Thrown up by underwater volcanoes, the Azores is an archipelago of nine charming islands situated a thousand miles west of Portugal, which have remained largely unspoiled by modern life. The four main islands are São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial.
São Miguel Island, the largest, offers the greatest number of activities, although many tourists opt to explore three or four islands. Whichever island they chose to visit, holidaymakers will be treated to stunning scenery, where gentle pastures and rugged cliffs co-exist with crater lakes and hot springs.
Landscape Faial Island and view over Pico Island/ Azores, photo by Associação de Turismo dos Açores
The Azores are perfect for...
- Keen walkers and hikers (trekking, hiking, walking)
- Adventure tourists: Seeking activities such as sailing, climbing, paragliding, deep sea fishing and scuba diving.
- Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers - birdwatching, dolphin and whale watching.
- Volcanology enthusiasts - almost three hundred volcanic cavities, including caves, ravines and cracks.
- Food lovers - the incredible taste of Azores wines and gastronomy!
- Culture & Festivals - Azorean summers are filled with festivals that range from simple village affairs to week long extravaganzas.
Windmill - Graciosa Island/ Azores, photo by Associação de Turismo dos Açores; Dolphins - Azores, photo by Paulo Magalhães
More information: visitportugal.com
Holidays in the Azores from ATOP members: Archipelago Azores Ltd, Atlantic Holidays, Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International, Pousadas de Portugal, Sata International, Sunvil Discovery, TAP Portugal
