize your time by choosing the earliest flights possible and the ones with the least layovers. Research and book flights using the multi-city option on Azores Airlines Most international flights land in Aeroporto João Paulo II (PDL) on the largest island a great way to ease into the Azores experience – not too remote to feel isolated How to spend the day: Day one calls for a slow start and get accustomed to urban life by the ocean Shake any jet lag or long-flight drowsiness with a walk in the historic center Dinner: A Tasca is a great place for your first taste of traditional Azorean cuisine Morning: Hire a taxi or drive from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades (30km/ 18 miles) Most travelers head straight to Miradouro da Vista do Rei for the views over the blue and green lakes – although stopping here is a must after seeing São Miguel’s most famous landscape drive down the winding road that leads to the center of the quiet lakeside village Take a break: Head to Casa de Chá O Poejo for a light lunch ask to pack your meal and have an impromptu picnic by the lake.   Afternoon: One of the top beaches in São Miguel it's also a family's favorite in the summers Whether it's a good day for a swim or relaxing by the shore Dinner: Ponta Delgada’s artistic district O Quarteirão has some of the best restaurants in town, including the local institution Rotas da Ilha Verde one of the city’s first vegan and vegetarian restaurants In the evening: If you still have the energy wrap up your day with a cocktail at Résvés Street Bar How to spend the day: Start early and take the scenic road EN1-1A towards Furnas so I suggest a stop mid-way in Vila Franca do Campo to stretch your legs and see the islet from Miradouro Ilhéu da Vila.  Take in the view, but hit the road soon, so you reach Furnas around mid-morning. You’ll want to explore the walking paths of Parque Terra Nostra and soak in their pool of naturally heated water and visit the caldeiras (puddles of scalding water in the village center) before lunch. The shallow pools at Poça da Dona Beija are safer for non-swimmers whether you had the traditional cozido (meat-and-potatoes stew cooked underground in volcanic steam) or not stop by Padaria Glória Moniz for coffee and get a few bolos lêvedos (traditional Furnas sweet bread) for the road Dinner: Head to the fishing town Rabo de Peixe for an early dinner at Botequim Açoriano Planning tip: For cozido das Furnas, make reservations at least one week in advance. Restaurante Tony’s is one of the best spots in town to try this local dish Take a break: Grab a coffee or a glass of wine, and unwind at cozy, dog-friendly family-owned bookstore, cafe, and cultural venue Lar Doce Livro you'll likely stumble upon some event with local artists Dinner: You can’t leave Terceira without trying alcatra (stew in a clay pot) Boca Negra is one of the best places to have it How to spend the day: Drive from Angra do Heroísmo to Serra de Santa Bárbara Interpretation Center to learn about one of the volcanoes that formed Terceira Island Take in the views from Miradouro de Santa Bárbara and then head north to Biscoitos One of the busiest beach destinations in the summer this town is also known for its wine.  Dinner: Drive along the coast to Praia da Vitória to grab dinner at O Pescador a traditional seaside restaurant known for fish dishes In the evening: A post-dinner walk along the promenade by the beach before driving back to Angra is a great way to start saying goodbye to Terceira.  head to Porto da Areia Larga – the starting point of a hiking trail leading to the vineyards at Criação Velha.  Take a break: When walking back to Madalena, stop by Atlântico Tea and Wine House for petiscos (food to share) and local wine by the glass Dinner: Make reservations for one of the tasting menus paired with selected local wines served at Azores Wine Company – or choose one of the smaller menus with petiscos.  Dinner: Have a sushi dinner made with local products at the Japanese restaurant with a view Mar Sushi Terrace In the evening: A trip to Pico isn’t complete without a visit to Cella Bar. Order the Cella Wine Tasting to bid the Azores farewell. The Sindicato dos Pilotos de Aviação Civil (SPAC) issued a strong warning regarding “serious and recurring failures” in the operations of Azores Airlines raising concerns about the company’s financial stability and urging a thorough vetting of the Newtour/MS Aviation consortium the sole bidder in the airline’s privatisation process SPAC noted that the operational issues have persisted since September 2024 and undermining the confidence of both employees and passengers Among the key concerns is the frequent leasing of aircraft with crew (ACMI) and the continued insistence on maintaining a central hub in Ponta Delgada despite lacking the necessary technical and logistical infrastructure calling it a sign of outdated and inefficient management practices SPAC also condemned the silence of the current board in response to these criticisms and expressed alarm over the airline’s undisclosed 2024 financial results which it says casts doubt on the company’s financial