Moving to the Azores is often imagined as a peaceful and beautiful new beginning. For me, that journey started at the age of 10, when I moved with my family to Flores Island.
At that time, I did not fully understand what such a move would involve. I only knew that everything around me was changing.
Looking back today, I realise that this experience shaped not only my life, but also the way I now support others through their own relocation journeys.
Arriving on Flores Island
Moving to Flores felt like stepping into a completely different world.
The island is incredibly beautiful, with raw nature, dramatic landscapes, and a strong sense of isolation. It has a unique charm that is hard to describe unless you experience it yourself.
But alongside that beauty came challenges that we were not fully prepared for.
The Reality Behind the Move
One of the biggest challenges for my family was the language barrier.
At the beginning, neither my parents nor I spoke Portuguese, which made even simple tasks feel complicated. There was very little support available, and we often had to figure things out on our own.
There were also unexpected costs and situations that went wrong. Like many people moving to a new place, we underestimated how complex the process could be without guidance.
What Surprised Me Most
What surprised me the most was how long everything took.
Administrative processes were slow and often difficult to understand. Simple things could become time consuming, especially when you are not familiar with the system.
At the time, this felt frustrating. Today, I understand that this is simply part of island life, but it is something people need to be prepared for.
The Challenges of Adapting
We struggled with many aspects of the transition.
Language, bureaucracy, lifestyle changes, and adapting to a completely different rhythm of life all played a role.
When you move to a place like the Azores, it is not just about changing location. It is about adjusting expectations, learning patience, and finding your place in a new environment.
What I Love About Living in the Azores Today
Despite the challenges, the Azores became home.
What I value most today is the connection to nature, the sense of community, and the calm way of life.
There is no constant rush, no long traffic, and a strong feeling of space and balance. Life feels more grounded here.
🤍 Why This Experience Matters
Looking back, I realise how different our experience could have been with the right support.
That is exactly why I created Settle Azores.
I understand firsthand how overwhelming relocation can feel, especially when you are navigating everything alone. My goal is to provide clarity, structure, and guidance so others can avoid the challenges we faced and feel supported from the beginning.
Thinking about moving to the Azores?
Starting a new life in the Azores should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
If you need support with this process, at Settle Azores I provide personalised guidance to make things easier.