The Azores archipelago lies 1,500km west of Lisbon in the middle of the southern Atlantic, from Sao Miguel in the eastern Azores to tiny Corvo in the west. There's everything from whale-watching and diving to hiking, framed by a landscape of volcanic peaks, black-sand beaches and vast crater lakes.

Natural wonders and a fascinating past

Favoured with a warm sub-tropical climate, the individual islands have their own unique atmosphere. For stunning vistas visit the 7713-ft high volcano cone of Pico Island, while Santa Maria offers isolated beaches and coves alongside colonial manor houses and white sands. 

Outside of Sao Miguel the most popular destination in the region is Terceira, located in the central Azores island chain. Here you'll find the UNESCO heritage site of Angra, also the island's capital, alongside 16th-century forts, the Baroque Battencourts Palace and silver treasures in the cathedral.

Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel