Forming an archipelago stretching for more than 400 miles, the nine islands of the Azores lie over 1,000 miles from the coast of Portugal and 2500 miles from America, right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They are some of the newest islands on the Planet. Their origin is unmistakable, with the evidence of volcanic activity written into the landscape. But thanks to the temperate climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the islands have a rich and varied vegetation.

Temperatures range from an average of 14°C in Winter to 25°C in August. The sea temperature also changes very little, varying between 16°C and 23°C. With such an all year round equable climate, the islands are perfect for many outdoor sports such as cycling, horse riding, golf, tennis, walking,climbing and all manner of water sports.

The islands were "discovered" and claimed for Portugal in 1427 by Diogo de Silves, but the first recorded mention of the Azores was in an Arabic manuscript dated 1145. Many legends suggest that the islands were known to sea travellers even earlier than this and, inevitably, that the Azores is the location of the lost civilisation of Atlantis. What is beyond doubt is that the first inhabitants came from Portugal in around 1439 and were quickly followed by a number of Flemish immigrants whose influences can still be seen today. In the modern world, the Azores is an autonomous region of Portugal within the EC.

About 265,000 people now live in the Azores, with over half residing on the largest island, Sao Miguel. The islands are formed naturally into three distinct groups, the Eastern Group containing Santa Maria and Sao Miguel, the Central Group of Faial, Graciosa, Pico, Sao Jorge and Terceria and the Western Group of Corvo and Flores.

Each island has its own character and stunning scenery. The most westerly footpath in Europe follows the dramatic coastline of Flores with cliffs towering over 1,000 feet and waterfalls cascading into the sea. Pico has Portugal's highest mountain which rises to 7,700 feet and is snow capped in Winter. The town of Angra do Heroismo on Terceria grew in the 16th C. to become the centre of Atlantic trading. It is an architectural wonder and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santa Maria is probably the least visited of the islands but has some of the best beaches and beautiful coastal scenery. On Graciosa you can descend deep into a caldeira by way of a 270 foot stone spiral staircase to reach a warm underground lake. Sao Jorge has some of the best walks in the Azores along its central spine with dramatic views of some of the other islands. Faial is a beautiful island, and the capital Horta is a favourite stopping point for yachtsmen from around the world. On the west coast of Faial, you will find an amazing lunar-like landscape formed by a volcanic eruption which took place in 1957 and added over a square mile of new land to the island. Corvo is the smallest and the most remote of the islands, perfect for getting well away from all forms of modern life. Finally, Sao Miguel is the largest and busiest island and has a wide range of attractions to offer visitors, from visiting Europe's only tea plantation to bathing in warm volcanic pools and walking around the rim of immense water filled volcanic caldeiras.

Festivals, which are deeply rooted in medieval religious traditions, are a feature of every island. They are invariably colourful affairs with the streets of the villages literally carpeted with flowers. You will experience the warmth and friendliness of the Azoreans at any time, but none more so than when a festival is being prepared and celebrated. It's a time for villagers of all ages to join in, and visitors are often invited to help as well.

Whaling, which ceased in 1985, was once a mainstay of the Azores economy. But now the islands derive an increasing revenue from tourists who come to see the whales and other cetaceans, including large numbers of dolphins, in their natural environment. The waters around the Azores provide ideal conditions for whales and, during the Summer months, a visitor will be unlucky not to see at least one of these magnificent mammals.

For information about whale watching while on the island of Sao Miguel, see Terra Azul or, on the island of Faial, Diver Norberto.

Like most people, you may know very little about the Azores before visiting, but the experiences and tranquility of these islands will live with you forever.

For more information about the Azores, see Archipeago Azores
or read David Seyers' well-written guide "Azores"
published by: Bradt Travel Guides