Pros and Cons of Living in the Azores

So, what are the pros and cons of living in the Azores? No doubt the Azores’ charm with the volcanoes and mellow community lifestyle can seem captivating. Here you’ll enjoy the sparkling waters, luscious green hills, and more.

The Azores archipelago, made of 9 islands, presents a hidden gem for both adventurers and lovers of nature. Its tropical and humid weather makes it stand out from the weather in mainland Portugal. This place can be your dream turning into reality. But before you make your move, let’s consider the pros and cons of living in the Azores. Here we go!

Pros and Cons of Living in the Azores

The Azores is a gorgeous paradise and has lots of advantages that can propel you to relocate to it instantly. So, let’s take a look at of some the pros of moving to the Azores

1) Island Idyll

One great thing about the Azores is that you will always wake up to a sensational volcanic landscape. The luxurious green mountains covering the island and melodious sounds from the Atlantic, as the waves clap their hands is one good way for you to admire nature. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then there are lots of fun waiting for you in the Azores. So the closeness to nature it offers you is remarkable and unforgettable.

2) Tranquility

If you love quiet and calm environments then the Azores will be a great place for you. When compared to other European cities or mainland Portugal, the Azores have a more relaxed pace of life. In the Azores, you will be free from the constant city noise, and enjoy the serenity its natural surroundings offer. No traffic and no mosquito disturbances, the tranquility is just supreme.

3) Great Access

It might seem logical for you to think that accessibility to the Azores might be challenging but it is not. Interestingly, there are reputable airports in the Azores. Some of them are João Paulo II Airport located at São Miguel, Horta Airport situated at Faial, and Lajes Airport situated at Terceira Island.

There are flights directly from the Azores to Canada, the USA, and many European cities. In the peak summer months, your options get even better because of major airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss Air Lines, and Iberia. However, moving around the nine islands makes it through ferries that are available throughout the year.

4) Nature’s Playground

The Azores is not just beautiful, there are tons of activities to enjoy here. You’ll find hiking, surfing, diving, and many other activities. Even if your fancy is exploring volcanic pits, there are tour adventures focused on that aspect too.

5) Temperature

You will enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year, alongside sufficient sunshine and little humidity. During winter, expect the temperature to range from 13.6 degrees – 15.7 degrees Celsius. And in summer the temperature rises a little to 21.6 degrees Celsius. The temperature in the Azores is just great for both indoor and outdoor activities.

6) Hospitable community

Portuguese are very friendly and welcoming, and the Azores community is exceptional when it comes to making you feel welcome and loved. This will make you blend and associate smoothly, regardless of whether you can speak the local language or not. Besides, the community is famous for bonding with family and friends over local homemade dishes. So, it will be easy for you to gain solid ground in the community.

7) Affordable cost of living

Portugal is generally known for its low cost of living, but you will appreciate the low cost of living better in the Azores. For instance, when compared to Lisbon, it is 42.8% cheaper to live in the Azores, especially for housing.

8) Tax Advantages

As a remote worker or retiree, you will enjoy mouthwatering tax benefits from the NHR program. In the Azores, VAT is lower, 18% against 23% in mainland Portugal. Besides, since there is almost zero need for you to drive and the absence of tolls to pay, you will be saving more. Read this article to learn more about the tax benefits of living in the Azores.

Cons of Living in the Azores

As expected when living anywhere, there are drawbacks to also look out for. Here are some cons of living in the Azores.

1) Island Isolation

The Azores is undoubtedly a paradise, but if you are used to the city’s fast-paced life, then living on an island will seem remote to you. Besides, if you don’t speak the local language in the Azores, you will feel even lonelier. That is, you will find it harder to discuss with people, make friends, and blend into the community. Not forgetting that, you will have limited access to some amenities and cultural offerings found in larger cities.

2) Job Market Issues

Finding employment can be challenging, especially in specialized fields. Azores is more focused on Island and village-style living. If you want to get better job prospects, you should consider industrial hubs like Lisbon and Porto.

3) Travel Concerns

Island hopping and trips to mainland Portugal can be expensive and time-consuming. Flights can be limited, and ferries depend on weather conditions. Beyond that whenever you want to travel out, you’ll often need to fly to mainland Portugal first.

4) Unpredictable Weather

The overall weather conditions in the Azores are remarkable. And the temperature is not as unstable as in some European countries. But, then the weather is entirely unstable. erratic. For instance, you can experience several periods of sunshine, heavy rainfall, and turbulent winds in just one day. So, your outdoor activities can easily be ruined on short notice. Always moving with an umbrella might be a necessity. And besides, like mainland Portugal, the Azores is an earthquake zone. There’s always that risk of dangerous earthquakes happening.

5) Healthcare Considerations

Portugal indeed offers free health care to the local population and expats residing in the country legally. In the Azores, you will find various public and private healthcare facilities. But, it is that you won’t find main hospitals in the islands as compared to mainland Portugal. Therefore, your access to specialized healthcare services is limited.

6) Language Barrier

Portuguese is the primary language, especially in the Azores. If you are considering moving there, you’ll need to build your Portuguese language skills with total focus. This will help you connect with the locals, take full advantage of the amenities there, and more.

7) Internet Blues

While improving, internet speeds can be slower than in mainland Portugal, something to consider for remote workers. So, if you are a remote worker, you’ll need to carefully weigh how it impacts your business.

