About the location
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Hawaii of the Atlantic’, the Azores is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands 1,000km west of Lisbon.
Up until a few years ago, many would be hard pushed to pinpoint this collection of islands on a map. However, owing to the islands’ wild beauty and proximity to both mainland Europe and North America, this archipelago is making a name for itself.
With lush verdant fields, black volcanic rock and the deep azure waters of the Atlantic, the Azores are bathed in colour and the perfect setting for returning to nature, switching off and spending quality time with loved ones. It is a unique destination for those buying a property in Portugal who seek a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Investment potential
Buying a property in the Azores is not only a wonderful lifestyle investment for those who love nature and outdoor pursuits, but it is also an interesting financial investment. Though not as touristic as the coastal areas of the mainland, these beautiful islands are becoming increasingly popular, with the likes of Forbes and CN Traveler singing their praise.
As much of the Azores’ allure is due to the islands' stunning scenery, the government has adopted a proactive approach to managing tourism. Since 2015, the number of hotel rooms in the Azores has been capped at 20,000 – a quota that has yet to be hit – to protect the islands from overdevelopment. At the time of writing, there are approximately only 300 Airbnbs too. This scarcity of tourist accommodation combined with the increasing popularity of this archipelago suggests that properties for sale in the Azores here are set to perform well on the rental market.
A green gem This unique collection of islands offers the ultimate escape from city life and owning a property here is perfect for those who love the outdoors and want a home away from home where they can reconnect with nature. Plus, just a four-hour flight from the UK and a six-hour flight from New York, the wild beauty of the Azores is surprisingly accessible.
Adviser's Opinion
Why to buy
- Incredible quality of life
- Beautiful varied natural landscapes
- Strong sense of community
- Great for outdoor pursuits
Know before you go
- The Azores comprises 9 islands
- 1,000km west of Lisbon
- 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Famous for its volcanic wine
- Regular flights to Lisbon
Infrastructure development
The Azores have seen significant infrastructure development in recent years. This includes improvements to transportation, such as the expansion and renovation of airports and ports, as well as the development of new roads and highways.
The islands have also seen investments in renewable energy, including wind and geothermal power, with several new projects being developed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, there have been improvements to public services, such as healthcare and education, as well as the development of new tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and restaurants.
Overall, the commitment to sustainable growth makes the region a compelling choice for those looking at real estate in Portugal as a long-term asset.
