Is it normal to see cows in the middle of the road in the Azores?

Yes. Completely normal.

If you’re driving inside the main cities like Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande or Vila Franca do Campo, you won’t see cows casually hanging out in traffic. Relax.

But once you leave the urban areas and start using regional roads, especially in rural zones, it’s very common to find cows crossing the road.

No, they’re not lost. They’re not protesting. And they’re definitely not on vacation.

There’s usually a farmer moving them from one pasture to another, and sometimes the only way to do that is by crossing the road. That’s it.

If you’re a tourist and you suddenly see a herd in front of your rental car, here’s the pro tip: stop. Just stop and let them pass.

Do not zigzag between them. Do not try to squeeze through. And under no circumstances honk the horn. They get startled, and a startled cow can absolutely bump into your car. You will lose that fight.

Another pro tip: if you see cows five meters from the road and want a photo, go ahead. It’s beautiful. But please, for the love of God, don’t park in the middle of a blind corner to get the shot. People actually live here and use those roads.

Cows are part of daily life in the Azores. We have more cows than people, especially on some islands. They’re not sacred, but they’re close.

So yes. Seeing cows on the road is not a rare event.

It’s just Tuesday.

Very Azorean.