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Getting Away to the Azores

A visit to the Azores is a bizarre experience: it is the sort of place you can only imagine exists in a dream. These volcanic islands, complete with shimmering emerald green lakes, rise out of the deep blue ocean where many weather systems seem to pass them by. The result is a series of stunningly beautiful islands, all different and providing a haven for birds and whales.

São Miguel is one of the larger islands and kids will love the thermal pools found there. The roads are good and take you to fantastic viewing platforms to see the many calderas, which are vast dormant volcanoes filled with vibrant coloured lakes. Hydrangeas grow in all the hedgerows and the sight of the dairy cows in the valleys’ lush green fields reminded me of a children’s picture book. The climate in August is subtropical but never too hot, and the evenings are balmy – warm enough to be able to sit outside with just a t-shirt on. It almost felt like Cornwall in the summer!

For active families, the Azores are a great destination, with safe areas for biking and kayaking, and the guides all speak good English. Another highlight is whale watching, with 28 different species of whale and dolphins in the off-shore waters. The summer is one of the best times to see whales and dolphins, which can include bigger species like sperm and blue whale. Spotters look out to sea from high points along the coast and report their findings of species and likely numbers of whales back to awaiting boats.

Inland, rising smoke trails in the distance lead you towards the village of Furnas which is set in a caldera and has many hot springs bubbling to the surface. In places the ground is hot enough to cook food and local restaurants do just that by placing large pots of a local stew called ‘Cozido das Furnas’ in the ground over several hours, which they then dig up and take by vehicle to the nearby village.

The Terra Nostra Gardens in the village are world famous for their sub tropical plants and giant pines and also have a huge public thermal pool to swim in. It’s the perfect way to finish your trip.

Join us in the Azores on our small group family adventure and discover the islands' fascinating geology and unique scenery. Contact us for more details.