health SPAC is calling on the Azorean Government to verify the technical and labour credentials of the Newtour/MS Aviation consortium It also criticised management practices such as frequent calls for pilots to work on rest days lack of transparency in career progressions and favouritism in appointments to leadership and technical roles Negotiations over the privatisation of Azores Airlines are ongoing, following the European Commission's approval in 2022 of a €453.25 million Portuguese state aid package to support the airline’s restructuring which includes selling a controlling 51% stake 9 missing after capsized boat washes ashore near San Diego Northeast: Days of showers and storms for some Halley's Comet to set off meteor shower Monday night Soggy South Central states: Intense downpours to renew flooding risk Two people killed when small plane crashes into California homes Staffing shortage causes 7 days of major delays at Newark Airport Coyote drinks from Los Angeles salon's skylight The REAL ID deadline is less than a week away Fungi could be used to build homes one day Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications A direct service between Bermuda and the Azores that was launched to acclaim in June 2021 will not be reinstated next summer Skyport, operator of LF Wade International Airport, said that Sata Azores International had halted its link between the island and Ponta Delgada Travellers took to social media to express disappointment while travel agency Trip Ltd said it was in talks aimed at organising charter flights in 2025 Skyport told The Royal Gazette: “While Skyport is equally disappointed in the suspension of the Sata Azores International services from Ponta Delgada airlines consistently evaluate and adjust routes based on strategic “We continue to work closely with several airlines in conjunction with the Bermuda Airport Authority and the Bermuda Tourism Authority to ensure Bermuda has adequate airlift and expanding destinations Bermuda continues to have a record number of non-stop gateways with additional options commencing in the summer of 2025.” said the company was exploring charter flights to service the route next summer She said she was to hold meetings in the Azores in the new year the same as I use for the Christmas flights the Honorary Consul of Portugal in Bermuda said she had been fighting to keep the flight but added that the airline had been operating at a loss She said: “I was very disappointed to hear of the official news I can confirm that I was advised by management at Azores Airlines [Sata] that the summer operation has been operating at a loss for the last few years and only on certain dates were the flights at their actual full capacity.” She said the carrier was undergoing “restructuring and a possible privatisation” “I was hoping that the reciprocation of driving licence issues would have been solved by the Bermuda Government entering into a reciprocation agreement would have helped in filling up these flights to PDL [Ponta Delgada] by Bermudians which would have helped with some of deficit Azores Airlines has been facing with the direct flights to Bermuda.” Bermudian drivers have run into obstacles in the Portuguese territory and elsewhere with their driving licences no longer accepted for car rentals Ms Moniz DeSouza said: “I know that Trip Ltd were in the Azores last week and had a meeting with Azores Airlines to set up charter flights for the summer “How many and when they would be scheduled for still remains to be seen but I have been informed that Trip will be making an announcement about it in January Bermudians can still enjoy the Azores by flying through Boston It’s a beautiful place to visit and while it may take a little longer not going direct until this issue is sorted She added: “I am remaining positive this is not the end of direct flights for the future and even the possibility of using Bermuda and PDL as a stop over to other locations in the world I know I will continue to fight for this cause along with many others “I am also remaining positive that Bermuda Government will very shortly take action on the reciprocation of the driver’s licence issue which would be of great benefit to Bermudians not just in respect to this issue but all of Europe also.” a former attorney-general who was honoured by legislators in the Azores for his years of public service and promotion of Bermudian heritage The Bermuda Government should closely examine whether it can assist.” A post, purportedly made on the Facebook group The Bermuda Flyer, was shared earlier on another Facebook group, Bermuda Bargains and attracted comments from disappointed travellers The copied post does not appear to be on The Bermuda Flyer group page It claimed that Bermuda was one of the five routes to be cancelled by the airline including Ponta Delgada to London Terceira to Oakland and services from Porto or Madeira to North America The post went on to claim the airline had cited financial challenges with the carrier cutting the number of aircraft on offer where the craft maintenance and insurance are included in the price of a charter Commenters