Azores - Mid-Atlantic Islands
If you are planning a transatlantic crossing from North America or the Caribbean to Europe, the Azores are a great stepping stone en route, and an amazing destination on their own. Well worth a cruise of at least a couple of weeks.
Landfall for most boats will be Flores - which now has a cute little marina. You can still anchor out in the bay as well if you prefer.
Flores is a very pretty island and well worth a couple of days to explore.
We hiked a fabulous trail on the north coast hills along the side of the mountain and then down into this gorgeous costal area. In June there were many streams and waterfalls.
Horta and Faial
Faial island has long been the sailors traditional stop in the Azores, mainly because of the welcoming harbour in Horta, the islands main town.
On top of the island is the amazing Caldera - volcanic crater. Make time for the hike around the rim with spectacular views - 2.5 hours.
The end of the island is called Capelinhos and had a major eruption in 1957-1958. The island to the right in the picture is all new island!! There is a very good museum here as well (underground)
Make sure to leave time to paint your boat name on the wall! Its a Horta tradition.
Wall paintings everywhere!
Sao Jorge Adventures
In the central group of 5 island you also find Sao Jorge - just 15 miles from Horta. There is a new marina and it makes a good base for a few days exploring this lovely island. All the islands are different…
Faja canyoning expedition - our goal is to reach this village - no road goes here…
Learning to rapel on Sao Jorge… “canyoning” was a hoot!!
Views across the channel to nearby Pico. The happiest cows must be here in the Azores!
Pico Island - Azores
Tallest and dramatically dark with volcanic stones, Pico is another great visit. Many yachtsman visit from Faial leaving the boat in Horta marina and taking the quick modern ferry across the narrow channel to Madelana, Pico’s biggest town. The island is well known for growing grapes, which for hundreds of years have been cultivated in these tiny stone fenced fields. You can see back across the channel to Faial and Horta left…
A tour around the island reveals stunning views. You can see much in just one day, or stay a few at one of the affordable guest houses and get to know the island better.
Filming along Pico’s black rocky coast…
Distant Shores Season Ten (includes the Azores)
Includes Episodes 118-130 of the Distant Shores series.
Click here for Vimeo downloads - Advance Season Pass Available
Season 10: Do you dream of sailing the Caribbean, Bahamas or Transatlantic to the Azores? Are you planning a tropical cruising adventure or charter holiday? Need inspiration to get your crew ready to sail these exotic islands?
The last 4 episodes feature a Transatlantic crossing and summer cruise in the fabulous Azores - Mid-Atlantic archipelago. This season is still in production so a "Season's Pass" is available giving access to all the episodes when they come out. Check out Season 10 - Visit the Page on Vimeo.
Terceira Adventures - Azores
Angra Do Heroismo - Terceira Azores. Gorgeous island!
Our passage over from Sao Jorge was very nice and included a couple of visits from Dolphins.
Our passage over from Sao Jorge was very nice and included a couple of visits from Dolphins.
Lovely Angra - main city on Terceira. There is a marina here (lower left) and lovely old city…
Swimming on a volcanic island! The clever volcanic pools at Biscuitos create protected pools for swimming and flat areas for sunning.
Charming Angra Do Heroismo is a lovely destination well worth a couple of days at least!
Sao Miguel - the Largest Azorean Island
Happy to arrive in Sao Migual after a fast overnight passage from Terceira - just over 90 nautical miles with a nice beam wind.
Ponta Delgada has a lovely old centre district alive at night.
The Caldeira at Sete Cidades with the green and blue lakes!
Santa Maria - Isla do Sol
Here is the final island from our visit, but the first of the Azores to be discovered back in 1420. There is a new marina with excellent protection and very friendly staff (actually all Azorean marinas have been extremely friendly).
Vila do Porto is the main town up on the hill above and here’s the view from the top of the hill - the bottom of the town.
Part of the island is low and flat, but the other half is gorgeous and such like the rest of the Azores.
Typical Santa Maria house and garden in lush surroundings.
A highlight is the cute village of Sao Lourenzo. A great “beach” destination for summer.
The Azores are one of our favourite destinations, and it has been too long since we last visited! Now that we return we find quite a few changes, but one of the biggest is the addition of 5 more marinas, making it much easier to visit more of the islands safely by sailboat. Definitely the Azores are now one of our favourite cruising grounds - more than just a waypoint on an Atlantic crossing.
Season 10 of Distant Shores will include all 3 of our programs on the Azores! (Included with the Super-Pack below)
Season 10 of Distant Shores will include all 3 of our programs on the Azores! (Included with the Super-Pack below)
Our Most Popular Package...
Super Pack - 23 DVDs + Digital Download
Season 1-9 (+10) $149 US
More Info
All Episodes here on Vimeo
Join our email list and get hints, technical articles and tips plus videos to help you achieve your cruising dreams.
- FREE 1/2 hour video on cruising the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas *
- Technical Blog shows you how to deal with issues facing the cruising sailor
- Destination information from some of the world's best cruising areas
- Special discounts and promotions *