Festas de São Pedro, is held annually in late June. Dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, the festival blends religious devotion with joyous community traditions.
Visitors can join processions honoring the saint, watch fireworks over the Atlantic, enjoy lively concerts and traditional Azorean music, and sample local seafood dishes and wines at bustling street fairs.
Colorful decorations line the coastal towns, and late-night celebrations carry on with dancing, food, and music in a welcoming community spirit.
What makes this a great group experience?
Tradition, costumes, music, fireworks, horses on parade – the St. Peter’s Festival is one of many unique festivals on the beautiful island of São Miguel. Add lush scenery, hot springs, outdoor activities and rich cultural experiences and you have an ideal destination for multigenerational families, friends’ getaways, or a family heritage/roots trip.
Finding large homes in the Azores can be challenging, but there are excellent alternatives on mainland Portugal that still make attending the festival possible.
With daily direct flights from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, you can be in São Miguel in just a couple of hours—or opt for a smaller island retreat if you’d rather stay right in the archipelago.
Gavião Garden in Cascais sleeps up to 16 guests across eight bedrooms—each with its own ensuite—so everyone has a bit of privacy when needed.
The villa sits right on the edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is just a short drive from Guincho Beach, providing both dramatic mountain views and refreshing ocean breezes.
Enjoy a home gym and private pool. And with breakfast prepared daily and cleaning taken care of, you can focus on connecting with the people you came with.
If you’d prefer to stay right in the Azores, there are smaller but equally charming homes that give you a more intimate experience of island life.
These homes don’t host large groups, but they make up for it with authentic character, stunning views, and the chance to slow down and connect with the natural beauty for which the Azores is famous.
For a more rustic, down‑to‑earth stay, Balance & Breeze on Pico Island can accommodate up to 8 guests across four bedrooms and two bathrooms—so it’s great for a small family or a couple of families traveling together.
The stone‑walled home spreads across two floors and features a fully equipped open‑plan kitchen and a welcoming garden with barbecue space for relaxed, alfresco meals.
Azorean Azure on Santa Maria Island is perfect for small groups of up to 4 guests.
With two cozy bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s just right for a family or two couples seeking calm and connection.
The villa greets you with skylights and large windows that flood the space with light and showcase the island’s rolling hills and Atlantic horizon.