suggested that other airlines should work on introducing a flight with many highlighting the Ponta Delgada route’s popularity Another wrote: “That flight was always booked solid The first in a series of summer flights between Bermuda and the Azores was welcomed to LF Wade International Airport with a shower from fire trucks on the runway The seasonal weekly service resumed this year for travel dates between June and September The connection was operated on Airbus A321 Neo equipment Ponta Delgada is the capital of Sao Miguel the largest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago Neither the airline nor the Government responded to questions by press time You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote Which of the Throne Speech promises is the Government best equipped to deliver on View Results Lloyd's List is part of Maritime Intelligence This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Maritime Insights & Intelligence Limited, registered in England and Wales with company number 13831625 and address c/o Hackwood Secretaries Limited, One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ, United Kingdom. Lloyd’s List Intelligence is a trading name of Maritime Insights & Intelligence Limited. Lloyd’s is the registered trademark of the Society Incorporated by the Lloyd’s Act 1871 by the name of Lloyd’s. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use. For high-quality copies or electronic reprints for distribution to colleagues or customers, please call UK support at +44 (0)20 3377 3996 / APAC support at +65 6508 2430 A fire broke out on a cargo deck yesterday morning about 90 nautical miles south-southwest of the Azores, Portugal. The 22-strong crew were picked up by a crude oil tanker and the rescue was co-ordinated through Ponta Delgada Maritime Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre  A subscription is required to continue reading this content. Your username does not meet the requirements. Sorry - public email accounts are not allowed. Please provide a work email address. An account with that username already exists. Unfortunately we've not been able to process your registration. 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FORECASTSEND US YOUR PICTURESPlane forced to land after 132 hamsters escape their cages in the cargo holdby WKRC PONTA DELGADA, Portugal (WKRC) - An airplane was forced to ground for days after 132 hamsters escaped their cages in the cargo hold and ran rampant throughout the plane. TAP Air Portugal's Airbus A321neo was flying from Lisbon to the island of Ponta Delgada on Nov. 13 with an interesting load in the cargo hold. Cages full of ferrets, birds, and 132 hamsters were on their way to a pet shop on the island, according to Portuguese aviation news outlet Aviação TV. When the plane landed and airport workers opened the cargo hold to retrieve the passengers' luggage, they instantly realized some of the cages had been damaged and the hamsters were gone. There were no reports of any missing birds or ferrets. Over the course of four days ground crews scoured the plane to find the 132 hamsters, according to Aviação TV. They reported that by Nov. 16, 16 of the hamsters had still not been recovered. The Portuguese outlet said the plane finally reopened for passengers on Nov. 17. 2024Miradouro da Vista Do Rei in the Azores.Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links Spiky pineapples popping out of the ground, volcanic rock spilling into the azure ocean, and thermal pools steaming with heat. You may think I’m waxing poetic about Hawaii This string of nine volcanic outposts between Portugal and the United States is as lush an island paradise as you’ll find anywhere in Europe it’s been a longtime favorite for adventurous Europeans lacing up their hiking boots or road-tripping the island’s craggy corners—and now Dolphins in front of Mount Pico.Photo: Getty ImagesThe largest and most populous of its islands is São Miguel nicknamed the “Green Island” for its pastoral rolling hills dotted with dairy cows travelers can drive from west to east in an hour and a half The island’s startlingly wild volcanic landscapes and endless scenic viewpoints mean that it will actually take days and head for the hydrangea-lined roads of Portugal’s “Big Island” equivalent An outdoor pool at Octant Furnas.Photo: Courtesy of Octant FurnasThe majority of accommodation is located in the island’s capital city of Ponta Delgada budget-friendly hotels to small boutique hideaways But the allure of the Azores isn’t found along concrete sidewalks; the best places to stay in São Miguel are sprinkled around its green countryside and charming villages Located down the hill from the steaming and sputtering geothermal Caldeiras the smell of sulfur lingers in the air outside the vintage-inspired yet simple rooms But the best part of the hotel is the spacious spa featuring various pools filled with geothermal waters heated to different temperatures they’re overflowing with helpful Azores ideas for your trip The owner makes his own gin and encourages a gin-swap program with the hopes of having the largest collection in the world this year its traditional white exterior and terracotta roof house nine modern suites and two villas breezy interiors with pops of orange and waves so close that the sound of crashing against the cliffs will lull you to sleep Grab a drink from the bar and sit in their outdoor area made for watching surfers wait for a table inside for comforting croquettes and fresh seafood design-focused pizzeria serves the island’s best Neapolitan pies paired with a killer soundtrack If you’re in Furnas, a pit stop at Queijaria Furnense is practically a requirement This shop makes all their own cheese and cheese-flavored chocolates Order a variety board with a selection of their hand-made favorites don’t leave without tucking into their infamously addictive garlic bread volcano-made swimming hole has warm geothermal water cooled by the ocean waves Take water shoes as the rocks can be sharp A view of the lighthouse of Ponta da Ferraria.Photo: Getty ImagesThe Miradouro da Boca do Inferno graces the cover of every Azores advert The stunning lookout spot over the volcanic crater lakes on the island’s west side is worth braving the inevitable crowds Another fantastic volcanic crater lookout is in the middle of the island Lagoa do Fogo is a water reservoir with an emerald lake that may as well be cut from a scene in Jurassic Park Travelers can take the path down to the shores of the lake for a peaceful hike but just be prepared to climb the steep path back to the top head across the street into its rolling tea hills for a circular one-ish hour hike that reveals panoramic ocean views The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month The rockslide occurred on Regional Road 211 near the restaurant ‘As Pedras’ but there was significant damage to the ground Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email FALL RIVER — The Gates of the City are about to come alive with a unique music festival Freestyle Madness presents the Decades of Dreams outdoor music festival on Saturday This freestyle music festival is for all ages Paul Lopes of Entourage Productions said in an email to The Herald News that this event will feature performers from all over the world this festival will be one that freestyle fans won’t soon forget Lopes described it as promising to be a “breathtaking experience.” “I have been doing these shows for 12 years now between Venus de Milo and White's of Westport with a huge fanbase from the Fall River area,” Lopes said “I wanted to bring my biggest show yet to the city I grew up in and reward the fans for all the years of incredible support.” How to join the fun at the Decades of Dreams festivalHeld at the Gates of the City on Ponta Delgada Boulevard There will be multiple entrances with a team to process tickets Lopes said “safety is top priority” for the festival and there will be walk-through metal detectors No shopping bags or backpacks will be permitted Decades of Dreams will feature something for everyone Lopes said the thing he’s most excited about is bringing “such a diverse lineup” of performers to the Gates of the City and he said it will “be something to remember.” Tickets are available via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/decadesofdreamsma Group package and VIP tickets are sold out All ticket sales are final and non-refundable Parking options are 18 Pocasset St. A shuttle service will be available at Pocasset Street The shuttle service will run on a constant loop contact Entourage Productions at 774-365-0507 Direct service between Bermuda and the Azores will resume next month while other airlines tweak their schedules for the holiday period According to the December flight schedule, published by Skyport this week Sata Airlines will fly between Bermuda and Ponta Delgada twice next month with flights scheduled for December 10 and 17 BermudAir will add several flights to its regular schedule temporarily bolstering service to Orlando and Halifax with extra flights to both cities on December 21 and 28 The airline will continue to offer five weekly flights to Boston and Westchester two weekly flights to Baltimore and weekly service to Fort Lauderdale American Airlines will continue to offer daily service to New York and Miami throughout December but daily service to Charlotte will be paused on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day before resuming on Boxing Day The United Airlines daily service to Newark will continue through the month while British Airways will continue to offer five weekly flights to Heathrow and Air Canada will offer four weekly flights to Toronto JetBlue will run four weekly flights between Bermuda and Boston while Delta will offer four weekly flights to JFK and three weekly flights to Atlanta this year will offer greater service to Toronto thanks to increased service to those destinations from BermudAir BermudAir has announced plans to expand its offerings next year with the addition of direct flights to Bradley International Airport in Connecticut Raleigh-Durham Airport in North Carolina and Charleston International Airport in South Carolina We look at some of the best hikes and treks