What’s It Like Living In The Azores As A Expat?

If you love the thought of living in Portugal and you’re searching for a guaranteed laid-back lifestyle with fewer extremes of temperature than parts of Portugal can experience, you should consider living in the Azores.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this archipelago of nine islands, an autonomous region of Portugal, has plenty to offer.

The islands are stunningly beautiful, with peaceful yet relatively active locations offering expats a wealth of choices when it comes to activities as well as an affordable cost of living.

What’s the weather like in the Azores

The Azores can be best described as having a maritime subtropical climate.

Influenced by their location in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, as well as their latitude. So whilst the Gulf Stream and the islands’ latitude could suggest more temperature extremes, their physical location in the Atlantic ensures the climate is mild all year round.  Some have even gone so far as to suggest that the climate in the Azores is perfect!

In the summertime, it’s warm, in the winter, it’s mild, there is rainfall in moderation and only occasionally do storms hit the islands in the summer, with the odd rough winter day being the only negative climate issue. 

On the whole, the climate in the Azores is the one that helps us live longer and healthier. You can read more about such climates in our guide The Healthiest Climate That Could Help You Live Longer.

Is it expensive to live in the Azores?

No, compared to other popular expat destinations in Portugal, the Azores are very affordable.

Your house bills will be much lower compared to Portugal’s mainland. Day-to-day shopping will cost you less since the VAT in the Azores is lower (18% versus 23% in mainland Portugal).

Being an island, certain items will cost more to import. However, everything you may need is readily available. European-based companies, such as Ikea, even deliver here. 

A meal in a local, lower-end restaurant will cost you as little as €10, while for a 2-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay roughly €40. A pint of domestic beer will set you back €1, and a bottle of imported beer costs as little as €1.80

For daily essentials, a litre of milk costs just €0.60, a loaf of fresh bread costs €0.78 and a bottle of mid-range wine will cost €3.30. A month’s membership at a gym will cost roughly €30, monthly utilities can cost less than €200, and monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost as little as €470.

Is the Azores a good place to retire to?

Because of the attraction of the weather, the islands have become something of a hotspot for expat retirees.  You will experience few harsh extremes and sufficient rainfall to ensure your garden and the surrounding countryside is always lush, verdant green.

If you are looking for a peaceful location, the Azores are much calmer than mainland Portugal when it comes to nightlife and tourism so that your summertime days and nights are not spoiled by touristic noise and crowds.

At the same time, the islands have been well discovered and are beloved by visitors from many nations so there is still plenty to do and see to stop you from getting bored!

If you relish golf and had considered living in Portugal because of the number of incredible courses, particularly in the Algarve, you’ll be pleased to know there are good fairways in the Azores too. 

You can try the Balalha or Furnas Golf Clubs on Sao Miguel island or perhaps Terceira Golf Course on Terceira island.  And if you’re a golf widow, don’t worry, there’s a lot more to the Azores than just golf.

As mentioned, the islands are so lush and green thanks to the weather, they are also very fertile and so gardening is a popular pursuit.  Wining and dining out is also a highly enjoyable pastime because there are so many exceptionally good local restaurants and cafes on each of the main islands. 

If you enjoy walking, hiking or mountain biking or cycling, these are popular pursuits in the Azores – as is fishing with big game, sea and lake fishing.  Bird watching is another popular pastime – or if you prefer more activity and adventure, what about tennis, horse riding, swimming or even scuba diving?

Moving to the Azores as a non-EU national

Non-EU citizens moving from North America and the United Kingdom must apply for a long-stay visa and a residence permit to live in the Azores permanently.

The most popular options are a D7 visa for passive income holders and a Golden Visa. While a D7 visa is perfect if you want to retire and live in the Azores permanently, a Golden Visa gives you more flexibility. Besides, there are some interesting investment opportunities in Portugal right now.

If you have questions or need more information about your Golden Visa options, contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. 

The pros and cons of living in the Azores

The Azores have so much to offer expats. However, like anywhere in the world, there are upsides and downsides. 

