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AZORES HIGH Self catering holiday accommodation |
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Rua da Miragaia Nº 28, Pedro Miguel, 9900-437, Horta, Faial, Azores.
Tel: +351 292949018
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get there?
Flights from UK can be booked direct, on line, through http://www.flytap.com/. Their telephone number is 0207 9323600. You will have to change in Lisbon, but good connections are available. SATA (http://www.sata.pt/) run a service flying from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel, which would necessitate you taking an internal flight, also with SATA, to reach Faial. For North America SATA International (http://www.azores-express.com/) fly from Boston, Providence and Toronto to Sao Miguel or Lisbon and Terceira.
How do we travel between the islands?
For travelling between the islands there are passenger ferries, for day trips, between Faial, Pico and São Jorge. Several times a week you can also travel on to/from Terceira and Graciosa. Transmaçor (http://www.transmacor.pt/) is the company operating all the ferries between the islands.
What's the weather like?
The Azores has a mild maritime climate controlled by the high pressure area, known as the "Azores High", and the warm Gulf Stream. Statistically temperatures vary between 13º and 14º C (55º-57ºF) during the colder months of January/February and 22º-23ºC (72º-73ºF) during the warmer months of July/August, although, in our experience, July and August frequently climb up to the high twenties and even low thirties. The ocean temperatures oscillate between 14º-15ºC (57º-59ºF) during the coldest month (February) and between 22º-23ºC (72º-73ºF) in August largely due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. Rain falls throughout the year, however in summer the showers are brief although sometimes very heavy. There is an average of 78% humidity.
How can we get around on the island?
Hire car is the best way, closely followed by taxis, which are reliable and inexpensive, (by UK standards at least). The bus service is neither frequent, nor extensive enough for tourist use. The other possibilities are hiring a scooter or motor cycle or, if you are feeling fit, a bicycle.
When does the season start for whale watching? What is the best time?
Whale watching begins mid-April and is exceptionally good during May and June, when many different varieties are migrating. Species of whale being spotted include Sperm, Sei, Fin, Humpback, Pilot, Northern Bottlenose and Blue whales. At least five species of dolphin are normally around including Bottlenose, Common, Striped, Risso's and Atlantic Spotted dolphins.
What are the car hire rates?
The smallest (a Twingo or similar) is 16 euros per day with 16 centimos per kilometre, or there is an unlimited mileage charge of 26 euros per day, including basic insurance. This goes up to 19 euros with 19 centimos per kilometre and 35 euros unlimited during July/August/September. On top of this 15% tax will be added, along with any additional insurance you require.
Do you have any recommendations for accommodation on Pico?
Regarding accommodation on Pico, the nicest place I have found is Aldeia da Fonte (http://www.aldeiafonte.com/). If you are interested in doing lots of whale watching then the lodge of Espaco Talassa might suit you (http://www.espacotalassa.com/).
Will we be able to use cash machines to withdraw money whilst on the island or should we bring travellers cheques with us?
There are plenty of cash machines in Horta, one in Cedros and one at the airport in Castelo Branco, too. Traveller's cheques can prove expensive to cash. Only a few businesses accept credit cards, happily the supermarket is one of them.
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