across the stunning nine islands of the Azores and editor of the Much Better Adventures Magazine 2022 Travel Media Awards Finalist: 'Young Travel Writer of the Year' 'Sustainability Feature of the Year' More posts by Stuart Kenny Hiking in the Azores means walking amongst volcanic foothills ancient forests and along dramatic coastline This is the European Union's most remote frontier - and while the hiking trails here are well-mapped isolated in the Atlantic Ocean between Lisbon and New York The islands are an autonomous region of Portugal and they boast everything from deep craters to lush the Azores does not have such an extensive history of tourism But with that comes a tranquillity that matches the secluded location The islands here were only settled in the 15th century and each has developed at a different pace since They have differing geography and vegetation people riding horses and pony-drawn carts are no rare sight The nine islands themselves are Corvo and Flores to the west; Faial São Jorge and Terceira in the centre; and São Miguel and Santa Maria in the east São Miguel is the largest and most populous island and it's also home to the archipelago's largest city Ponta Delgada and the range of scenery makes them perfect for hopping and hiking What’s more, each island has waymarked, well-developed hiking routes and fantastic online resources promoting those routes When selecting this list of the best hikes in the Azores our primary aim was to capture the variation of flora that exists across the nine islands Here are the 10 routes which we've selected as the best hikes in the Azores: Of course, this guide is designed to inspire, but not to help you navigate on the trails themselves. Make sure you get more detailed route information for any hike you do decide to take on before setting off on the route - and go prepared trails can open and close with the seasons Do double check the trail you're heading out to walk is open and safe before you go Here you can see the distribution of the 10 hikes we've selected as the best in the Azores They are sprinkled around the different islands Pico da Vara is the highest point on São Miguel It’s also the centrepiece of the protected Nature Reserve of Pico da Vara; an area put in place to protect the native laurisilva forest and which is home to critically endangered animals including the endemic Azores bullfinch The reserve has a whole host of rich botanical landscapes and this hike will give you beautiful views of a lot of it The elevation is around 480m (1,574ft) in total This trail is one that was historically used for coal and livestock From the top of the island you’ll be able to look back over the valley of Povoação the majestic crater of Furnas Volcano and the volcanic massifs of Fogo and Sete Cidades that view is just as remarkable as it sounds To climb this trail, you have to first register with the Environment Services of São Miguel This is a quick process and you should have the permission quickly This is an otherworldly trail on Corvo - an extinct volcanic island which is the smallest of the Azores islands The hike will bring you out to the stunning collapsed crater of Caldeirão and see you descend 150m (492ft) to the edge of the watery pools below Local legend has it that from the starting viewpoint the crater lake is a visual representation of the nine islands of the Azores and then walk down to hike past the wetlands and lakes the level of the water can shift massively there are few other places in the world where you see and hike terrain like this Those after a serious hike can combine this circular with the 10.3km Cara do Indio another trail which links into the crater walk We should also note that Corvo isn’t exactly the easiest island to get to but there are flights and boats from nearby Flores A beauty of a through-hike with remarkable coastal views will take you 4.7 miles (7.6km) and about three hours from Povoação to Ribeira Quente passing by Lomba do Cavaleiro on the island of São Miguel You'll start off on the beach of Povoaçãom heading over the centennial bridge and soon head down a dirt track to the creek of Agrião The viewpoint at Ponta do Garajau provides fantastic views of Santa Maria and the Chapel of Santa Rita Grab a drink and toast your hike in quaint little village of Ribeira Quente This is on the opposite side of the island to the Pico da Vara hike (from point one) so it’ll be all new coastlines for you even if you've been to the peak so it’s one of the best hikes in the Azores for those looking for a family trail but without sacrificing much in terms of views we’d highly recommend heading to the Ribeira Quente waterfall a popular crater lake just 20 minutes away It's also a site of hot springs and geysers The circular trail around the Lagoa das Furnas starts near Largo das Três Bicas and the lake and forest views really are beautiful São Jorge is a narrow island with incredibly dramatic scenery and this circular route on the north coast shows you the best of it - beaches Starting on the outskirts of the Parish Council of Norte Pequeno you’ll head into the village and then onto the sea where