Holidays to Azores

<p>The nine islands that make up the Azores mark the westernmost boundary of Europe.</p> <p>Just a 4-hour flight from the UK, this nature-rich Portuguese&nbsp;archipelago&nbsp;spans the Mid-Atlantic Ridge around 900 miles west of Portugal&rsquo;s capital, Lisbon, nestled in the heart of the ocean.</p> <p>The islands&#39;&nbsp;volcanic origins are clear &ndash; deep craters or calderas dominate the landscape, making holidays here a <a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/country/azores-active-adventurous/"><strong>walker&rsquo;s paradise</strong></a>.</p> <p>Although summers are not stifling, the temperature averages an exceptionally pleasant 23&deg;C. Due to the year-round sub-tropical climate and volcanic soil, the islands are covered in lush, green vegetation and vibrant flowers.</p> <h3>Culture</h3> <p>An Azores holiday to any of the islands in the archipelago invites you to&nbsp;its own unique cultural heritage. But they all share unspoilt nature and a traditional way of life. Travel between each island is easy, with regular short flights and ferry journeys connecting nearby neighbours.</p> <p>Car hire is available everywhere and roads are open, traffic-free and boast spectacular countryside or ocean views, making an island-hopping <a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/country/azores-fly-drive-holidays/"><strong>fly-drive holiday</strong></a> the perfect way to explore three or more of the islands.</p> <h3>Islands of the Azores</h3> <p>Discover <a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/city/sao-miguel-holidays/"><strong>S&atilde;o Miguel</strong></a>, the &lsquo;green island&rsquo; with its landscape packed with volcanic lakes, rugged coastlines and steaming thermal hot springs.</p> <p><a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/city/terceira-holidays/"><strong>Terciera </strong></a>with its UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic city, Angra do Heroismo.</p> <p><a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/city/pico-holidays/"><strong>Pico</strong></a>, the &#39;black island&#39; is dominated by its impressive mountain and known for its whaling history and excellent whale and dolphin spotting opportunities. A <a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/blog/our-favourite-islands-in-the-azores/"><strong>favourite island </strong></a>of our travel specialist Emma, Pico&nbsp;makes an excellent day trip from nearby Faial Island.</p> <p><a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/city/island-of-santa-maria-holidays/"><strong>Santa Maria</strong></a>, the most temperate island and Christopher Columbus&rsquo; first stop on his voyage back from discovering the New World.</p> <p>If you are not sure <a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/blog/sao-miguel-vs-terceira-which-azores-island-should-i-visit/"><strong>which Azores island to go on holiday to</strong></a>, why not call our travel specialists to discuss.</p> <h3>Whale Watching on an Azores Holiday</h3> <p>The Azores sit on the migration route of many species of cetacean, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching (although there are <a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/blog/five-amazing-things-to-do-in-the-azores/">many other sights and sounds</a>). For the best opportunity to see humpback or blue whales, visit between February and April when they are migrating through the islands.</p> <p>Between May and August, the countryside comes alive with colour, as the famous hydrangeas bloom in bold pinks and blues - Ideal for a <a href="https://www.regent-holidays.co.uk/blog/santa-barbara-eco-beach-resort-a-romantic-azorean-retreat/"><strong>romantic getaway</strong></a>.</p>