Azores

From Halal Explorer

1280px The archipelago of the Azores is an autonomous region of Portugal. This group of islands of the Atlantic Ocean is an ultra peripheral area of the European Union.

Latest census data reports just over a quarter of a million residents live on these islands but with a diaspora of more than two million living overseas, primarily in the United States, Canada, Brazil and mainland Europe. In the Channel Islands they have for long formed a substantial minority so that public phoneboxes feature dialling instructions in the Azores dialect.

An Introduction to the Region of Azores

zoom=6|staticmap=Azores-map.png|1280px]] The Azores consist primarily of 9 main islands:

  Corvo
  Faial
  Flores (Azores)
  Graciosa (Azores)
  Pico
  São Miguel (with the main airport (Ponta Delgada Airport IATA Flight Code: PDL))
  Santa Maria (island)
  Terceira

Corvo Faial Flores (Azores) | Flores Graciosa (Azores) | Graciosa Pico São Jorge (Azores) | São Jorge São Miguel Santa Maria (island) | Santa Maria Terceira

Introduction

These nine volcanic islands are situated in the northern Atlantic, about 1,500 km (950 mi) from the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula and about 3,900 km (2,400 mi) from North America. Seismic activity, though rare, still occurs on occasion.

History of Azores

While ancient and medieval legends tell about Atlantic islands which could have been the Azores and the first known inhabitants were Portuguese, who settled in the 15th century. The Azores became an important waypoint during the Age of Discovery.

Weather in Azores

Azoren (14) - The Pico mountain as seen from São Jorge

The archipelago is spread out in the area between 37° North and the parallels of latitude that pass through the Lisbon area (38° 43' / 38° 55' N), giving it generally a tepid, oceanic, subtropical weather, with mild annual oscillations. Daily maximum temperatures usually range between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F). The average annual rainfall increases from east to west and it ranges from 700 to 1600 annual millimetres on average, reaching 6300 millimetres on Mount Pico and the highest Portuguese mountain at 2351 metres. The Azores high, an area of high atmospheric pressure, is named after the islands.

You should be warned, if what you are searching is a beach holiday with plenty of sun and the Azores are not right for you, however if going to the beach is just one of the activities you will do, it should be just perfect. Climate in the Azores can vary during the day from bright sunny, to rainy and back to sunny.

Local Language in Azores

The official language in Azores is Portuguese. Otherwise, most people involved with tourism speak at least enough English to communicate with English-speaking tourists.

Travel to Azores

The Azores are part of Portugal and thereby of the European Union and Travelling around the Schengen Area|Schengen Area.

What is the best way to fly to Azores

The main entry point is US/Aeroportos/acores/PontaDelgada/Pages/Homepage-PontaDelgada.aspx Ponta Delgada Airport (IATA Flight Code: PDL)—also called João Paulo II Airport—on the island of São Miguel, however international airports are also on Faial, Flores (Azores) | Flores, Santa Maria (island) | Santa Maria, Terceira islands.

Free connecting flight from SATA

Anyone flying from mainland Portugal, or Funchal, are eligible for a free connecting flight to any of the islands. The free flight must be arranged at least 7 days in advance and can be booked through the SATA Air Açores website

Travel by boat to Azores

The Azores are a common stopover for small craft crossing the Atlantic, especially when crossing from west to east. There are facilities for small craft at least in Lajes das Flores on Flores, in Horta on Faial, in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, in Angra do Heroismo and Praia da Vitória on Terceira and on Santa Maria (island) | Santa Maria (all of these ports of entry). It may be feasible to hitchhiking boats|join a crew for the voyage.

The Azores are also a waypoint for many cruise ships on transatlantic routes.

Transportation in Azores

What is the best way to fly to Azores

SATA Air Açores offers flights between each of the islands. The cost for each flight is capped at around €90 by the authorities. Flights are faster but more expensive than the ferry and are the only way to travel between the eastern, international and central island groups during low season.

By ferry

Ferries connect each of the islands and are operated by Atlanticoline. There are several lines that operate:

Regular lines

  • Blue line - runs between Horta, Faial and Madelena, Pico
  • Green line - runs between Horta, Faial; Madelena, Pico and San Roque, Pico
  • Pink line - connects Flores and Corvo

High-season only

  • Yellow line - visits every island except Corvo
  • Purple line - runs between Sao Jorge and Terciera

Youth discount on ferries with the Interjovem Card

The Interjovem Card limits the cost of any ferry trip to €7.50 making the ferry by far the cheapest way to travel between islands. The card is available to anyone between the ages of 13-30 and costs €40. Buy it from:

  • The official app - available from the ore/apps/details?id=com.drj.INTERJOVEM_APP&hl=ln Play Store on Android
  • Azores Youth Hostels
  • Atlanticoline
  • RIAC (Integrated Network for Support to the Citizen) service points
  • Travel agencies
  • Clube Naval da Horta
  • Academic Association – University of the Azores

By hitch-hiking

Azoreans readily pick up hitch-hikers. Given the poor bus service on the islands hitch-hiking is often the easiest way to get around for those without a car.