The pros of living in the Azores

1. Mild subtropical climate 

The climate in the Azores is very mild, which makes it friendly for residents and visitors alike! Temperatures can vary between 10°C and 20°C throughout the year. In summer, temperatures can reach 25°C. This means you won’t need any heavy coats, and you’ll save plenty of money not needing air conditioning. 

2. Low cost of living

One thing that makes life in the Azores so appealing is how affordable it is to live here. For those seeking to retire here, you can live very comfortably on a small budget. Although you may sacrifice a small number of luxuries, you can easily get most things that you need. 

Plus, as an expat, you might qualify for Portugal’s low tax regime for your first 10 years of residence in the Azores.

3. Easy access

There are three major airports located in the Azores: 

• João Paulo II Airport, named after Pope John Paul II, on São Miguel
• Horta Airport, located in Faial
• Lajes Airport, found on Terceira island

There are regular flights to and from the UK, the US and Europe. Azores Airlines offer direct flights from mainland Portugal, Boston, New York, Toronto, Paris and Frankfurt airports.

Swiss Air Lines, Lufthansa and Iberia also operate regular flights to the Azores, especially in high season. Flights are still available in winter but are less regular.

Ferries between the islands operate on a regular basis. 

4. A relaxed lifestyle

Life in the Azores is relaxed.

This outlook seeps into all aspects of life, making it an ideal place to unwind for those seeking an escape from the rat race. This can present some hurdles when it comes to anything bureaucratic. However, it is more than made up for when you take in the views and remember where it is you actually live.

There’s also next to no traffic and there are no mosquitoes. 

5. Volcanoes create a landscape for explorers

Made up of 9 volcanic islands, the Azores has something for every taste, whether it’s exploring picturesque forests, hiking beautiful mountains, escaping in natural pools or relaxing on one of the many beaches.

The islands are easily accessible, so you have plenty of variety should you want a change of scenery. This is a place to reconnect with nature and escape from the world. 

6. Whale Watching

The Azores are one of the best locations in the world for whale and dolphin watching. If you go out on one of the boat trips, you may even get to see a magnificent Blue Whale.

The cons of living in the Azores 

1. Red tape 

The pace of life here can be frustrating for those unaccustomed to it. Formal processes such as visas, bank accounts, and residence permits can take a long time.

2. Somewhat limited healthcare 

The public system in the Azores, like the rest of Portugal, is very good with many private options also available. Services can be lacking on the smaller islands. 

Non-EU citizens planning to retire in Portugal will need private health insurance for at least until they get a residence permit. After that, they can join the National Health Service (SNS).

However, many expats opt for international health insurance as it gives them coverage both in Portugal and in their home country. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 

Healthcare under Portugal’s national health system is free for children under 18 and those over 65. The rest will only need to contribute a small fee every time they see a doctor. 

3. Unstable weather

Despite the pleasant temperatures, the weather in the Azores can be quite inconsistent. Locals describe the experience of having four seasons in a day, which can mean rain and sun within a matter of hours. You may not need a winter coat, but you’ll definitely need an umbrella. 

Do they speak English in the Azores?

Thanks to a NATO base in Terceira and its inclusion in the curriculum of many schools, English is widely spoken in the Azores. Also, due to its proximity to the United States, many locals have migrated and returned, developing skills and bringing them home. In rural and remote areas, this is less common. 

Learning a few Portuguese phrases will go a long way, even if it’s nothing more than a simple courtesy. The gesture will be warmly welcomed.

Are the Azores safe?

Thanks to its isolation, the Azores is considered very safe when compared to other European tourist hotspots in regards to larger threats. 

Plus, recent economic growth, thanks to tourism, has improved the quality of life for the local community. Like anywhere in the world, crime does exist, but on a small scale. The Azores are considered a safe place to live. 

Where to live in the Azores

In terms of where to live in the Azores, well, the choice you make will be very much dictated by your lifestyle preferences and also the locations you feel most at home in. 

As an archipelago made up of nine islands, you might think you’d be spoiled for the choice of potential places to settle.

