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| Holidays in the Azores
Spectacular and remote - world renowned for These little known islands have hardly changed for centuries and are spectacularly beautiful. Vast craters, waterfalls, hot springs, rock pools, awesome black cliffs and some unique vegetation lure a limited number of discerning visitors to their shores. It is never cold! The warm temperate climate, sometimes subject to sudden changes, ensures an abundance of colourful flowers, and lush green valleys and grasslands contrast dramatically with sheer volcanic peaks. Set in the mid Atlantic, the islands are nicely warmed by the Gulf Stream current, and the annual rainfall is half as much as Mauritius and most islands in the Caribbean and about the same as Cape Town. The Azores comprises an archipelago of nine islands, which can now be discovered from the UK by direct flight in three and a half hours. Once thought to be the remaining centre of the legendary ‘Lost Continent of Atlantis’ the islands have been created by volcanic activity. Lush and green, each island has distinctly different features, and an island-hopping or twin centre holiday is recommended. Travel between the islands is by a reliable local air service. There are now four international airports.
The islands were discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and swiftly became the staging post between Europe and the Americas. Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus were visitors. Little has changed. The population stands at around
250,000 and the islands are sparsely inhabited outside the main towns. The architecture is
distinctly and classically Portuguese. Life depends on fishing and agriculture, with virtually The Azores have remained peaceful and unspoiled with tourism in its infancy. They are most suitable for those seeking something different, with peace rather than nightlife and fresh air and walking rather than lying on beaches. They can be explored quite easily on foot or by car. Generally the roads are good and distances are relatively short. The standard of accommodation is comparable to mainland Portugal. Location The nine islands of the Azores lie in the mid-Atlantic Ocean between the Algarve, Portugal (800 miles) and New York (2400 miles). Their position in the Gulf Stream assures a warm and temperate climate. Beaches The islands are not really conducive to sunbathing on beaches. There are some fine stretches of sand on most islands, some golden and some volcanic black sand, which present good beachcombing and walking experiences. Probably the best beach on São Miguel is at the Hotel Bahia Palace Food and Wine Organic food with fish, local beef and pork plays a big part in what is essentially Spa A range of Health & Beauty and Spa activities is available at some hotels on São Miguel. Entertainment Food and wine and regular festivals play a big part in island life. A few of the larger hotels offer low key entertainment but generally interaction with the local people and fellow tourists in the bars and cafés is the order of the day. Peter’s café on the harbour front in Faial is world famous and the Restaurant Colegio 27 in Ponta Delgada is fast gaining an excellent reputation. Getting Around Travel between the islands can be by boat or the more popular inter-island air service which runs like an efficient bus service. Flight and ferry services are naturally subject to weather conditions. Should delays or cancellations occur our local representative will ensure that the best possible alternative arrangements are made. Where your holiday includes onward travel to another island the cost of travel between the islands is included in your holiday price unless stated otherwise. Flying times between islands may often involve a wait between connections, a transit stop en route or a change of flight. The internal flight or ferry schedules will normally be advised to you prior to Upgrade to Business Class SATA’s Business Class service on its flights from the UK offers a stress-free check-in and a spacious, relaxing environment in the forward cabin at a supplement which varies according to the date of travel. Please call for details. Additional benefits of this upgraded service from Gatwick include:
Passionate about The Azores... "I have spent most of my life passing on my passion for this
group of nine islands all over the World. Of course you can
only do this if you are totally committed and enthusiastic, and you sell what you believe in. There are so many unique features: we are acknowledged as the World Headquarters Yet it is never really cold, thanks to the Gulf |
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The islands were discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century and swiftly became the staging post between Europe and the Americas. Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus were visitors. Little has changed. The population stands at around 250,000 and the islands are sparsely inhabited outside the main towns.
Organic food with fish and local beef and pork play a big part in what is essentially Portuguese cuisine. Spicy sausages, pork kebabs and delicious soups are also plentiful. As in many Latin countries, attractive vegetarian cuisine is harder to come by. Dessert is usually fruit and cake and the local cheeses are excellent. Wine is produced on most islands and the fortified Pico Verdelho is legendary.
Interestingly many shops are now run by the Chinese! There is a good curio and ceramic shop on Santiago and local foods and liquor are popular purchases.
The islands are not really conducive to sunbathing on beaches. There are some fine stretches of sand on most islands, some golden and some volcanic black sand, which present good beachcombing and walking experiences. Probably the best beach on São Miguel is at the Bahia Palace Hotel.
Whale & Dolphin Watching You are more likely to see whales in The Azores than anywhere else on earth. We offer half and full day trips from the island of São Miguel, which can be pre-booked. There are also trips available from other islands, which can be booked locally.
Sperm Whales are native to The Azores and can generally be spotted at most times of the year, while other species may also be spotted in summer months. We cannot guarantee you will see a whale but you would be unlucky not to.
Each trip commences with a 30 minutes briefing by a Marine biologist who will accompany the tour. There is also a ‘whale spotter’ who goes ahead of the group.
At no time will there be any manoeuvre which will disturb the mammals.
There is a minimum age of 5 years and all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Back sufferers and pregnant women are not accepted on whale watching boats.
Full Day Sea Watch Trip including lunch £39 - operates daily May to October The boat carries up to 36 persons. Clients should make their own way to the Skipper Bar in the Marina by 09.15 for a departure by 09.30. The boat proceeds along the south coast to Ribeira Quenta (28 miles) arriving at approximately 11.00. There is time for a swim on Fogo Beach or exploration of the village etc. prior to a typical lunch in a rustic-style restaurant. Drinks and coffee are included. Return departure is at 15.30 and arrival back at the Marina at 17.00.
Half day (3 hours) Picos de Aventura Trip £29- operates daily all year Transport is by custom-designed 6m zodiac inflatable boats, which carry up to 12 persons and give quick access to the whales and dolphins.
These excursions should be booked at the time of your initial booking.
Travel between the islands can be by boat or the more popular inter-island air service which runs like an efficient bus service. Flight and ferry services are naturally subject to weather conditions. Should delays or cancellations occur our local representative will ensure that the best possible alternative arrangements are made.