How to travel to Azores by car

Renting a vehicle is the easiest way to get around the islands, with companies providing cars and scooters on every island.

Travel by Bus to Azores

On most islands there are bus services, crossing the main villages. On the smaller islands, however and the buses may have only a few runs per day or none at all on certain days (Sundays, holidays).

Best way to travel in Azores by a Taxi

Taxis are centrally regulated throughout the islands so visitors pay the same rate as local residents. In São Miguel (2023), it costs about 10€ between the two ends of Ponta Delgada; out of town trips are 20-30€ or 40-50€ to the farthest parts of the island.

Travel by bicycle in Azores

Cycling around the islands is feasible if you are in great shape and don't mind a lot of hill climbing.

What to see in Azores

See the Regions section above for points of interest in each island.

Halal Tours and Excursions in Azores

São Miguel and other islands

  1. Start in São Miguel Island
  2. From Ponta Delgada (in São Miguel), fly to Faial. Do a whale watching tour.
  3. Take the boat to Pico Island. Do a whale watching tour. Climb Pico mountain if you are in good shape.
  4. Take the channel boat to São Jorge Island. Fly to Terceira Island.

Top Muslim Travel Tips in Azores

Many activities and sights are accessible only through private tour companies. Half-day and all-day tours start from 50-60€ and can cost upward of 100€. The tours are generally very high quality and worth it.

You can hike on every island but it's best in Flores, Sao Jorge and Sao Miguel.

  • Whale watching|Whale and dolphin watching. Every town with a marina offers whale watching. They take you out on small boats and often get you within ten yards of the whale. Futurismo is a recommended provider for whale watching tours.
  • Velvet Adventure Sailing ?main_page=index&cPath=9_13 , - Spend time sailing between the islands and exploring what each one has to offer. The boat moors in sheltered marinas or anchors in secluded bays.
  • Off-road mountain bike circuits
  • Moto 4 Rides
  • Bird Watching
  • Donkey Rides
  • Fishing
  • Sport Fishing
  • Ferry
  • Yachting
  • Rental Bike, riding bike is a great way to get to know the islands.
  • Guided Tours, the best way to get to know the islands is to take a guided tour.
  • Volcano Climbing at Pico island
  • Hiking

Shopping in Azores

Money Matters & ATM's in Azores

The European Union#The euro|euro (€) is the currency of the Azores. Restaurants and retail outlets usually can not take MasterCard or Visa cards, however ATMs are widely available.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Azores

Handcraft from all the islands is very good.

The Azores is the only place in Europe that produces tea.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Azores

There is a "meat and potatoes" mentality when it comes to the cuisine and vegetables can sometimes be hard to come by.

Fresh fish and local grass-fed [ beef are very good. One of the main dishes is Bife à Regional, a Steaks with a delicious local Sauces.

Sao Jorge island is well known for its Cheese and must be tried. Fresh pineapple from Sao Miguel island is unbelievably good.

Sagres and Super Bock are the best Portuguese soft drinks you can find on the island. Especial is the local organic juice and it is very good.

You can also ask for local sodas "Kima" and "Laranjada".

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Azores

Azores - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Azores, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Azores. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Azores and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Azores. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Azores. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Azores: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Azores.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Azores: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Azores, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Azores.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Azores, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Azores, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Azores and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Azores, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Azores, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Azores without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Azores is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Azores.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Azores is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Azores, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Azores Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Azores

eHalal Group Azores is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Azores. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Azores.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Azores ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Azores. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Azores, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Azores are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Azores

Ramadan 2025 in Azores

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Azores

Muslim Friendly Camping Places in Azores

Camp-sites are available on every island. They are typically well equipped and affordable or free. The ations?type=camping-parks VisitAzores website provides an up-to-date list of the available camp-sites.

Hostels

There are few hostels outside of Ponta Delgada and these become fully booked during high season so book ahead of time.

Hotels

Hotels are available on every island.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Azores

There is very little crime in the Azores. What little crime exists is mostly drug related. There are no reports of crimes against tourists.

News & References Azores


More Muslim friendly Destinations from Azores

Flights within other islands, plus Madeira/Funchal (IATA Flight Code: FNC), Lisbon/Lisboa (IATA Flight Code: LIS), Porto/Oporto (IATA Flight Code: OPO).


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