Island Hopping in the Azores

The Azores archipelago, located in the Atlantic ocean, rises from the violent meeting of three continental plates and is warmed by the passing Gulf Stream. You’ll walk amongst dormant volcanoes, along beaches of black sand and follow wild paths, encountering locals and the islands’ dappled cows. Spend two weeks hopping between four islands of the Azores Archipelago.

Your first island of exploration is Sao Miguel where you'll stay in the capital Ponta Delgada on the western end of the island. Sao Miguel is the largest island of the Azores, with the nickname ‘Ilha Verde’ the Green Island. It has an extraordinary landscape of green panoramas, untouched rainforest, turquoise lakes and craggy volcanic scenery. Black volcanic sand and sheer cliff edges set against the azure Atlantic Ocean create dramatic scenery. During your discovery of the island, enjoy a superb walk above the famous green and blue crater lakes and visit the pretty seaside village of Mosteiros. 

A flight takes you to the trio of islands in the centre of the Azores archipelago called Ilhas Traingulo. Here you'll visit the three islands of Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial. 

Fly to Sao Jorge, a charming island with dramatic scenery. It has a unique shape as the island is long and thin, only 4.5 miles at its widest point and 35 miles in length. The islands distinctive shape is impressive, and its mountain range runs along the centre of the island from end to end, creating a dramatic coastline with sheer cliff edges. Sao Jorge is known as the brown island due to its faja's which are coastal plateaus formed by lava flows and landslides, creating flat areas where you'll find coastal villages. 

Next, sail to Pico, the second largest island of the archipelago with the nickname grey island as it is home to Portugal's highest mountain called Pico, also a volcano, at 2531m above sea level. Pico is covered with black lava fields and its volcanic soil is rich in nutrients meaning the island is ideal for growing grapes. Its UNESCO world heritage wine region is very unique as vines run along the ground above small black rocks, very different to usual vineyard trellises! 

During your stay on Pico, take a short ferry crossing to the nearby island of Faial, known as the blue island. As you explore the island, you'll notice buildings and houses decorated with different shades of blue and the sea of blue hydrangeas decorating the countryside. 

Flying back to Sao Miguel, travel to the volcanic spa town of Furnas, a superb centre in the unspoiled eastern end of the island. Furnas is home to bubbling geysers, hot springs, geothermal swimming pools and one of the islands oldest calderas which has lain dormant since the 17^th century. Your hotel is located in exotic subtropical gardens, a real gem to finish a fantastic holiday! 

Throughout the year there are an abundance of flowers blooming and blossoming throughout the islands. You may see Ginger Lilies, Dragon Trees, giant Echiums, colourful Hydrangeas and Rhododendrons, giant Ferns and Tree Heathers....and more!