The Azores archipelago can be visited at any time of the year due to its mild climate and also because it has one of the warmest and least severe winters in Europe, with an average of 16 degrees in its duration.
This factor makes the Azores offer its scenic beauty throughout the year, so the ideal time to visit these islands will depend on your personal preference, however, we will leave here some of the most appealing heights that offer greater entertainment.
The Azorean people are very devout and catholic and this is why the archipelago offers several religious festivals to honour the patron saints of the parishes, which are usually held in the summer months, in all the parishes of the nine islands of the Azores.
In terms of religious festivals, we have the majestic feasts of the Lord Santo Cristo dos Milagres that take place between the 15th and 21st of May. Also, the Holy Ghost festivities give a charm to the streets with their empires and processions in the various localities of the islands between May and October.
In terms of traditional festivals, we have the Carnival and the Sanjoaninas in Terceira island with their famous marches and rope bullfights between June 19 and 28, the grape harvest in Santa Maria in September, the feasts of the patron saint of Corvo on August 15 and the Carnival in Graciosa.
The strong relationship of the Azores with the sea gives place to several celebrations, such as the Whalers’ Party in Pico that honours this ancient craft – which is no longer performed today – and the Sea Week in the island of Faial, with several concerts and boat races.
In the context of musical events, the island of Santa Maria has the Maré de Agosto festival where you can enjoy jazz, rock and traditional Portuguese music. In São Miguel and also in August, the MEO Monte Verde Festival is in charge of bringing several renowned international artists. Terceira has the beach parties that fill Praia da Vitória with concerts and activities for a week and Pico presents the Madalena Festivals and the Pier of August that enliven the island.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve is a special time due to the gastronomic customs of the Azoreans and the tradition of the “Mija Boy”. On the island of São Miguel, downtown Ponta Delgada presents a radiant firework display that fills the bay with sparkling colours.
For more information, consult our guide – your best travel partner.