The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, known for their breathtaking nature, volcanic landscapes, and very friendly locals. But are these islands also suitable for sailing? For both beginner and experienced sailors, the answer is: absolutely, as long as you’re well-prepared. In this blog, you’ll learn whether the Azores are suitable for sailing and why they are a fascinating, but sometimes challenging, sailing destination. Would you like to go on a sailing holiday? Then check out our group trips and shared sailing trips in our offerings.
Sailing between nine islands
The Azores consist of nine islands spread across an area of about 600 kilometers. This makes island-hopping by sailboat particularly attractive. The islands are divided into three groups: the eastern group, the central group, and the western group.
The distances between the islands are relatively large, averaging 40 to 60 nautical miles, meaning that often a day trip or an overnight stay at sea is required to sail from one island to another. This makes the Azores more suitable for adventurous sailors with some experience.
Weather conditions: the important factor.
The weather plays a crucial role in planning a sailing trip around the Azores. The islands are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and are influenced by ocean currents, trade winds, and storm systems. During the summer months, the climate is relatively stable, with mild temperatures and moderate winds. This is the ideal season for sailing.
However, even in the summer, you must account for rapidly changing weather conditions. It is not uncommon, so flexible planning is essential. In the winter, the conditions are much harsher, and sailing is only suitable for highly experienced sailors.
Facilities and harbors.
Another advantage of sailing around the Azores is the quality of the marinas. Most islands have well-equipped harbors with berths, water, and electricity. The harbor of Horta on Faial, in particular, is an iconic stop for sailors. The harbor is globally known as a meeting place for ocean sailors, and the colorful murals of ships and their crews are a testament to countless sailing adventures.
Other harbors, such as Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira), and Lajes das Flores (Flores), also offer excellent facilities and are often less crowded than Horta. The hospitality of the local people makes staying in these harbors even more enjoyable.
What can you expect along the way?
Sailing around the Azores is not just a way to get from one place to another, but also a unique way to experience the nature of and around the islands. Along the way, you can spot dolphins, encounter whales, and enjoy views of cliffs, crater lakes, and green hills.
One thing to keep in mind is that the islands are of volcanic origin. They often have steep, rocky coastlines, which means there are few natural anchorages. Now that you’re sure the Azores are suitable for sailing, what are you waiting for?
A well-organized sailing holiday with Rederij van Linschoten.
Does a sailing holiday, such as one to the Mediterranean, sound like a fun way to spend your vacation? At Rederij van Linschoten, we offer complete sailing holidays where you can go on an adventure with a fun group. We travel to destinations like the Caribbean, Southern Europe, the Wadden Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Polar regions, the North Sea, and the IJsselmeer. And perhaps in the future, even to the Azores. Gain experience, enjoy an active vacation, and who knows – after this experience, you might never want to vacation any other way than by sailing.
Curious about us and our sailing holidays? Feel free to contact us! We’d be happy to tell you more about our trips!