you’re in amongst the lush vegetation You’ll pass the Chapel of Santa Filomena and get postcard-perfect coastal views out to both Fajã das Pontas and Fajã do Mero falling all the way down to near sea level (a descent of around 450m/1,476ft) and then climbing back up to altitude That means the terrain and the views both keep changing Update: This trail is currently temporarily closed and unavailable to hikers. See the Visit Azores alert page for the latest information on trail status Pico is one of the Central Group islands of the Azores which is dominated by, and shares a name with, its central peak - Mount Pico. It's 2,351m (7,713ft) high, making it the highest peak in all Portuguese territory. Hiking in the Azores doesn’t get much more hardcore than this - but the effort is worth it to reach the roof of Portugal all climbers will check-in with Casa da Montanha where you will be given a GPS tracker to hold on to This is great as it means you’re tracked and kept safe but it’s certainly not a bad idea to also get a local guide to ensure you don't get lost in the first place There are 47 numbered poles - but trail markings won't help you find shelter (the weather can turn quickly) and they won't provide you with on-trail tales either You'll trek over volcanic rocks and bright moss and climb steeply uphill to the crater of Pico you need to hike up the even steeper Piquinho you can look out to Faial and São Jorge and beyond particularly if you get the bad luck of the rain and clouds coming in Some of the best hikes in the Azores are pretty darn difficult The 22.8 miles (36.8km) coast to coast hike across Faial is nothing short of remarkable There's a reason the locals say that the trail takes you back to the very formation of the island you’ll follow one of the transversal fault lines of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge this fault line dates back to the last great continental separation; a defining moment not just for Faial or the Azores at the breathtaking Caldeirão of Faial; the crater of a dormant volcano which stretches 2,000m (6,561ft) in diameter and down 400m (1,312ft) in depth It happens bluntly and the contrast in landscape is stark All the greenery around you will disappear altogether as you enter the moon desert of Capelinhos Volcano on the western side of the island This gives the hike a fell of moving between worlds If the 36km of the Faial coast to coast hike seemed a bit much We simply had to include this island-spanning beauty on our list of the best hikes in the Azores on the island of Santa Maria - and this hike takes us round the entire island with accommodation options dotted around the island (and wild camping unfortunately forbidden) Section one runs from the Fortress of São Brás and Vila do Porto to the rural area of Cardal Highlights include an ancient ascent passage connecting the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios to the village of Santo Espírito Stage two is from Cardal to Norte on the east coast of the island following the old regional road towards Ponta do Castelo and the viewpoint of Tia Raulinha natural pools of Maia and enjoy beautiful views over the Bay of São Lourenço you'll move inland and pass the Cai’Água waterfall You'll later reach Pico Alto - a spot with an abundance of endemic flora The final stages close the loop and bring you back to Vila do Porto via 23.5km on the west coast through Raposa Bay You'll get amazing views of Ponta do Pinheiro and Cré bay find a statue of Cristóvão Colombo in the village of Ponta dos Frades and eventually follow a dirt road back to your starting point is split into two days and will take you anti-clockwise around roughly two-thirds of the island of Flores - sticking near to the coast for most of the journey Day one takes you from Santa Cruz to Ponta Delgada over the course of eight hours past flowing streams and then moving along the northeast coast nesting seabirds and a lot of coves and islets a rural civil parish with accomodation and campsites and the second day then runs 16.2 miles (26km) a small township separated from the centre of the island by a 300m fossil cliff Poço da Alagoinha is particularly notable - a fall which plummets down a crack in an otherwise perfectly green cliff face and fills up an idyllic lagoon at the bottom was one of the first settlements on the island - camouflaged amongst the rocky outcrops of the terrain and protected from North Atlantic pirates by ridgelines Graciosa is the second smallest island of the Azores you'll also find those characteristics which characterise so much of these islands - volcanic landscapes beautiful greenery and sublime coastal views The Subdia ao Cume (PRC05 GRA) trail is one of the tougher day hikes on the island taking you on a circular from the civil parish of Luz to the summit of Pico Timão (405m/1,328ft) which is the highest point on Graciosa Island the route largely takes place in the Caldeira da Graciosa forests You'll climb up to the ridge of the Caldeira which is a depression of volcanic origin on top of the smallest stratovolcano in the Azores taking in the highest point on the island and looking into the caldera not doubling back but taking in a lot of the same cedar forests taking you from the interior of Terceira right to the coast You'll start on a dirt track in Malha Grande and walk through an area rife with endemic vegetation (white flowers You'll pass farming roads and come to the Rocha do Chambre viewpoint where you can see teh caldera of the Pico Alto volcano and you'll reach the trail high point of 704m The descent will take you towards the Vale do Azinhal (a valley) and then through a lava tube called Gruta dos Balcões the result of the last terrestrial erupton on the island You'll walk through forest paths and rocky outcrops sculpted by lava and then woodland roads and orchards will take you down to the bay of Baía das Pombas where you'll find some beautiful natural pools The pools were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions with solidified lava which has then been eroded by the sea They were adapted to turn them into swimming pools back in 1969 The summer months in the Azores run from April to early October This is the ideal time to go for whale watching The inter-island ferry service should also be running at its fullest during this period and the temperatures are lovely - around 14°C to 25°C The hedgerows will be out in June and July and the native species of the Azores also thrive in this time period (as well as in the wider May-September months) You are unlikely to escape the rain altogether when you're hiking in the Azores so things are a bit busier at this time of year we should highlight that the Azores is really a year-round hiking destination things don't get too chilly (12°C-18°C) and in March and April when spring is bringing the flora back out and the wildlife is emerging Autumn runs from October almost into December here The Azores sit in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and so it will be no surprise that most of the interest wildlife is either aerial or marine there are dolphins of all sorts - bottlenose Cuvier's beaked whales and false killer whales hammerhead sharks and flying fish all swim through these waters - as are white marlin you have an extensive range of incredibly varied accomodation This ranges from lavish resorts and boutique hotels to simpler family-run businesses and a range of rural options meaning private houses which are part of a farm Other styles of rural accomodation include Turismo de Habitação; usually a large manor house or similar with some sort of architectural or artistic interest which siply means accomodation in the typical regional style of architecture Lapas dos Açores (limpets) are the most popular form of shellfish served They're similar to clams or mussels but are a little chewier They're best when eaten as soon as possible after harvesting Fried chicharros (Atlantic hose mackerel) are often served tapas-style You'll also see a lot of different variations of seafood stew as you move around the islands Bolos Lêvedos is a type of bread which is best dipped in garlic butter The best ones are baked in a Furnas - a volcanic spring town on São Miguel Eat the cheese from São Jorge island when you get a chance It's a little squishy and is usually matured for a good while By plane: Most visitors heading to the Azores fly into Ponta Delgada on São Miguel or Lajes on Terceira.  Sata Azores Airlines is the main airline of the Azores and runs internal flights between the islands. See their flight map of the Azores By boat: The ferry service is more affordable than flying, but takes a lot longer and is limited. The benefits are that you're in a very nice part of the world - so you can look out for sea birds, whales and more as you travel. Popular ferries include the short, 35-minute journey between Pico and Faial and the four-hour journey between São Miguel and Santa Maria. See Atlanticoline for more By bus: Buses serve the islands of the major towns in larger islands but these buses are neither frequent nor reliable Inspired? Check out our range of adventure holidays in Portugal, and other hiking and trekking adventures in good places with good people Message Invalid character found in the request target The valid characters are defined in RFC 7230 and RFC 3986 Description The server cannot or will not process the request due to something that is perceived to be a client error (e.g. Note The full stack trace of the root cause is available in the server logs The rain that has been falling heavily in the north of the island since last night has caused an abandoned house near the swimming pools to collapse There were no reports of injuries or personal damage It should be noted that rainfall was significant in the North to the point that extreme rainfall (1h) was recorded with a yellow warning value at Ponta de São Jorge From Diário Notícias It’s an ancient Storage rooms built in the 18 century which have been abandoned by the government of Madeira Corrupt government only invests in the south of the island leaving the north to fall to pieces This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Note The full stack trace of the root cause is available in the server logs.