Living on an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic

An island life shaped by nature

Nine islands, nine personalities. São Miguel the dynamic, Terceira the festive, Pico the mineral, Faial the maritime, São Jorge the wild, Santa Maria the sunniest, Graciosa the peaceful, and the distant Flores and Corvo. Here, the weather, the swell and the light set the pace. 🏝️

People live outdoors as soon as the sky clears: hikes, sea baths, gardening, meetings at the village café. Simplicity, mutual aid and closeness shape daily life.

• Setting : human-scale villages, low density, very low crime.
• Resources : abundant water, renewable energy progressing (geothermal in São Miguel).
• Languages : Portuguese, English often understood, occasional French.

A mild but changeable oceanic climate

Moderate temperatures year-round (around 14–25 °C), but « four seasons in one day » is not a cliché. Wind, humidity and showers can be surprising. 🌦️

• To expect : layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, protection against damp (ventilation, dehumidifiers).
• Sea : pleasant swimming in summer, beware of currents and swell.
• Safety : seismic and volcanic activity monitored; follow local instructions.

A strong identity, far from the mainland

The Azores cultivate a rooted island identity: faith, traditions, gastronomy, and an intimate relationship with the land and sea. The welcome is warm but humble. 🤝

• Pace : services sometimes slower than on the mainland, patience rewarded by quality of life.
• Communities : solidarity, active associations, neighborhood life.

Spectacular and ever-present nature

Volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades and Furnas

The calderas of São Miguel offer striking panoramas: Sete Cidades and its two-colored lakes, Furnas and its fumaroles where the famous cozido simmers buried in the warm ground. 🌋

• Viewpoints : Vista do Rei, Lagoa do Fogo, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno.
• Common sense : stay on trails, respect geothermal zones.

Hot springs, waterfalls and lush forests

Thermal baths at Terra Nostra or Poça da Dona Beija, iron-rich waters of Ferraria facing the Atlantic, waterfalls like Salto do Cabrito or Poço Azul, forests of cryptomeria and abundant hydrangeas. ♨️

• Relaxation : thermal baths open year-round, extended hours in summer.
• Hikes : fajãs of São Jorge, waymarked and maintained trails, useful local apps.

Whale and dolphin watching

Archipelago globally renowned for whale watching: sperm whales nearly year-round, large rorquals in spring, common and spotted dolphins. 🐋

• Ports : Ponta Delgada, Horta, Lajes do Pico.
• Ethics : certified operators, distances respected, no baiting.

Azorean traditions and culture

Gastronomy: cozido das Furnas, tuna and dairy products

Hearty, local cuisine: the cozido of Furnas, grilled tuna, limpets, PDO cheeses (São Jorge), greenhouse pineapples, the Gorreana and Porto Formoso teas, Pico wines listed by UNESCO. 🐟🧀

• Must-try : alcatra from Terceira, fish soup (caldo de peixe), massa sovada.
• Markets : fruits, vegetables, bread and ultra-fresh fish.

Religious festivals and local processions

The Festas do Espírito Santo mark the calendar, with community meals and processions. In Terceira, the Sanjoaninas enliven the month of June. ⛪

• Customs : modest dress for processions, respect for the routes.
• Specifics : « touradas à corda » in Terceira, supervised and very local.

Island crafts and music

Carved basalt, basketry, ceramics, lace; traditional music like the chamarrita, brass bands and choirs. 🎶

• Lasting souvenirs : lava stone objects, cheeses and teas from the archipelago.

Daily life on the islands

Services concentrated in São Miguel and Terceira

Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo gather hospitals, administrations, the university, shops and most specialized services. The other islands cover the essentials, sometimes with limited hours. 🏢

• Health : effective public system for routine care; evacuations to the mainland possible for complex cases.
• Education : schools on each island, limited international options.
• Digital : fiber/4G in centers, variable in rural areas; some coworking spaces.

Inter-island transport: ferries and small planes

Two pillars: Atlânticoline for the ferries (increased frequency in summer) and SATA Air Açores for turboprop air links. ⛴️✈️

• Weather : delays/cancellations possible; always allow extra time in your schedule.
• Mobility : a car is useful outside centers; road network decent, parking easy.
• External access : connections with Lisbon/Porto and seasonal flights to Europe.

A simple, community-oriented lifestyle

You settle in quickly: weekly markets, yacht clubs, sports and cultural associations. Safety and friendliness encourage an active neighborhood life. 😊

• Everyday costs : often lower than on the mainland; imported products and electricity more expensive.
• Housing : varied supply; check quality and insulation (dampness).
• Sustainability : composting, water recovery, home vegetable gardens.

Why settle in the Azores?

Natural beauty and tranquility

Exceptional landscapes, a peaceful pace, safety, clean air. A setting conducive to family life, creativity and remote work. 🌿

• Well-being : low noise, little traffic, easy access to nature.

Affordable cost of living

Overall lower than in large European metropolises and cheaper than Lisbon/Porto for rents and real estate, with variations depending on the island and municipality.

• Budget tips : favor local products, compare islands, anticipate energy and maintenance costs due to dampness.
• Buying : standard Portuguese procedures (NIF, notary, IMT/IMI); expect inspections and checks on insulation.

Geographic isolation and dependence on air travel

The trade-off is remoteness: dependence on flights, capricious weather, limited choices for some services or careers. Better to embrace it than endure it. 🌬️

• To anticipate : delivery delays, transport delays, limited specialized job offers.
• Action plan : a 2–3 week reconnaissance, choose the island according to your priorities, test internet connection and air service before signing a lease or buying.