The Azores Islands sit in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, half-way between Europe and North America and are administratively part of Portugal. They are a group of volcanic islands formed owing to their location on the meeting point of the American and African-Eurasian plates. The islands are generally divided into 3 groups - Santa Maria and Sao Miguel in the east, Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial in the centre and Flores and Corvo in the west. Boats and sometimes planes generally allow interconnections between the islands. The Azores have a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters.

Sao Miguel is green and rolling with sandy beaches, lovely architecture and good golf courses. Peaceful Santa Maria, being furthest south, is slightly warmer than the other islands. Faial hosts the well-known port of Horta. Pico island is a short ferry ride (5 miles) from Faial island and is exotic, with mountains, lakes and vineyards. It is home to the spectacular Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal. Graciosa is lovely, flanked by tiny islets. Flores is mountainous and ruggedly beautiful, with seven volcanic craters and spectacular views. Tiny Corvo, with its black stone windmills is also remarkably beautiful.

If you are planning a holiday in the Azores, it is likely that you will visit more than one island, so you would want to book your accommodation accordingly. There are hotels on most of the islands, but Sao Miguel has by far and away the mos places to stay. Next is probably Pico, but the options become considerably more limited on some of the other islands. Rental properties exist, particularly on Sao Miguel and Pico, but guesthouses and bed and breakfasts tend to be more common elsewhere.