Exploring the Azores on foot

Britain’s leading guided walking tours operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays has just added an exciting new tour to its extensive portfolio – a ‘quartet’ of beautiful islands in The Azores.

Consisting of nine islands with differing landscapes, these are situated in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 800 miles off the coast of Portugal.

The Azores, which have succeeded in avoiding the clamour of mass tourism, offer a choice of many multifaceted walks, embracing villages, churches and attractive land and seascapes.

The ‘jumping off point’ is Ponta Delgada on São Miguel – the largest of the islands which is 40 by 10 miles in size and consists largely of a volcanic spine rising to 1080m.

From São Miguel one flies west to São Jorge in the north – an island with tree covered cliffs and famed for its cheese and wines.

Next, one takes a ferry to the island of Pico which is dominated by a volcanic landscape the highest being 2351m and then by boat across to the island of Faial for a days walking tour.

Finally, one flies back to São Miguel from Pico to savour the many delights of Ponta Delgada before heading home.

For more information and bookings, visit ramblersholidays.co.uk.