Azores

Now in its eighth edition, Bradt's Azores remains the only comprehensive guidebook to this nine-island archipelago - a mountainous, nature-lover's wilderness perched in the mid-Atlantic at the western extremity of Europe. One of the world's best whalewatching destinations, a geological curiosity and - more recently - a mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become ever more accessible thanks to low-cost European flights. The nine islands making up the Azorean archipelago share volcanic origins, albeit from different eras, so each rugged landscape boasts a unique feel. The approach to tourism also differs from island to island: while São Miguel welcomes a rising number of cruise ships and international flights, and Faial is a busy hub for trans-ocean yachts, tiny Corvo and gentle Santa Maria remain almost untouched. The Gulf Stream guarantees a mild climate and plenty of greenery: a pleasant environment for this easily accessible, safe, welcoming and authentic mid-haul destination. With each island treated to its own chapter, Bradt's Azores provides all the details a visitor needs for a rewarding, enjoyable visit to an archipelago where cows outnumber people. Author and expert botanist David Sayers shares his deep knowledge about flora, fauna and geology that are integral to getting to know the islands. This new edition - thoroughly updated by prolific guidebook author Tim Burford - strengthens coverage of the land- and sea-based activities that have become a significant part of the Azores' attractions this century while providing the most recent practical information such as where to stay and eat in every price band. Five centuries of human history are well documented in a host of museums spread across the islands, which explain the fluctuating fortunes and strategic importance of the archipelago through the centuries. Attractive architecture, carefully preserved festivals, four islands with UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and thermal pools complete what is a very agreeable picture. Little wonder then that the Azores attracts geologists, birdwatchers, whalewatchers, horseriders, walkers, mountaineers bent on climbing Portugal's highest peak (on Pico island), divers, surfers, sailors, mountain-bikers and canyoners - indeed anyone who loves nature or the great outdoors in all its forms.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Ben Fogle Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Planning an itinerary: which islands?, Tour operators, Tourist information, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Sports and activities, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively PART TWO EASTERN GROUP Chapter 3 São Miguel Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Ponta Delgada, Sports and activities, Walks on Sao Miguel, Touring the island Chapter 4 Santa Maria Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Santa Maria, Touring the island PART THREE CENTRAL GROUP Chapter 5 Terceira Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Terceira, Touring the island Chapter 6 Graciosa Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Graciosa, Touring the island Chapter 7 São Jorge Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Sao Jorge, Touring the island Chapter 8 Faial Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Faial, Touring the island Chapter 9 Pico Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Pico, Touring the island PART FOUR WESTERN GROUP Chapter 10 Flores Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Flores, Touring the island Chapter 11 Corvo Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Walks on Corvo Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Flora Appendix 3 Fish on the menu Appendix 4 Further information Index

About the Author :
David Sayers is a horticulturist and author who studied at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and overseas, and has spent a lifetime exploring the world for plants. Running a travel company for 26 years, in 1984 he pioneered the first walking/botanical tour to the Azores. Sayers has been going back ever since, enjoying numerous excellent hikes on all nine islands, and has led many tours, sharing his enthusiasm for Azorean life. As the islands have gradually joined the modern world without losing their native charm, Sayers' journey has been one of constant discovery, finding new walks, new eateries and new interests. One of his keenest memories was offshore, spotting fin, blue and pilot whales in one magical morning off Ponta Delgada. Sayers has also helped restore several of São Miguel's historic gardens, which are now visitor 'must-sees'. Even after a lifetime of worldwide travel, the Azores remain his favourite destination.