20 Mistakes Tourists Make in the Azores

Planning a trip to the Azores? Here are some common travel mistakes tourists make — and how to avoid them.

These practical tips will help you save money, avoid stress, and make the most of your time on the islands.

To keep this guide short and practical, we divided it into two articles.

You can read the first 10 Azores Mistakes to Avoid in the Azores here

11. Not learning the local driving rules

Do you know what a yellow line on the road means? Or how to drive safely in a roundabout?

In the Azores, traffic lights are rare, and roundabouts are common. Always slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings, as people (especially children) may cross at any time.

Pro Tip: Take a few minutes to learn basic driving rules in Portugal before renting a car. It will make your trip much safer and easier.

12. Visiting Ferraria hot springs without checking the tides

The best time to visit Ferraria is during low tide. At high tide, waves can be strong and the experience less enjoyable — or even dangerous.

Pro Tip: Always check the tide schedule before visiting natural hot springs in the Azores and wear water shoes to protect your feet on the rocks!

13. Renting a car last minute

If you plan to rent a car, book as soon as you confirm your flights. Prices can vary greatly, from 30 to 100 euros for the same car.

If you don’t want to drive, you can still explore the Azores. The second-best option would be to hire guided tours (shared or private). Public transport is very limited and does not reach many of the best tourist spots — it mainly connects the cities and is mostly used by students and workers.

Pro Tip: Compare local car rental options in advance and book early to avoid high prices and limited availability.

14. Not respecting trail signs and safety rules

When traveling abroad, it’s important to respect local rules. If a sign says “do not enter” or “do not cross,” there is a reason.

Important: Swimming in the lagoons is prohibited!

Many Azores hiking trails do not have fences or barriers, so always follow marked paths carefully. With increasing tourism, accidents are becoming more common.

Pro Tip: Always follow official hiking trails and avoid hiking alone. If you are solo traveling, join a guided group tour.

We recommend these two companies for guided group hiking tours:

Use code AZORESGPS5 with either company to get a discount!

• Fun Activities — Book here
• Futurismo Adventures — Book here

Important: By booking with our promo codes, you are helping us keep this content free, created by locals for travelers like you. Thank you! 🙂

15. Relying only on TripAdvisor for restaurants

High ratings do not always mean the best food — sometimes they reflect marketing, not quality. If you only use TripAdvisor, you might miss some of the best local restaurants.

Pro Tip: Pergunte a pessoas locais e confira alguns dos restaurantes que gostamos e recomendamos em nosso blog. voce pode ver isto aqui: