The Azores in a wheelchair: how to travel to the island of São Miguel
- Europe
- Portugal
- Beaches and islands
- Nature
A guide to travelling to the Azores in a wheelchair: what to see on São Miguel and what accessible services are available, with frequently asked questions.
Accessible tourism in the Azores: everything you need to know
In this article we talk about the Azores, an archipelago of volcanic origin in the Atlantic. These islands are a destination that amazes all its visitors with impressive landscapes and a rich local culture.
By the way, for people who want to travel to the Azores in a wheelchair, São Miguel has improvements in infrastructure and accessible services.
Exploring São Miguel
First of all, São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, is a natural paradise that will captivate your senses. In addition, the volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear lakes of this island offer you a unique experience.
Thirdly, thanks to improvements in accessibility, there are more and more places in São Miguel that you can reach in a wheelchair.
For example, one of the must-see stops on any visit to São Miguel is Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater surrounded by lush vegetation and two lakes of surprising colours. Thanks to the improvements in accessibility, it is now possible to enjoy this natural spectacle in a wheelchair, so that all visitors can enjoy its beauty.
Another unmissable place is the beautiful city of Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, where the charm of the old town blends with the modernity of its streets and squares.
By the way, many of the tourist attractions and restaurants in Ponta Delgada are wheelchair accessible.
Nature and adventure
However, São Miguel is not just about impressive landscapes and charming towns; it also offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy.
So, from boat trips along the coast (which you can board with assistance) and whale and dolphin watching, to hiking trails through forests and mountains with joëlette chairs, and the chance to go kayaking on one of the lakes of the Sete Cidades volcano, there are activities for different tastes.
You will also discover Furnas, a bubbling village that has become the heart of thermal bathing on the island. Among other things, you can immerse yourself in a unique landscape where a winding river is surrounded by steam, streams of hot water and geysers of boiling mud, water and sulphur.
Food and local culture
Of course, no trip to São Miguel would be complete without trying the delicious local food. From fresh fish to artisan cheeses and traditional sweets, there is a great variety of flavours to taste and enjoy.
In addition, many restaurants on the island are accessible for people who use mobility equipment.
In fact, did you know that São Miguel is home to the only tea plantations in Europe? Here you can taste the different varieties of this drink, learn its secrets and marvel at the views. As well as tea, pineapples are also grown on São Miguel, and of course you can visit one of the plantations to taste this delicious fruit.
Accessible services in the Azores
By the way, if you are a person with a disability and you want to travel to the Azores in a wheelchair, we offer a range of services adapted to your needs.
Above all, in the Azores, people with disabilities can enjoy accessible transport, accommodation in accessible rooms, accessible tours and activities, and a 24-hour support service that we provide on every trip.
It is also possible to hire mobility equipment and assistive equipment, such as hoists, commode chairs or profiling beds. In this way, travelling to the Azores in a wheelchair becomes a perfect experience that you can make the most of.
Our trip to the Azores with Travel Xperience was simply wonderful. As a wheelchair user, I had many worries before the trip, but from the very first moment the Travel Xperience team was in constant contact, making sure everything went as planned.
We enjoyed a walk in a joëlette chair along accessible trails with two lovely assistants, and also an exciting boat trip with whale watching.
The accessible transport and accommodation were exactly what we needed. We came back delighted, with our expectations exceeded. An unforgettable experience!
Read more testimonials from travellers…
Conclusion
Accessible tourism in the Azores
Finally, with careful planning and the help of accessible resources, you can enjoy a lot of what São Miguel and the Azores have to offer. From impressive landscapes to culinary experiences and moments of adventure, São Miguel is an island that offers something special for everyone.
So plan your trip, pack your spirit of adventure and get ready to discover São Miguel.
You can find out more about the destination on the Azores tourist office website (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
Are the Azores an accessible destination for people who use a wheelchair?
Yes, the Azores, and São Miguel in particular, have improved significantly in terms of accessibility. Many tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants are adapted to welcome people who use wheelchairs.
What support services does Travel Xperience offer in the Azores for people with disabilities?
At Travel Xperience we offer a range of accessible services, including accessible transport, accommodation in accessible rooms, accessible guided tours and activities, a 24-hour support service, and hire of mobility equipment and assistive equipment such as hoists, commode chairs and profiling beds.
What are the best times to travel to the Azores if I am a person with a disability?
The best time to visit the Azores is during spring and summer, from May to September, when the weather is warmer and rain is less likely. However, the Azores have a mild climate all year round, so they are a viable destination in any season, and you can take advantage of the low season to avoid the crowds.
How does Travel Xperience make sure my specific mobility needs are met?
Before your trip, we will work closely with you to understand your specific needs. We plan every aspect of your itinerary, from transport to accommodation and activities, taking your mobility needs into account.
What kind of accessible transport is available in the Azores?
In the Azores, we provide adapted vehicles with ramps or wheelchair lifts, with professional, trained drivers.
What kind of accessible activities can be done on São Miguel?
São Miguel offers a variety of accessible activities, including boat trips to watch whales and dolphins, hiking trails with joëlette chairs and assistants, kayaking on volcanic lakes, and visits to iconic places such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Furnas, among others.
What are the accessible rooms in hotels in the Azores like?
Accessible rooms in hotels in the Azores are designed to be spacious and comfortable, with accessible bathrooms that include level-access showers, shower seats or chairs, and grab rails. Profiling beds and other mobility equipment can also be provided according to your needs.
What measures are taken regarding the safety of travellers with disabilities?
During the trip you have a 24-hour on-call phone line, for you to call whenever you need.
We also tailor these services to the particular needs of each person with a disability who travels with us.
Is it possible to hire mobility equipment in the Azores?
Yes, we offer the option of hiring a range of mobility equipment and assistive equipment, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, hoists, commode chairs and profiling beds.
What makes travelling to the Azores in a wheelchair with Travel Xperience different?
Travelling with Travel Xperience means that your trip is planned taking your accessibility needs into account. We specialise in creating personalised trips for people with a physical disability or reduced mobility, so that everyone who travels with us can enjoy the Azores. We send you the photos of the room and the bathroom.
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