In partnership with Delta Air Lines
Exploring Europe for a weekend has never been easier. Get a real taste of the European spirit on the Azores Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean between Lisbon and New York City. And discover why this place is known as the “Hawaii of Europe”, but with cheaper prices.
In a less than six hours from New York City on Delta’s new direct flight, head to Ponta Delgada, Portugal on São Miguel Island and be mesmerised by the lush landscape and the lovely beaches that await there.
Spend a day on a stunning black sand beach. Try a new outdoor adventure: surf, paraglide, mountain bike. Eat fresh, local seafood and sip the unique wines grown in the volcanic soil of the islands. And most importantly, go for a hike. Because everybody needs these views in their life.
How to Get to the Azores
From May 24, 2018, Delta Air Lines is offering direct flights from JFK airport in New York City to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel. The best of the Azores is accessible from Ponta Delgada, making it the perfect place to touch down for an exotic break in the Europe you never imagined existed.
Where to Stay
Making your base in Ponta Delgada will give you access to everything you need to make the most out of a weekend trip to the Azores. The city has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and tastes and it’s just up to you to pick which one you’d rather stay in.
Use Skyscanner to search for a cheap hotel in Ponta Delgada.
How to Get from Ponta Delgada Airport to the City
If you’re on a short schedule, a rental car is a good option to make sure you see as much as possible while you’re on the island.
If you only need transportation to your hotel, an Aerobus runs from the airport to the city and stops at most major hotels. Taxis are also available.
But, again, if you are planning on staying a few days and making the most of your trip to the “European Hawaii”, then hire a car. You’ll be able to explore all the archipelago has to offer.
What to Do in Azores
1. Take a Hike on São Miguel
Perhaps the most popular activity on all nine islands of the Azores is setting off on foot to explore them. Dozens of popular hiking trails crisscross the islands and São Miguel has some of the most stunning hikes, perfect for a day enjoying the beautiful outdoors and spectacular views.
2. Head to the Beach
If you’re on a short getaway, you should spend at least one day simply relaxing on one of the Azores pristine beaches. Some of the best beaches are just a short journey from Ponta Delgada.
3. Try a New Adventure Activity
The Azores are well known for being an adventure-lovers’ paradise. If you’re up for it, use the weekend to try something new on São Miguel. From leisurely whale watching to epic all-day canyoning adventures, there are countless options for adventure on the island.
What to Eat and Drink in Azores
1. Cozido das Furnas
If you’re looking to try something unique to the Azores, you’ll find it with Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked via volcanic heat.
This traditional Azores stew is cooked underground using the heat released by the volcanic islands. Locals toss ingredients – pigs’ feet and ears along with more classic carrots and potatoes – into a large pot and they bury it underground near natural heat cracks in the earth’s crust. Anywhere from 3 to 10 hours later, dinner is served.
2. Coffee
Coffee beans grow surprisingly well on São Jorge island and the Portuguese hold their coffee culture in high regard. Between the local beans and the made-with-love espressos, a sit down in a cafe should be a morning ritual here.
3. Seafood
Not surprisingly for a group of remote islands, the seafood on the Azores is a must-eat. And eat. And eat. The seafood here is abundant, fresh, and the locals are accustomed to cooking it to perfection.
Tuna fish is a huge export, but locals and visitors are able to enjoy some of the best tuna in the world straight from the water. Don’t be surprised to find some new names on the menu either. Many of the local fishes will be unfamiliar to foreigners (making them even more of a must-order).
4. Wine
The viticulture on the Azores creates more than just a stunning landscape— the grapes that are grown in this volcanic soil transform into unique, vibrant wines that blend well with the islands beautiful, rugged terrain.
Ready to check for flights to the Azores? 👇
