Autumn In The Azores. Day 1 – Beaming Down

In September 2024, we spent two weeks in the Azores Archipelago, sometimes called “The Other Eden.” It consists of nine volcanic islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean, mid-way between Europe and America. The islands were discovered and settled by Portugal in 1427.

We drove to Gatwick Airport from Harrogate, left our car with Maple Parking and stayed the night at the Gatwick Hilton, right next to the car park and the South Terminal of the airport.

Next morning, we skipped breakfast, walked to the South Terminal from the Hilton through the short, covered walkway, checked in at the SATA Azores Airways desk and relaxed in the excellent My Lounge.

The flight to Ponta Delgada was delayed by one hour. We had brunch in the Lounge and sat watching flights land and take off, sipping black coffee and brandy.

The SATA Azores aircraft had clean, comfortable seats with good leg room. The late lunch served however was disappointing and the fact that there was no wine was shocking! “We serve alcohol onboard on flights to Canada and the USA but not to Europe” the flight assistant said. They had gluten free bread though!

Four hours after leaving Gatwick, we landed at João Paulo II Airport – named after Pope John Paul II, in Ponta Delgada, the ‘capital’ of the Azores on São Miguel Island.

A Mercedes from the Azores travel agent Melo Travel drove us to the 92-room elegant boutique hotel Vila Galé Collection, an historic building where the hospital of São Francisco used to be in Praça de São Francisco, five minutes drive from the airport. The sea view suite was cosy and comfortable but there was no coffee machine. The manager apologised and sent us a kettle and two cups.

Hotel spa and swimming pools were impressive.

That evening, we drank Santa Vitória White from the Alentejo, made with Arinto and Verdelho. The bar was adorned with musical instruments and photographs of famous musicians. A 150 cl. glass of the wine cost only 3 Euros! The 135 ha Sant Vitoria Estate was founded in 2002 by Via Galé Group. Most of the wines on offer were from Portugal – mostly Alentejo and some from the Douro.

Dinner – smoked salmon, various salads, spinach soup, an insipid octopus stew, roast duck, pear in red wine and coffee at the end, was at the hotel restaurant. Almost a full bottle of an excellent Douro White, a blend of Arinto, Viosinho, Alvarinho, Folgosão, Sercial and Rabigato – from Quinta do Val Moreira, a 26 ha estate in Cima-Corgo, was drunk with pleasure with dinner.

It was a fitting end to the day.