The Azores are one of Portugal’s two autonomous regions with their own regional government, the other being Madeira. ‘Independent’ in this way since 1976, it’s a collection of nine islands, in the North Atlantic, approximately 1,500 km (930 miles) west of Portugal, and home to around a quarter of a million people.
The capital city is Ponta Delgada and agriculture (mainly dairy), fishing and tourism are the principal industries. The government is a big employer of workers in service and administrative roles. The nine Azores islands, volcanic in origin, are Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel and Terceira, spanning over 600 km (370 miles), and are considered to be, by some standards, the tallest mountains on Earth. Mount Pico, on the island of Pico, is the highest point in Portugal, at 2,350 m (7,700 ft). The last significant volcanic eruption occurred off the coast of Faial in 1957.
The Gulf Stream and marine influence create a climate that is very mild for somewhere so northerly in location, though clouds and rain are fairly normal. Daytime temperatures can range between 16 °C (61 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) depending on the time of year, though the temperature rarely rises above 30 °C (86 °F) or below 3 °C (37 °F). Annual hours of sunshine average at around 1,700.
The Azores has six main cities: capital Ponta Delgada, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande on the island of São Miguel; Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória on the island of Terceira, and Horta on Faial. Every island has an airport, although most are airfields rather than airports, with the commercial terminals being in Ponta Delgada, Horta, Vila do Porto and Santa Cruz das Flores.
This is a place where you can enjoy legendary fresh air, fresh food, and fresh views around just about every corner. This is not the Algarve however, and those seeking steady, hot sunshine, will find instead a more maritime, though very comfortable climate, and an island vibe. People often describe the scenery, including many waterfalls and the stunning interiors of volcanoes, as simply breathtaking, with volcanic spas to enjoy, and subterranean-cooked stews to savour, not forgetting great wines whose grapes favour the black soil.
Increasing numbers of Germans and Brits appear to be investing in property in The Azores, as well as Azoreans who are returning from the US and Canada, which is causing a dramatic rise in property prices. A modest, modern home, away from the capital, might cost €130,000, but ruins and bargains can still be found by those willing to do their research, which is probably best done on the ground or with a reputable agent. Hospitals here are as good as you’ll find in most European countries and are located on São Miguel, Terceira and Faial. Pharmacies are plentiful too. As far as educational provision goes, the Azores has a university and Sao Miguel is your best bet for schools, though among the most expensive of places to live. You also have golf in the Azores, with three different courses. Two on São Miguel, and one on Terceira.
Settled over two centuries, the first Portuguese settlers are thought to have come from the Algarve, Minho, Alentejo, Ribatejo and Madeira to uninhabited São Miguel in the 15th century. Many are believed to be Portuguese Sephardic Jews who were fleeing persecution and the inquisition in mainland Portugal. Since then, Africans, Scots, Germans, Italians, French, Spanish, and Flemish have migrated to the Azores.
Both the Azores and Madeira faced overpopulation in the late 16th century, causing emigration to Brazil, Uruguay, the United States and Canada. In 1943, Portuguese leader Salazar allowed Great Britain to use The Azores in its wartime efforts.
“Four seasons in one day” are the weather watchwords here, where a great and somewhat nostalgic quality of life can be enjoyed. Property prices are rising steadily as ex-pats switch on to the opportunity for first and second-home investments. Portuguese in so many ways, yet so unique, The Azores and their position as the western frontier of Europe, will attract a very particular kind of settler.
Expect to pay around 70,000 for a three-bedroom apartment in Horta on Faial, rising to around 250,000 for the same specification in the capital Ponta Delgada on São Miguel.
Renting a similar property is between € 500 and € 1000 per month in the capital.
The Azores, is a location worth serious consideration.
For help with EU Legislation regarding all aspects of living and working within the EU, please use the links below.
EU Help in Your Own Language
EU Help and Advice: Doing Business
EU Help and Advice: Life and Travel
If you are planning a trip to view properties in this District and need help or guidance, get in touch Contact us and we will put you in touch with a property expert that speaks your language.
For a detailed look at the area topography please click here
If you are planning a trip to view properties in this District and need help or guidance, get in touch Contact us and we will put you in touch with a property expert that speaks your language. For more factual information regarding Portugal, we recommend that you join and view our resource partner.
This district is sponsored by our Legal Partner, our Foreign Exchange Partner and our Official Food Partner.
If you are looking for qualified mortgage advice we recommend using Portugal Mortgage Brokers our approved Mortgage Partner.
Gallery
