The Azores

The Azores are nine wonderfully diverse islands whose unspoilt landscapes form the most-westerly outpost of Europe.

Their volcanic landscapes have often encouraged more intrepid travellers to visit, and their calderas, crater lakes and hot springs have long held an attraction for Europeans looking to escape the busy mainland. These unique islands lie 1500km off the coast of mainland Europe, but they’re very much a part of Portugal – in their language, their historic architecture and in their love of seasonal, regional cuisine. There’s also a distinct island culture that’s evolved since the first settlers arrived in the 15^th century, as Azoreans have strived to maintain a balance between sustainable living whilst taming a wild and volcanic landscape.

As you’d expect, the Atlantic Ocean has always loomed-large in the Azorean psyche: their cuisine, history, religion and the surrounding sea are all inextricably linked. The islands have also been key to trans-Atlantic travel throughout history – as a vital navigation beacon and resupply point for merchant shipping, as a mid-Atlantic base in times of war, and a communication hub between Europe and the USA, providing a bridge between the old world and the new.

More recently, the Azores have become Europe’s premiere whale and dolphin watching destination. The seas around the Azores are one of the best places to observe ocean wildlife and cetaceans: resident species of sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins can be seen all year around, with blue and fin whales passing through in the spring.

If you’re thinking of visiting the Azores, the best place to begin is our dedicated Azores website.