Azores Holidays

After one of the wettest summers on record in Britain, it's good to know that there are still blue skies close by in The Azores. It might not be baking in a bikini weather (more t-shirts by day and jumpers by night), but it's certainly a distinct improvement on the UK.

One of Portugal's best kept secrets, The Azores is made up of nine islands created from volcanic activity in the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately two hours flying time from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

The Azores appeal is that it offers something for everyone. For the golfers, the island of San Miguel boasts two superb courses in Cedars and Azalea. Don't want to spend your vacation chasing a little white ball with a stick? Why not hike around a volcano (Capelinhos on the island of Faial offers breathtaking views), go whale watching (The Azores is one of the top 10 whale watching sites in the world), diving, deep sea, coastal and sport fishing, sailing or swimming with dolphins - a truly magical experience.

The islands make little demand on your cultural conscience but one place you absolutely must not miss is Angra, a historical UNESCO heritage patrimony city, over on Terceira Island.

Essentially if you're looking for an unforgettable vacation that doesn't require a string of vaccinations, Azores is your answer!