The Azores

Situated in the Atlantic, around two hours flying time from Lisbon are the Azores Islands.

The archipelago is made up of nine islands, each one different from the other and endowed with its own character, colours, ambiance and remarkable places to visit.

Their remote location and moderate climate of the volcanic islands has created a destination unlike that of anywhere else on planet.

Each of the islands is lush with green garden life which rolls down the cliffs into the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean.

The islands were first discovered untouched by Goncal Velho in 1427 and colonisation began in 1439 with people from Portugal, North Africa, Flanders and Spain slowly moving to the islands.

Since then the population has grown to 243 thousand, with the majority of these living on the largest of the islands, Sau Miguel, which is also home the islands capital Ponta Delgada.

With its award winning Terra Nostra Park, outstanding golf courses, lakes, beaches, land, century-old architecture, majestic scenery and a wealth of restaurants, bars, night-clubs, and ocean-front cafes S. Miguel is the island with the most to offer.

A holiday to the Azores is not an experience that could be crammed into a typical two week break. The pace of life is slow, and locals very hospitable making the Azores a place you're going to want to come back to several times.

This said, hopping from island to island is relatively easy, with small airports on each islands, and light aircraft running like a bus service from island to island.

With each island offering something unique, from the psy-trance festival of Sete Cidades Lake to cycling down the quiet streets of Corvo the Azores are a place that everyone should experience at least once.

Check out my other travels on Dan in Australia: Australia Travel Blog