For details of our accommodation in the Azores, please click the Areas/Resorts button above, choose your preferred island and click the Accommodation button.

The Azores have justly been likened to nine sparkling emeralds scattered randomly in the Atlantic, but on closer inspection they are far more multifaceted than this comparison suggests. Multi-tonal crater lakes, jet-black volcanic terraces, heavily forested slopes, lush green pastures, steaming hot springs and tumbling waterfalls are all surrounded by the powerful forces of the ocean. Although a European outpost, they have a completely unique landscape and a lifestyle that seems to have combined the best aspects of the last six centuries.

The islands were formed over a period of several million years by eruptions in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the largest range of mountains on the planet, rising from a depth of 2,000 metres. Some suggest that they are the original Atlantis and although this hypothesis has been largely dismissed there are still ongoing investigations into the theory. The first documentary evidence of their existence was a Genoese map dating from the mid-fourteenth century but their discovery is commonly attributed to the Portuguese navigator Diago de Silves in 1427.

Settlement began shortly after this, starting with the easternmost islands of Santa Maria and São Miguel and, despite the promise of fertile soil, unexpectedly harsh conditions were endured by the early Portuguese and Flemish settlers whilst they cleared the forests and established a degree of subsistence farming. Folk songs commemorating the dark days of the early settlers are still a strong part of Azorean culture, as are the tales of fierce resistance to the Spanish conquistadors and North African pirates over the following centuries as they upheld the islands strategic importance to the Portuguese crown. 

During the 20th century their position made the Azores an important support and communications centre for the Allies during the two World Wars and also a stopping-off point for the glamorous early Concorde flights.  In 1976, after the Portuguese revolution, the Azores were granted autonomous status with their own elected legislative assembly in the capital, Ponta Delgada on São Miguel.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Azorean economy, particularly dairy farming, which provides a high percentage of Portugal’s daily milk. More exotic crops such as tea, pineapples and tobacco also make their contribution, as do the fish and seafood harvested around the islands’ shores. Whaling was a major industry until Portugal signed up to the international ban, but now the much safer activity of whale-watching has become an important attraction for visitors. The potential of tourism in the archipelago has not yet been fully realised and happily the islanders have taken note of the excessive development in other parts of the world, and are determined to avoid such excesses in order to preserve their distinct identity and standards.

Spring and summer are the best times to experience the dazzling array of flora, particularly the azaleas and hydrangeas. Many species of plants were imported from all over the world by the early trading ships and the juxtaposition of alpine flowers and tropical ferns can be quite dumbfounding. The temperate climate encourages everything to flourish, as does the regular, but usually short-lived, rainfall. It is a local truism that you can often experience all four seasons in one day but this should in truth be three seasons, as the only real evidence of winter is when the snow falls on the summit of Mount Pico.

Multi-Centre Holidays 

First time visitors may find it difficult to decide which island to opt for and it is possible to visit more than one. 'Island-hopping' however does often involve internal flights rather than just ferries as there are three distinct groups of islands spread over several hundred kilometres. Of the islands we have chosen, São Miguel is the largest; its capital Ponta Delgada is surprisingly sophisticated and in addition to its varied landscapes and natural attractions the island even has two golf courses. Terceira is about half the size and will appeal to both walkers and those interested in a very strong cultural heritage. Pico is the second largest island but much more sparsely populated and rugged. In addition to having the highest peak in all of Portugal, Pico still produces wines and aperitifs in the traditional way. Faial is a smaller island with with a combination of fertile rolling hills and volcanic peaks but Horta, the capital, is most famous as a popular port of call for transatlantic yachtsmen and major whale-watching centre.
Off all the islands in the Azores, Pico and Faial are the closest to each other and regular ferries cover the 4.5 miles between Horta and Madalena in around 35 minutes. The remaining islands are linked by convenient flights, with several daily departures between the major islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial.
It is even possible to combine the Azores with Madeira, using scheduled TAP Air Portugal flights. You can make use of TAP's direct service from London to Funchal. After enjoying your stay on Madeira, you can fly directly from Funchal to São Miguel, from where you will return to London via Lisbon (this itinerary can also be booked in reverse).
If you are considering a multi-centre holiday, please call us on 020 8847 8700 with your requirements and we will prepare a tailor-made quote for you.