Azores Gay Guide for 2024

Why travel to Azores in the first place?

If you’re into nature and a sustainable ecotourism destination appeals to you, the Azores are a great choice. Imagine a land of lush green mountains, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic volcanic landscapes and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three UNESCO Biospheres.

Although a remote archipelago scattered in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are easily accessible with 15+ airlines flying directly to the islands every year:

• from the East Coast of US – Boston and New York
• from the EU – Germany, Switzerland, UK, Denmark, Spain and France to name a few
• from mainland Portugal – Porto, Lisbon and Faro

How gay-friendly are the Azores?

As an outsider vacationing in Azores, it’s unlikely you will find any issues. Thousands of gay travelers have been visiting the Azores for many years and even more so since 2014, year since the islands have seen a boost in tourism. All without any reports of any kind of harassment, violence or crime against LGBTQ+ individuals. Portuguese constitution forbids discrimination of any kind, including gender or sexual orientation and everyone working on the travel industry in Azores is more than used to receive LGBTQIA+ tourists.

Most people don’t really care if you are gay, lesbian, trans, queer or asexual – as a maximum, you may witness the odd look if you show public displays of affection. That said, people gossip, of course, particularly on smaller islands which still heavily lean towards traditional, “family-oriented” costumes imposed by Catholicism.

Which islands to go in Azores?

The Azores archipelago is comprised of nine islands, each with something unique to offer with a surprising diversity in landscapes, culture, and traditions. The largest and most populous island is São Miguel, home to the busiest airport in the islands, Ponta Delgada (PDL) and it’s the one receiving more gay travelers. If it’s your first time and you’re short on time, São Miguel is the perfect introduction to the Azores – it can keep you busy for as long as a week or even more.

If you want to explore deeper in seek of more remote experiences, venture to the other islands too by plane (SATA) or ferry (AtlânticoLine). And boy, there is a lot to uncover. São Jorge and Flores have some of the most breathtaking natural sceneries and landscapes, Pico is home to the highest mountain in Portugal and stunning vineyards that stretch out to the sea and Terceira is a fantastic island for food and cultural traditions.

Gay-friendly accommodation in Azores

Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront hotel, a historic guesthouse, or more of a tropical garden setting, the Azores have the perfect spot to relax for a few days. These days, you can expect most accommodations in Azores to treat queer persons respectfully and provide you with a nice stay.

That said, these are some of the best places to stay that we know are gay-friendly and fully welcoming to any kind of queer travelers:

• CK Events Villa (São Miguel)
  Boasting one of the most stunning views in the island over the Atlantic and the Vila Franca islet, this villa is run by an active member of the LGBTQIA+ community in Azores, so you’re guaranteed to have an amazing and worry-free stay. 

• Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (São Miguel)
  Nestled within the renowned Terra Nostra Park in Furnas, this Art Deco hotel offers lush botanical gardens, thermal pools, and elegant indoor spaces, perfect for a stylish stay.

• Sul Villas & Spa (São Miguel)
  If you’re looking for a secluded and luxurious kind of vibe with gorgeous views over the ocean, this is one of the top choices in Azores.

• Terceira Mar Hotel (Terceira)
  Located right next to Angra do Heroísmo’s downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a both convenient and charming accommodation choice in Terceira island.

Azores gay scene

One thing to keep in mind is that the Azores are not a party destination. Even in the largest island, São Miguel, nightlife is limited to a few clubs and bars in downtown Ponta Delgada. So don’t expect a gaycation – gay parties or saunas are definitely out of equation – as the only official gay-friendly bar in Azores is Azores Forever Diner in Ponta Delgada. Some of the more hip and stylish places inevitably attract some queer people though.

The LGBTQIA+ scene in Azores may be tiny, but the queer community is welcoming and quite active. Movements like the Azores Pride have been making the queer community more visible since 2011. In 2024, there is a double edition in both São Miguel and Terceira, a sign that is becoming a highlight in the Azores cultural agenda.

 

Restaurants and bars in Azores

Food is a standout feature in the Azores, offering a rich culinary experience. While Terceira boasts delicious dishes and notable restaurants, it’s São Miguel, and especially Ponta Delgada that takes the crown for its diverse array of dining and nightlife options.

For queer travelers, here are some top restaurant and bar recommendations:

• Azores Forever Diner (São Miguel): the first and only gay-friendly bar in the islands also serves light snacks and meals in an unpretentious setting.
• A Tasca (São Miguel): Quite popular among both locals and tourists, this rustic restaurant serves all sorts of local delicacies but focused on seafood. They don’t work with reservations, so show up early.
• Otaka (São Miguel): Specializing in nikkei cuisine, this is the closest to a Michelin-star experience you’ll have in the islands.
• Rotas da Ilha Verde (São Miguel): Arguably the best vegetarian restaurant in Azores.
• Beira Mar (Terceira): Family-run restaurant serving top-notch seafood next to Angra do Heroísmo.
• Rooftop Bar – Octant Ponta Delgada (São Miguel): Even if you’re not a guest, you can go up to this rooftop bar for a drink or snack with a gorgeous view over the marina and the Atlantic. 
• Tangente (São Miguel): Stylish bar in the heart of Ponta Delgada, perfect for an after-dinner cocktail or three.

Things to do in Azores

The Azores are a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, offering a plethora of activities that showcase the islands’ stunning landscapes and unique ecosystem.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline rush or someone who enjoys more leisurely pursuits or even mindful retreats, the Azores provide endless experiences to explore, discover, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this Atlantic archipelago. Here’s a glimpse into some activities that you can look into doing:

• Hiking 🥾 There are dozens of official trails in Azores, with different difficulty levels, landscapes and lenghts. Hiring a private hiking guide can help you navigate, find hidden gems and shortcuts while you soak in Azorean cultural insights.
• Whale-watching 🐳 Many different species of cetaceans tour and even live in Azorean waters – including the almighty blue whale! – making one of the top whale and dolphin watching destinations worldwide.
• Hot springs ♨︎ Relaxing in hot thermal springs is a great way to take advantage or a rainy day or ending your day of explorations. Poça Dona Beija, Caldeira Velha or Terra Nostra Park are the most popular spots in São Miguel.
• Canyoning 💦 Canyoning is a fun combination of climbing, diving and sliding through waterfalls and creeks deep inside the forest. Popular in the islands of São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores.
• Surfing 🏄‍♂️ Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more advanced surfer, hitting the waves in Azores is a popular way to indulge in the Azorean ocean spirit. There are surfing lessons available in São Miguel island.
• Diving & Snorkeling 🤿 Discover vibrant marine life and underwater volcanic formations in some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling spots.

Gay destination weddings in Azores

If your trip to Azores seeks to validate it as a potential wedding location, you’re on the right path. 🙂 Portugal was the 6th European country to legalize gay marriage and the first same-sex marriage in the Azores was performed on 29 August 2010.

Although the Azores are remote islands that can be perceived as less progressive than other cities, same-sex weddings in Azores are not uncommon and the options can suit a plethora of wedding styles.

We happen to be experts on queer weddings – let us know what you have in mind and who knows you may just get married in the middle of the Atlantic…