Real estate agent in the Azores.
Nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, about 870 miles (1,400 km) off mainland Portugal, in three groups. Each island has its own pace, landscape and style of house.
- 9 islands in three groups, mid-Atlantic
- ~870 mi from mainland Portugal (1,400 km)
- UTC−1 one hour behind Lisbon
- 4 islands where Magda works most: Pico, Faial, São Jorge, São Miguel
Three groups, nine islands
Pico, Faial and São Jorge sit within sight of one another. Pico lives by its vineyards, Faial by the sea, São Jorge by its fajãs, and São Miguel, the largest, has the most people and services.
Climate and everyday life
A mild oceanic climate, with daytime highs usually between 61 and 77°F (16 to 25°C). It rains often, and damp is the first thing to think about in an older house.
Stone houses, vineyards and ruins
Volcanic stone is everywhere and varies from house to house. Before an offer, Magda assesses the structure, the roof, the damp and the licensing.
Good to know
Three capitals for one region
The government sits in Ponta Delgada, the courts in Angra do Heroísmo and the Legislative Assembly in Horta.
From a volcano to America
The 1957-58 Capelinhos eruption led the US to pass the Azorean Refugee Act of 1958, authorizing 1,500 visas.
A World Heritage landscape
The black-stone vineyard enclosures of Pico have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004.
Never very hot, never very cold
In the main towns, temperatures above 86°F (30°C) or below 37°F (3°C) are essentially unknown.
A community across the ocean
Large communities of Portuguese descent, many of them Azorean, live in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and California.
- Traditional Azorean House with Tafona – Ribeiras, Lajes do Pico — Ribeiras, Lajes do Pico — €82,000
- Developable land with 4708.05 m2 in the center of Madalena do Pico — Madalena — €390,000
- Commercial Building with Atlantic Views and Expansion Potential - Prainha, Pico Island — PRAINHA, São Roque do Pico — €450,000
- Moradia T3 para Reabilitar na Madalena do Pico — MADALENA (PICO), Madalena — €145,000
- Historic Ruin with Sea View and Approved Project – Prainha, Pico — PRAINHA, São Roque do Pico — €220,000
- Adega do Fogo, Pico — Santa Luzia, Pico — €2,700,000
- Moradia de Luxo, Madalena — Madalena, Pico — €1,150,000
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy a house in the Azores?
Yes. Portugal generally does not restrict foreign buyers, and the Azores follow the same rules. You need a Portuguese tax number (NIF). Confirm the tax and legal details with a lawyer before signing.
How do I get to the Azores from the United States?
Azores Airlines flies nonstop from Boston and Toronto to Ponta Delgada, in about five hours from Boston. From there you connect to Pico and Faial, or route through Lisbon. Always check current schedules.
What is the weather like in the Azores?
Mild and oceanic: daytime highs usually fall between 61 and 77°F. Rain is frequent and humidity is high, which matters in an older house, where the roof and the walls need a careful look.
Which Azorean islands does Magda Leal cover?
Mainly Pico, Faial, São Jorge and São Miguel, and she can accompany buyers on the other islands, from the first contact to the deed. Confirm the legal and tax aspects with a lawyer.
magda@magdaleal.pt · Keller Williams Portugal, AMI 7183