Both the
Azores and the Algarve are likely to benefit economically and socially when the
SATA Group starts operating direct flights next
year between Ponta Delgada and Faro.
Visitors
from SATA’s destinations in the United States, Canada and Britain may decide
to make use of the new flights to visit both the Azores and the Algarve on the
same holiday.
Furthermore,
Algarve residents will be able to take a break and escape to the Azores from
the hustle and bustle of tourism in their home territory, particularly at the
crowded height of summer.
The Faro
connection will start on 2 June 2024 with flights on Wednesdays and Sundays
departing from Ponta Delgada at 9am and departing Faro at 12.25pm. The duration
of the flights will be about two hours and 25 minutes.
Airbus
A320 planes with seats for 168 passengers are expected to be used for the
service. Faro International Airport is the second busiest air terminal for
foreign passengers in Portugal after Lisbon.
Ponta
Delgada on the island of Sã0 Miguel is already connected
directly with regular flights to and from Boston, Toronto, London, Lisbon,
Oporto, Funchal and Cape Verde.
Both the
SATA Air Açores and the other member of the group, Azores Airline, carried
a record number of passengers in 2022. The total was 1,920,451, an increase of
almost 50% in 2021, and just over 12% on 2019, which was the previous record
year.
Then the
COVID pandemic set in. Last year’s figures were achieved despite the negative effects of COVID
remaining in the first quarter of 2022. A further increase in passenger traffic
is anticipated for 2023, though probably not as dramatic as last year.
Both the
Azores and the Algarve are steeped in attractions for visitors. The Azorean
capital Ponta Delgada and elsewhere on São Miguel as
well as the seven other inhabited islands in the archipelago, offer good accommodation
for travellers.
The
islands are far out in the Atlantic Ocean, almost halfway to North America.
That’s about 1,600 Km (1,000 miles) from mainland Portugal. This remoteness is
a big attraction in itself. So is the astonishing natural beauty and
biodiversity on the islands.
They are
frequently referred to as “an absolute paradise” for all kinds of nature lovers.
The historic streets on the island of Terceira, for example, are a UNESCO World
Heritage site. São Miguel is a great place to look
out for whales and dolphins. São Jorge
and the tiny island of Corvo are ideal for watching seabirds, such as
shearwaters, skuas, and terns.
The
Algarve is best known for its superb beaches amid historic headlands such as
Cape Saint Vincent, and for its luxury resorts as well as less-expensive
coastal villages. Tavira, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Albufeira, Carvoeiro,
and Lagos lure many visitors back time and time again.
The rural
and natural inland areas of the region are particularly popular among hikers
and cyclists. The west coast in September and October is best for watching
birds in migration. Scores of Buzzards, Eagles, and Vultures may soar overhead
while you are sitting on the terrace of a Sagres restaurant.
One of the
main differences between the Azores and the Algarve is the climate. The “off- season”,
October to April, are usually the best months for hiking in both. January to
March is the coolest and quietest period – good for golfers in the Algarve - but
also when rain is most likely.
The
highest summer temperatures in the Azores are usually about 30 degrees C (86F).
July and August in the Algarve, however, will probably be exceptionally hot
again next summer – often well over 30 to 40 degrees C (90 to 104 F).
An
inquisitive and adventurous spirit is all it needs to arrange and look forward
to a memorable first visit to the Azores and or the Algarve.
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