The Nine Islands of the Azores

As the UK’s #1 Azores specialists, we’ve been helping our clients to plan personalised island adventures for over twenty-five years.

Most of us are familiar with the Azores by name but locating them on a map can be a little trickier. These unique islands lie 1500km off the coast of Portugal; nine wonderfully diverse, unspoilt landscapes which form the most-westerly outpost of Europe. They’re very much part of Portugal – in their language of course, but also in their historic architecture, their wonderful seasonal cuisine and in their warm and friendly welcome.

There’s also an island culture that’s distinct from life on the mainland. Since the first settlers arrived in 15^th century, the islands have evolved into a rural community which strives to balance sustainable island living with the taming of a wild and volcanic landscape: four of the islands are now protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

These volcanic landscapes have often drawn more intrepid travellers to the Azores – their calderas, crater lakes, lava caves and hot springs have long-held an attraction for Europeans looking to escape the busy mainland. And as you’d expect, the Atlantic Ocean has always loomed-large in the Azorean psyche: in the past, the islands were a crucial resupply point for trans-Atlantic sailors, whilst over the last thirty years the Azores have become Europe’s premiere whale and dolphin watching destination.

Our inspiring range of holidays are a great place to begin planning your trip to these captivating islands – or complete one of our enquiry forms and we and we’ll help you put together an unforgettable Azorean adventure.