Azores
7th Edition
Published on 5. September 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
324 pages
978-1-78477-623-7 (ISBN)
Description
Bradt's Azores 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. Thanks to the experience of expert botanist and author David Sayers, and the ongoing involvement of author Murray Stewart, the book retains a depth of knowledge about flora and fauna and continues to provide the strong geological and botanical information that is so integral to getting to know the islands. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and also has an expanded focus taking in the land- and sea-based activities which have become a significant part of Azores attractions in the past few years. In Bradt's Azores, full background and practical information is complemented by a region-by-region breakdown and nine chapters - one per island - to provide all the details needed for a successful visit. There are also 29 maps and separate sections on language and the islands' flora. This new edition includes details of Ponta Delgada's new 5-star hotels and Santa Maria's new round-island walk, plus a full update on the accommodation upgrades that have taken place in recent times. Information about new waymarked walks is also covered, plus new bike-hire and whale-watching companies. The Azores attract geologists, bird-watchers, whale-watchers and anyone who loves nature in all its forms. Mountaineers can head to Pico island to climb Portugal's highest peak. The Azores' volcanic origins make for a rugged, diverse landscape, a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking or canyoning. A geological curiosity, a nature-lover's paradise and - more recently - a mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become increasingly accessible in recent years. Despite the increase in visitor numbers, though, they retain an authenticity, a genuineness which in most places remains true to its roots. 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.
Reviews / Votes
'The Bradt Travel Guide will tell you everything you need to know about each of the nine islands.'Portugal Magazine
'Author David Sayers, a botanical horticulturalist, has produced an informative, practical and user-friendly volume.'
EDP Saturday Magazine
'Recommended reading'
National Geographic Traveller
Recommended reading
Wanderlust Magazine
More details
Other editions
Persons
Horticulturist and author David Sayers ran a travel company for 26 years and in 1984 pioneered the first ever walking/botanical tour to the Azores. He has been going back ever since and has led many tours, sharing his enthusiasm for the life of all nine islands; over the years it has been a journey of constant discovery, finding new walks, new eateries, new interests as the islands have gradually joined the modern world without losing their native charm. Empathy for these isolated islands brought requests to help restore several of Sao Miguel's historic gardens, which are now visitor 'must sees'. After a lifetime of worldwide travel, the Azores remain his favourite destination.
While David has continued to lend his considerable expertise and knowledge to the writing of this new edition, general authorship has rested with Murray Stewart. While working on the previous edition of this guide, he spent some months visiting the Azores, and for this edition he has returned once more. A keen walker, he has fully enjoyed the numerous excellent hikes on all nine Azorean islands, crossing landscapes sculpted by years of volcanic activity. One of his keenest memories was offshore, spotting fin, blue and pilot whales in one magical morning off Ponta Delgada. 'I love the islands' authenticity' he says, which remains intact despite increasing visitors numbers. Murray is an experienced guidebook updater and author with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors in general. He speaks five languages, including some Portuguese, and in 2016 won the British Guild of Travel Writers' Award for Best Travel Guide for the first edition of Bradt's Basque Country and Navarre.
While David has continued to lend his considerable expertise and knowledge to the writing of this new edition, general authorship has rested with Murray Stewart. While working on the previous edition of this guide, he spent some months visiting the Azores, and for this edition he has returned once more. A keen walker, he has fully enjoyed the numerous excellent hikes on all nine Azorean islands, crossing landscapes sculpted by years of volcanic activity. One of his keenest memories was offshore, spotting fin, blue and pilot whales in one magical morning off Ponta Delgada. 'I love the islands' authenticity' he says, which remains intact despite increasing visitors numbers. Murray is an experienced guidebook updater and author with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors in general. He speaks five languages, including some Portuguese, and in 2016 won the British Guild of Travel Writers' Award for Best Travel Guide for the first edition of Bradt's Basque Country and Navarre.
Content
PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, Population, Language, Religion, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Planning on itinerary: which islands?, Tour operators, Tourist information, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Women travellers, Gay and lesbian travellers, Travellers with disability, Safety, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Activities, Media and communications, Buying a property, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART 2 EASTERN GROUP
Chapter 3 Sao Miguel
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Ponta Delgada, Touring the island, Activities, Walks
Chapter 4 Santa Maria
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
PART 3 CENTRAL GROUP
Chapter 5 Terceira
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 6 Graciosa
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 7 Sao Jorge
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 8 Faial
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 9 Pico
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
PART 4 WESTERN GROUP
Chapter 10 Flores
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 11 Corvo
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Flora
Appendix 3 Fish on the menu
Appendix 4 Further information
Index
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, Population, Language, Religion, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Planning on itinerary: which islands?, Tour operators, Tourist information, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Women travellers, Gay and lesbian travellers, Travellers with disability, Safety, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Activities, Media and communications, Buying a property, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART 2 EASTERN GROUP
Chapter 3 Sao Miguel
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Ponta Delgada, Touring the island, Activities, Walks
Chapter 4 Santa Maria
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
PART 3 CENTRAL GROUP
Chapter 5 Terceira
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 6 Graciosa
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 7 Sao Jorge
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 8 Faial
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 9 Pico
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
PART 4 WESTERN GROUP
Chapter 10 Flores
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities, Touring the island
Chapter 11 Corvo
Background, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Activities
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Flora
Appendix 3 Fish on the menu
Appendix 4 Further information
Index