Azore Islands - port notes

[sandinmyshoes]

We took a transatlantic and I'd like to share my notes from successful sights in each of the ports.  These were collected from a number of sights including Cruise Critic.  I hope these give you a good starting point for planning your port day as well.

 

AZORES

(No real tipping here; just round up to next $5 increments for taxis & restaurants)

 

1st port:  PRAIA, Terceira Island

 

Praia (SE side of island) is walkable & the seafood (especially swordfish) is great.  Do not get beef steaks - they are not like steaks in the US

• island is 11x18 miles total
• Takes 4hr to drive all the way around without stops; easy place to rent a car for a DIY day or hire a driver ahead of time to pick you up at the ship
• Biscoitos is a scenic beach on north side of island
• Ship provides a shuttle to the city;  has interesting shops and eateries
• Go tour the Algar do Carvao (unbelievable Indiana Jones style cave) and Gruta do Natal (lava tube cave) close to opening times if possible as they get crowded - need good walking shoes - lots of steps & uneven, damp ground; good mobility required for the caves

•  We took a 4 hour long private tour with Ricard from Spot Tours; €150 cash paid to driver;  We went to Algar do Carvao (cave); Gruta do Natal (lava tube); Steam vents; and Duck Lake (beautiful picturesque lake side setting with small chapel and lots of ducks);  Tour cost included tickets to sites

 

 

2nd port - Punta Delgada

 

• historic city center by ship and easily walkable
• Fort = Forte de Sao Bras: huge fort close to dock and easy to walk to; this was the best fort we have ever toured and we are big fort buffs.  Tons of exhibits, hidden passages, and fodder for your imagination.  Nice views of the harbor and town from the top of the fort
• Jardim Botanico Antonio Borges: nice gardens with paths (2 minutes away by taxi = €6 each way)
• “Green trains” are an option for touring further into the island to see the Lakes of Fire & the Blue & Green Lakes, etc - 2 routes; each 1 hour; about €8 each

[MathLady112358]

We have Punta Delgada on our transatlantic itinerary March 2024. Very excited to see the new places. I think we are going to try to vista the lava tubes--Gruta do Carvao?- on our own. Did you have any experience trying to get a taxi?

[sandinmyshoes]

On 6/23/2023 at 1:24 PM, MathLady112358 said:

We have Punta Delgada on our transatlantic itinerary March 2024. Very excited to see the new places. I think we are going to try to vista the lava tubes--Gruta do Carvao?- on our own. Did you have any experience trying to get a taxi?

If you are thinking of Algar do Carvao, the really cool green cave, it is on the Praia Da Vitoria island of the Azores and not Punta Delgado.  We didn't do excursions or visit any caves on Punta Delgado but the fort within short walking distance of the ship was spectacular.  Taxi's were easy to come by at the port on both Azores islands we visited.  Punta Delgado is right in the heart of town and taxis looked easy to snag.  If you ever have trouble catching a taxi, walk to a nearby hotel and ask them to call one for you.  This is our go to if we end up somewhere and can't find a taxi.  The Azores are immensely beautiful...Enjoy!