The best accommodations The Azores

Budget & Tips

Accommodation in the archipelago is much easier than it was a few years ago. Some fairly luxurious hotels have opened recently, mainly in São Miguel, Santa Maria and Terceira. Everywhere you'll find small, family-run establishments at very reasonable prices. Small guesthouses, sometimes with basic comforts, can be discovered by asking the bistro owner. In recent years, many youth hostels have opened on the archipelago. Brand-new, they are very comfortable and well-equipped: very good value for money(www.pousadasjuvacores.com).

A real good deal, close to nature: camping. They are free or cost just a handful of euros, and the larger ones are even equipped with a restaurant, a bar... Some, mentioned in the guide, are a happy alternative to conventional hotels for small budgets or lovers of unusual places. In principle, wild camping is authorized with the agreement of the landowner, except in nature parks.

Please note: prices soar in São Miguel in summer... Rates can easily double or even triple from low to high season. The island becomes saturated with tourists from June to September, and prices suffer accordingly. To avoid paying full price, or finding no accommodation at all within your budget, we recommend booking well in advance, i.e. before the end of February for a trip in August.

Small budgets: a few euros for a pitch in a campsite, from €10 for a night in a dormitory in a youth hostel and between €35 and €60 for a double room in a guesthouse.

Intermediate budgets : €60 to €100 for a double room.

Big budgets: from €100 for a double room.

To be booked

Whatever your choice of accommodation, we advise you to make a reservation. In the summer it is a must, as tourists flock and demand is very high. In winter, you should inquire, as many structures close during the low season months.

What's very local

Turismo em Espaço Rural (TER), in a prestigious family setting, is highly developed. There are five categories of TER: the Turismo de Habitação (TH) is generally rather chic (old manor houses, etc.); the Turismo Rural (TR) is more like a bed and breakfast; the Agro Turismo (AG) is located on a farm, and guests can take part in farm activities; the Casa do Campo (CC) is a typical house for rent; finally, the Turismo de Aldeia (TA) groups together at least five houses in a sort of small village. The TER (except CC) implies the constant presence of the owner, whose knowledge of the country should enable him to meet all his guests' expectations. In general, breakfast is included in the price, but there is not necessarily a restaurant, and it is sometimes advisable to indicate beforehand if you wish to dine. It's up to you to find the address that suits you best. For a good rural tourism address in the Azores, in addition to those listed in this guide, we recommend the Casas Açorianas association website (www.casasacorianas.com), which lists over 200 quality rural accommodations.

For food lovers

Breakfasts, especially in rural accommodations, feature the island's finest products: local tea, homemade jams, local cheeses and cold meats..

Smokers

Many accommodations are non-smoking.