Secret Hills Walking Holidays

Azores

Amazing Azores - island paradises yet so accessible now from the UK. Superb walking that is so different to many island destinations. We arrange an eleven days holiday.

The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean about 1500 km (950 miles) from Lisbon and about 3900 km (2400 miles) from the east coast of North America. All of the islands have volcanic origins. The mountain of Pico on Pico Island, at 2,351 m (7,713 ft) in altitude, is the highest in all of Portugal. The Azores are actually the tops of some of the tallest mountains on the planet, as measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean. Three islands (São Miguel, Pico and Terceira) are bigger in size than Malta , São Miguel Island alone being twice as big. The nine Islands of the Azores are Europe’s western most point located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With their blue lakes bordered by flowers, dazzling views of the sea from high in the hills and lush green landscapes of ancient volcanic craters, the islands of the Azores are a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. We offer the best walking islands - São Miguel, the largest renowned for its flowers green landscapes and scenic lakes, Faial with its blue hydrangea hedges and volcanic craters., and short boat trip to Pico, and Sao Jorge, a green wonderland. Flights are needed to connect each for walking excitement. The Azores are part of Portugal and therefore in the European Union and the currency is the Euro.

The dominant colours are blue—the sea and the masses of hydrangea’s, and green — lakes, trees and lush vegetation.