Bradt Travel Guide: Azores

About this book

Bradt's Azores guidebook is the only comprehensive guidebook to the nine-island archipelago, a nature-lovers' wilderness perched at the western extremity of Europe in the mid-Atlantic, and one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This new edition continues to provide the strong geological and botanical information that is so integral to the islands and essential for all nature lovers, but it also has an expanded focus taking in the land- and sea-based activities which have become a significant part of the Azores tourism offering in the past few years. Also included is all of the practical information needed to make the most of these new opportunities, plus a full update on the accommodation upgrades that have taken place in recent times to cater for the influx of new visitors.

Green, and with a mild climate throughout the year thanks to the Gulf Stream, each island has its own attractions and identity. Safe and welcoming, the islands are drawing in a whole new group of visitors, mainly from Europe and the USA, attracted by the diversity of outdoor activities, easier accessibility and improvements to the visitor infrastructure. The Azores volcanic origin make for a rugged, diverse landscape, a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking and canyoning, while whale-watching, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing provide off-shore opportunities for independent travellers and adventurous families alike.

The islands' 500 year history is well-documented in a host of museums, allowing visitors to learn about the fluctuating fortunes and strategic importance of the archipelago across the centuries. Attractive architecture, carefully preserved festivals, three islands with UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, an interesting range of flora and many botanical gardens are all covered in this guide.

Contents

Introduction

PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
At a glance, Geography & geology, Climate, Natural history & conservation, History, Government & politics, Economy, Population, Language, Religion, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Tourist Information, Red tape, Embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Disabled Travellers, Women travellers, Gay & lesbian travellers, Travelling with children, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating & drinking, Public holidays & festivals, Shopping, Arts & entertainment, Activities, Media & communications, Buying a property, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

PART 2 THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 São Miguel
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do.
Chapter 4 Santa Maria
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do.
Chapter 5 Terceira
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do.
Chapter 6 Graciosa
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Activities What to see and do, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do.
Chapter 7 São Jorge
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do.
Chapter 8 Faial
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities & Walks, What to see and do.
Chapter 9 Pico
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do, The Ascent of Pico.
Chapter 10 Flores
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do.
Chapter 11 Corvo
Intro, Highlights, Background, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat, Entertainment & nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, Activities, What to see and do.

Appendices
1 Language
2 Flora
3 Fish on the menu
4 Further information

Customer Reviews

Biography

David Sayers is a horticulturist who studied at Kew and overseas, and has spent a lifetime exploring the world for plants. Abandoning gardening after 20 years and graduating in social sciences, he worked in social policy and corporate planning, at the same time using annual leave to lead adventure/botanical holidays to the Himalayas for Thomas Cook and others. In 1982 he formed a company specialising in botanical and garden travel and for 26 years arranged and led tours worldwide. In 1984, he offered the Azores for the first time and led the first ever tour group to climb Pico and to visit Sao Jorge, Flores and Corvo. He now writes on botanical travel.