9 Islands in the Azores

Now you’ve weighed the pros and cons of living in the Azores, let’s look at the 9 islands.

Santa Maria Island

Santa Maria, nicknamed “The Yellow Island,” is the southernmost and easternmost island of the Azores. It is also the largest and known for its white sand beaches which is unusual in the Azores. Here you’ll also get the best dry weather.

However, even with the warm weather and sandy beaches, not many people visit Santa Maria. This is because getting here isn’t just as easy. Most people visit Santa Maria Azores by flying to Sao Miguel (another Island) and then taking a ferry or plane to Santa Maria.

However, there are also vineyards here that you would love. Plus, the local population is just about five thousand people.

Pico Island

Pico Island, nicknamed “The Black Island” due to its dark volcanic rock, is home to Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal, rising 2,351 meters (7,713 feet) above sea level. This island is a paradise for hikers and climbers.
Whale watching is a popular activity here. That said, most tourists visit the island via private boat tours. However, the island is just about a 30-minute ferry ride from Faial. That said, Pico Island has more people than Santa Maria. Here you’ll find over 13 thousand people.

Faial Island

Faial Island, nicknamed “The Blue Island” is known for the hydrangeas that blanket its slopes in shades of blue and purple and boasts a dramatic volcanic caldera with a placid lake.
Horta, the capital of Faial, is a charming town known for its marina lined with colorful houses. Faial is a famous destination for sailors crossing the Atlantic. There’s a popular saying that gin and tonic cocktails were invented here.

São Jorge Island

São Jorge Island is nicknamed “The Brown Island” for its fertile fajãs (flat, fertile land created by lava flows reaching the sea). It is known for its fajã hopping trails and cheese production. This island is a hiker’s paradise with dramatic cliffs and beautiful fajãs. However, the landscape here is so rugged that one town Fajia de Santo Cristo has no internet, electricity or proper road. Locals here also hike only by quadikes. That said, the local population here is over 8 thousand people.

São Miguel Island

São Miguel Island, nicknamed “The Green Island” for its lush vegetation, is the largest island of the Azores. Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, is located on this island. São Miguel is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning scenery, volcanic hot springs (terras termais), and whale watching.

Graciosa Island

Graciosa Island, nicknamed “The White Island” is known for the white houses with red tile roofs that dot its landscape. It is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This island is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful hiking trails, and windmills. Also, this island is the most northerly and the second smallest. The estimated local population here is about 4 thousand people.

Terceira Island

Terceira Island also called “The Lilac Island” is for the abundant blue hydrangeas that bloom in the spring. Here you’ll find the most impressive volcanic caves. Angra do Heroísmo, the capital of Terceira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That said, Terceira is also the second-largest island. But there are no dramatic attractions like Sao Miguel.

That said, its airport has plenty of flights to mainland Portugal as well as international flights. So, on this island, you’ll find a great mix of expats and restaurants which is due to the US Air Force base that sort of operates in limited capacity there. You’ll also find some English-speaking people, as well as good clinics and hospitals.

Flores Island

Flores Island, nicknamed “The Multicolored Island” for its diverse flora, is known for its waterfalls, lakes, crater lakes, and thermal pools. This island is a haven for nature lovers, with stunning scenery and a rich variety of plant and animal life. That said, the estimated population of people here is about 3 thousand people.

Corvo Island

Corvo Island, nicknamed “The Gray Island” for its dark volcanic rock and gray-colored houses, is the smallest island of the Azores. This island is a tranquil getaway, with a volcanic caldera at its center. However, this island is too remote for a lot of people. Presently, it has only about 400 residents.

Concluding Thoughts: Pros and Cons of Living in the Azores

The Azores offer a unique lifestyle with undeniable beauty, a relaxed pace, and a strong sense of community. However, island life comes with limitations. Carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your priorities. Are you a retiree or a working professional, this would heavily influence whether staying in the Azores is ideal for you.

For instance, remote workers often choose to stay in places like Lisbon and instead travel regularly to the Azores to enjoy island life in short bursts. Do the Azores sound like your perfect escape? Start planning your adventure, but remember to research specific islands, learn basic Portuguese, and be prepared to embrace the unique rhythms of island life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in the Azores

Where do expats live in the Azores?

Expats tend to gravitate towards the larger islands like São Miguel (Ponta Delgada) and Terceira (Angra do Heroísmo) due to their wider range of amenities, job opportunities, and ease of getting around. However, some expats choose the smaller islands for a more peaceful and secluded lifestyle.

Is the Azores a good place to live?

The Azores offer a high quality of life with stunning scenery, a safe environment, friendly locals, and a slower pace of life. But you should also consider the limited work, especially outside tourism and remote work, and the potential for complete isolation, especially on the smaller islands.

How do I retire to the Azores?

Portugal offers a visa program specifically designed for retirees with a regular pension that meets a minimum income threshold. Often, most retirees pick to use the Portugal Passive Income visa, aka the D7 visa for this purpose.

What is the best time of the year to go to Portugal?

The Azores have a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Go for the warmest weather between May and September. Expect more tourists and locals then. Marcy to April and October to November also have pleasant temperatures great for hiking and sightseeing. The crowds are also fewer then. However, Winter is the coolest weather with the most rain. That’s when you see whale migrations the most.