However, the development across these different islands is varied, so the lifestyle you’re seeking will significantly impact where you choose to live.

Given the islands’ isolation, the population on each island is also varied.

The islands are divided into three groups, the Eastern, Central and Western islands. Sao Miguel and the Terceira islands are the two most populated areas, making them the most appealing option for expats. Santa Maria is also worth considering. You could also look at São Jorge if you’re comfortable with a minimal lifestyle.

The other islands are: 

• Pico
• Faial
• Graciosa
• Flores
• Corvo

Sao Miguel

Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Azores by population and landmass measures. It’s also home to the capital, Ponta Delgada.

This bustling city is the Azores’ economic, cultural and political centre, making this the ideal location for expats.

Here, you’ll have everything you need to live a comfortable life, along with access to stunning local scenery, including natural lagoons, forests rich in colour, mountains, and the largest beach on the island – Praia de Santa Barbara.

Sao Miguel is not only well connected to the other Azores islands, but the rest of the world too, thanks to its international airport. Sao Miguel is the kind of place where even in the heart of the city, amongst its bright lights, you can see a night sky full of stars.  

Terceira

Terceira is as beautiful as it is historic.

Since its founding in 1534, the old town of Angra do Heroismo has been slowly built over time into the economic hub that it is today, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those seeking an alternative to Sao Miguel, Terceira will not disappoint. Life here is very relaxed, so you can maintain a metropolitan feel amongst the island’s peacefulness.

Housing here is also at least 20% cheaper than on the more developed island of Sao Miguel.

You’ll find a lava tunnel in the island’s centre, along with mountains offering breathtaking views of the city and the rest of the island. Beaches, lagoons, stunning scenery and excellent quality of life – there is a lot to love about Terceira. 

Santa Maria

Santa Maria is an excellent island for those seeking tranquillity and the best weather in the archipelago.

This small but mighty island offers potential residents remote beaches and stunning landscapes. It isn’t named sun island for no reason!

Santa Maria is not as established as, say, Sao Miguel or Terceira, so for those seeking a more urban lifestyle, we wouldn’t recommend settling here. 

São Jorge

São Jorge is a fascinating island. Called Dragon Island, the island is much more hilly and steep than the others.

The local population have adapted to the terrain living on the part of the land called fajãs. This land is formed at the bottom of coastal cliffs caused by landslides. The lifestyle can be very basic, a few residents on the island still don’t have electricity.

There is a micro-climate on the island which has enabled São Jorge to become the only coffee plantation in Europe.

The other islands, whilst beautiful in their own right, are better suited for expats as a temporary destination rather than a place to settle. Given the diversity of the Azores, we strongly recommend visiting the islands first to find the perfect place for you. Plus, what better excuse is there for a holiday, right? 

Other popular locations in Portugal to consider:

• Living In Aveiro: Why Expats Love It
• 15 Things To Know About Living In Viseu, Portugal Before You Move
• 21 Must-Know Facts About Living In Cascais As An Expat
• 17 Pros & Cons Of Living In Sintra, Portugal As An Expat
• Living In Madeira: Facts For Expats

You might find helpful:

• Living in Portugal – The Expats’ Guide – the benefits and drawbacks of living in Portugal, the cost of living, healthcare, taxes and more;
• The Guide To EU Golden Visas – The fastest and most efficient way to gain full residence in an EU country
• Best Places To Live In Portugal – a detailed overview of the most popular Portugal locations for expats starting from the southern region of the Algarve and its towns and going up North all the way to Porto;
• The Non-Habitual Residence Regime, Foreign Pensions And Tax In Portugal – how to benefit from Portugal’s low-tax regime when you move to Portugal.
• Didn’t find what you were looking for or need further advice? Contact us or comment with your question and we will do our best to help

Helpful external links:

• Find information on schools and education in the Azores on the official educational portal.
• Check bus routes and public transport in the Azores on the Regional Directorate of Transport site.
• Use the Atlantico Line ferries to travel between the islands.
• To access various government services in the Azores, see the online portal.