What is a mid-term rental on São Miguel, Azores?

A mid-term rental is a furnished stay of 31 days or more — longer than a holiday booking, shorter than a traditional lease. On São Miguel, Azores, these rentals are designed for remote workers and digital nomads who need a comfortable, work-ready home for one to six months. Bills, high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace are typically included.

How much does it cost to rent on São Miguel as a remote worker?

Mid-term rentals on São Miguel start from €900 per month all-inclusive — covering rent, electricity, water and high-speed Wi-Fi. One- or two-bedroom apartments typically range from €1,100–€1,800/month. The Azores offers 30–40% lower cost of living compared to Lisbon or the Canary Islands.

Do I need a visa to work remotely from the Azores?

EU/EEA citizens can stay and work remotely in the Azores indefinitely. Non-EU citizens (including UK, US, Canadian nationals) can apply for Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa, which grants a one-year renewable residence permit. Requirements include proof of remote income (minimum €3,040/month) and health insurance.

Is the internet fast enough for remote work on São Miguel?

Yes — fibre broadband is widely available in Ponta Delgada and most towns on São Miguel, with speeds typically between 100–600 Mbps. All properties listed on Azores Remote Stay are verified for remote-work readiness, including upload speed tests. Several coworking spaces are also available as backup.

What makes the Azores a great destination for digital nomads?

The Azores combine dramatic volcanic landscapes, year-round mild climate (14–22°C), low cost of living and a safe, welcoming community. Whale watching, hiking, hot springs and surfing are all within 30 minutes of your front door. São Miguel has been named World's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination two years running.

How does Azores Remote Stay vet its properties?

Every property is personally inspected for Wi-Fi speed (minimum 100 Mbps), workspace quality and overall condition before being listed. We only accept verified remote workers and digital nomads, protecting homeowners and ensuring a respectful, professional community on the island.

What is the minimum stay for a rental through Azores Remote Stay?

The standard minimum stay is 31 days (mid-term rental). Most guests stay 2–4 months. All properties include utilities, internet, and a fully furnished setup — no hidden costs. Longer stays of 3–6 months receive preferential pricing.

Are the Azores cheaper than the Canary Islands for a winter stay?

Yes, significantly. A furnished 1-bedroom apartment in the Azores costs €900–€1,300/month (bills included), compared to €1,100–€1,800/month in the Canary Islands. Overall monthly costs are €200–€500 lower in the Azores, with the added benefit of a quieter, more authentic experience.

Has Red Bull Cliff Diving been held in the Azores?

Yes. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series visited the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo on São Miguel multiple times between 2015 and 2018. The Azores stop became one of the most iconic venues on the circuit — the only location where divers leapt from raw volcanic rock rather than constructed platforms.

Where exactly did the cliff diving take place?

The competition was held at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo (Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo), a small volcanic islet about 1km off the south coast of São Miguel. The islet has a natural lagoon and dramatic volcanic cliffs — a unique and spectacular setting.

How high did the divers jump from?

Men dived from 27 metres, women from 21 metres. At these heights, divers reach entry speeds of approximately 85 km/h. The dives last around 3 seconds from launch to water entry.

Can I visit the islet where the competition was held?

Yes. The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is accessible by boat from the village harbour. It has a natural lagoon that is popular for swimming and snorkelling. Boat trips run regularly in summer. The islet is a protected nature reserve.

Is cliff diving or coasteering available for visitors on São Miguel?

Yes. Several local adventure operators offer coasteering experiences on São Miguel — guided coastal exploration that includes cliff jumping, swimming through sea caves, and scrambling over volcanic rock. Heights are much lower than the competition (3–8m) and suitable for most adults.

Will Red Bull Cliff Diving return to the Azores?

The Azores is not on the confirmed 2026 World Series calendar. However, the venue remains one of the most beloved in the sport's history, and a return is always possible in future seasons. Follow Red Bull's official channels for announcements.

Red Bull Cliff Diving Azores — Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Cliff Diving in the Azores
The World's Most Dramatic Venue

The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo on São Miguel hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series multiple times — the only stop where divers leapt from raw volcanic rock into the Atlantic Ocean.

27m

Men's dive height

From raw volcanic rock

21m

Women's dive height

Natural cliff face

85 km/h

Entry speed

At water impact

Vila Franca

Venue

Islet, São Miguel

Why the Azores Stop Was Special

No Platforms. Just Volcanic Rock.

Every other stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series uses constructed platforms bolted to cliffs or buildings. The Azores was different. At the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, divers launched from natural volcanic rock perches — raw, uneven, and shaped entirely by millions of years of geological activity.

The setting was extraordinary: a small volcanic islet with a natural lagoon, surrounded by the open Atlantic. Spectators watched from boats and kayaks anchored in the water below — no grandstands, no barriers, just the ocean and the cliffs.

Only venue with natural volcanic rock launch points — no constructed platforms

Spectators watched from boats and kayaks in the Atlantic Ocean

Broadcast to 180+ countries — one of the most-watched stops on the circuit

Gary Hunt (GBR) won the Azores stop multiple times — the most decorated diver in World Series history

Islet of Vila Franca do Campo — Red Bull Cliff Diving venue, Azores

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Protected nature reserve · 1km off the south coast of São Miguel

Official Red Bull YouTube

Watch the Real Dives

All 4 Azores editions — official replays and highlights from Red Bull's YouTube channel.

Full replay · 1.5h

REPLAY — Azores 2018

Full broadcast of the 2018 stop. Steven LoBue & Rhiannan Iffland win from the volcanic cliffs.

World Series History

The Azores on the World Stage

São Miguel hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series from 2015 to 2018 — four consecutive years at the same iconic venue.

2018

Islet of Vila Franca do CampoOne of the most iconic stops in World Series history

Men dive from 27m, women from 21m off raw volcanic rock

Gary Hunt (GBR) / Rhiannan Iffland (AUS)

2017

Islet of Vila Franca do CampoBroadcast to 180+ countries worldwide

First time women competed at the Azores stop

Gary Hunt (GBR) / Rhiannan Iffland (AUS)

2016

Islet of Vila Franca do CampoWidely regarded as the most dramatic venue on the circuit

Divers leap from natural volcanic perches — no platforms

Gary Hunt (GBR)

2015

Islet of Vila Franca do CampoSpectators watch from boats and kayaks in the Atlantic

Azores stop becomes a fan favourite on the World Series

Gary Hunt (GBR)

2026 World Series Schedule

The Azores is not on the confirmed 2026 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series calendar. The 2026 season visits Bali, St. Petersburg (USA), Copenhagen, Mostar, Polignano a Mare, and Muscat. A return to the Azores remains possible in future seasons — follow Red Bull's official channels for updates.

Visit the Venue

Explore the Islet Yourself

The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is open to visitors — a protected nature reserve with a natural lagoon, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear Atlantic water.

Getting There

Boat trips depart from Vila Franca do Campo harbour. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Trips run regularly in summer (June–September). Book in advance during peak season.

Natural Lagoon

The islet has a natural volcanic lagoon — calm, sheltered, and crystal clear. Excellent for swimming and snorkelling. The water visibility often exceeds 15 metres.

Nature Reserve

The islet is a protected nature reserve. Visitor numbers are limited daily to protect the ecosystem. Arrive early or book ahead to guarantee access.

Try Coasteering on São Miguel

Can't dive from 27 metres? Fair enough. Coasteering tours on São Miguel offer guided cliff jumping from 3–8 metres, sea cave swimming, and volcanic rock scrambling — the same raw Atlantic environment, at a more human scale.

Ask Us About Adventure Tours

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