27 March 2024: As the global leaders in private jet charters, Smart Aviation is busy finalising private jet charters to popular destinations this summer. Faro continues to be the most beloved by our clients, in part due to the fantastic golfing, but bookings to Split and Ibiza are coming in thick and fast too.

Our private jet clients are constantly on the lookout for undiscovered destinations too though. Many are seeking to escape the crowds and find secluded pockets of paradise where they can switch off and recharge. 

The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, is a land full of natural beauty. Surrounded by the blue immensity of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands, located west of Lisbon and South East of Canada. Clients can fly directly by private jet from London Biggin Hill directly to Ponta Delgada Azores Airport, on São Miguel island, in just over three hours. Prices start from £15,000 one way.

Due to its unique location on the Gulf Stream, the Azores boasts a sub-tropical climate with cooling ocean temperatures year round. Highs of 25° in the summer months mean temperatures are warm but pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The nine islands all offer memorable experiences by nature including hiking through the abundance of flora and fauna to the Lake of Fire, a mighty crater lake, playing one of the lush green golf courses, or exploring one of the many underground volcanic caves, a seriously unique geologic phenomena. 

Visitors can choose to stay on one of the islands or charter a yacht to sail around the tranquil, crystal-clear turquoise waters at their leisure, on their own schedule. 

Here’s why the Azores is the ideal destination for visitors to explore this summer:

Hiking along undiscovered ancient footpaths

Many would say the best way to explore the Azores is by foot, thanks to its network of walking trails that have been restored so everyone can enjoy the stunning landscape. These footpaths were used in the past by locals to transport supplies and were relatively untouched as for centuries the easiest way to travel around the archipelago was by sea. Today, each one of the nine islands offers its own collection of walking routes, to suit every level of ability. Visitors can hike through rainforests, across mountains and along lakes, and much more. 

Enjoy warm white sand beaches on Santa Maria, The Sunshine Island

A collection of white sandy beaches can be found on Santa Maria Island, perfect for windsurfing, surfing, water skiing and sailing. Unforgettable dive sites, offering exceptional visibility and are just waiting to be explored by scuba divers. Marine life includes stingrays, barracudas, manta rays and hammerhead sharks. Picture perfect spots on the island are endless, including the iconic Gonçalo Velho lighthouse.

The hidden lagoons of São Miguel, The Green Island

Discovered in 1427, São Miguel is the largest of the islands in the archipelago and is also home to the largest number of lagoons, including Poço Azul, a hidden blue lake, with a mysterious fairy tale history. This island is also known for its thermal activity, and many bubbling geysers can be found here.

Whale watching in one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries

A naturally protected habitat, the Azores is one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries and one of Europe’s leading whale watching destinations. Sperm whales can be seen throughout the year but in peak viewing season (April – October), blue and fin whales can be frequently seen migrating through. 

Wine tasting on Pico Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Winemaking began from the vines of Pico in the late 15th-century, shortly after settlement. The rich, volcanic lava soil and protective slopes meant vines here flourished. In 2004, the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. 

Relax in a natural hydro-thermal bath on Graciosa, The White Island

Thermal waters were discovered on the Azores in 1750 and since then, its benefits for the body and mind have been embraced by the archipelago. The water at Capracho Thermal Spa on Graciosa Island is packed full of minerals and is consistently between 35° and 40°. Ancient legend has it that these waters are miraculous.

For more information on the Azores, visit www.visitazores.com.

​About Smart Aviation:

Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry, including managing sports charters at Excel Airways. Over the last 18 years, Mark has led Smart Aviation to become the leaders in global sports chartering. Mark is still very active in sports chartering, frequently providing air travel for global sports teams to key sporting fixtures including Champions League and Premier League football matches, as well as to ice-hockey, boxing, basketball, golf, motorsport and cricket tournaments.

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