Experience the breathtaking and unspoiled islands that await just a short hop from mainland Portugal with Moon Azores. Inside you'll find: Strategic, flexible itineraries for exploring individual islands or combining them into a longer trip, with coverage of Porto and Lisbon The top outdoor adventures: Cave-dive into the depths of an extinct volcano, soak in a steaming hot spring, and catch some sun on Santa Maria's golden sand beaches. Dive or snorkel in crystalline waters filled with shipwrecks, submerged volcanoes, seamounts, and colorful marine life. Spot dolphins, humpback whales, and more on an island cruise and go bird-watching on a lush São Jorge fajã. Hike to stunning viewpoints above Sete Cidades Lake or summit the epic, snow-capped Mount Pico Must-see highlights and unique experiences: Wander past cobbled squares and whitewashed buildings to marvel at the striking Old Gates of Ponta Delgada. Stroll through sprawling gardens of exotic plant and secret grottoes in Terra Nostra Park or sip authentic Gorreana tea at Europe's only tea plantation. People watch over a cup of Azorean coffee in the UNESCO historical center of Angra do Heroísmo or admire the famous mariner murals in Horta Marina. Savor fresh seafood and local charcuterie in a seaside village, browse traditional cheeses at a morning market, and sample basalt wines on Pico Expert advice from long-time Portugal resident Carrie-Marie Bratley Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Background information on landscape, history, and cultural customs of the islands Helpful resources on COVID-19 and traveling to the Azores Handy tools such as visa information, a Portuguese phrasebook, and tips for LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, families, and more With Moon's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience the best of the Azores. Heading to the mainland? Check out Moon Portugal.

A comprehensive guide to walking in the Portuguese Azores, an archipelago of nine lush green islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The 70 routes cover the three island groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Routes range from hour-long strolls to full-day outings and most use the islands' network of official waymarked trails, including sections of the multi-day GR1. Also included is an ascent of Pico, the highest mountain on Portuguese territory. The guidebook gives lots of practical information on travel to the Azores and between the different islands, as well as getting around by public transport. Full route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 map extracts, plus notes on refreshment opportunities and local points of interest. The routes promise verdant green landscapes and astounding volcanic landforms, taking in forests, rocky slopes, cliff coast and waterfalls as well as a rich built heritage including churches, forts, windmills and harbours. Whether you prefer a single-base trip or an island-hopping adventure, you'll find stunning scenery at every turn. The mild climate makes this an ideal destination for year-round walking.

Maria Lawton, known as the "Azorean Green Bean," is proud to announce the arrival of her debut cookbook, "Azorean Cooking: From My Family Table to Yours," a collection of more than 50 recipes that celebrates the traditions of Azorean cooking, culture, and family. "For more than four years, I have made it my mission to preserve my family recipes," said Lawton. "At first, I just wanted to make sure they would be passed down to my children and future generations - but now, I want to share them with everyone who might miss their Azorean mother or grandmother's cooking, or whoever wants to know how to recreate the tastes and smells of the past. This has been a wonderful journey home for me, and I hope this helps others on their journey, too." In the book, Lawton shares powerful memories of her family and cooking experiences as she walks readers through an array of recipes, ranging from popular Azorean dishes - including Arroz Doce (Sweet Rice Pudding), Massa Sovada (Sweet Bread) and Sopa de Couve (Kale Soup) - to classics like Cozido (Boiled Dinner), Cacoila (Marinated Pork), and Camarao Mozambique (Shrimp Mozambique). Throughout the collection, Lawton makes the cooking process simple, educational, and enjoyable, with a constant focus on a delicious end result. Lawton was born on the semi-tropical island of Sao Miguel, the largest of nine islands that make up the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal located nearly a thousand miles off its coast in the Atlantic Ocean. At age six, Lawton moved to the United States with her family and settled in a Portuguese community in southeastern Massachusetts. Growing up, Lawton was teased with a number of names like "Portagee," "Fava Bean" and "Greenhorn," but would always answer with, "Thank you - I'm proud of it!" Her nickname today of "Azorean Green Bean" is an embrace of these cultural elements and a reflection of pride.

Now in its eighth edition, Bradt’s Azores remains the only comprehensive guidebook to this nine-island archipelago – a mountainous, nature-lover’s wilderness perched in the mid-Atlantic at the western extremity of Europe. One of the world’s best whalewatching destinations, a geological curiosity and – more recently – a mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become ever more accessible thanks to low-cost European flights. The nine islands making up the Azorean archipelago share volcanic origins, albeit from different eras, so each rugged landscape boasts a unique feel. The approach to tourism also differs from island to island: while São Miguel welcomes a rising number of cruise ships and international flights, and Faial is a busy hub for trans-ocean yachts, tiny Corvo and gentle Santa Maria remain almost untouched. The Gulf Stream guarantees a mild climate and plenty of greenery: a pleasant environment for this easily accessible, safe, welcoming and authentic mid-haul destination. With each island treated to its own chapter, Bradt’s Azores provides all the details a visitor needs for a rewarding, enjoyable visit to an archipelago where cows outnumber people. Author and expert botanist David Sayers shares his deep knowledge about flora, fauna and geology that are integral to getting to know the islands. This new edition – thoroughly updated by prolific guidebook author Tim Burford – strengthens coverage of the land- and sea-based activities that have become a significant part of the Azores’ attractions this century while providing the most recent practical information such as where to stay and eat in every price band. Five centuries of human history are well documented in a host of museums spread across the islands, which explain the fluctuating fortunes and strategic importance of the archipelago through the centuries. Attractive architecture, carefully preserved festivals, four islands with UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and thermal pools complete what is a very agreeable picture. Little wonder then that the Azores attracts geologists, birdwatchers, whalewatchers, horseriders, walkers, mountaineers bent on climbing Portugal’s highest peak (on Pico island), divers, surfers, sailors, mountain-bikers and canyoners – indeed anyone who loves nature or the great outdoors in all its forms.

Like a voyage to the Portuguese islands of the title, the poems in Azores arrive at their striking and hard-won destinations over the often-treacherous waters of experience--a man mourns the fact that he cannot not mourn, a father warns his daughter about harsh contingency, an unnamed visitor violently disrupts a quiet domestic scene.

Everyone has heard about the Azores high – here is its home. A 3½ hour flight from London, the nine islands of the Azores – Santa Maria, São Miguel, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo – are situated in the middle of the Atlantic. Still free from mass tourism, the archipelago, belonging to Portugal, is a Mecca for nature-lovers and individualists. The Azorean landscape is the very picture of extremity. Enchanting forests fuse with heavenly rolling hills and deep-blue crater lakes. Extinct volcanoes tower to the heavens and countless cleft valleys have been deeply cut through the volcanic stratum. The areas lying directly on the coast, often difficult to reach, are exceptionally fertile and under intense cultivation. From a multitude of scenic viewpoints, one can gather breath-taking views of volcanic craters, lakes, hilly countryside or the bizarre coastline. Additional attractions are fumaroles and hot springs as well as thermal bathing pools. Because of these things, the spectrum of possible walks range from pleasant strolls through meadows and forests or along the coast all the way to challenging mountain hikes on Pico, Portugal's highest peak. In years gone by, author Roman Martin has toured the Azores time and again. In this Rother Walking Guide, he offers a choice of 86 routes making up a comprehensive cross-section for the walks available on each of the individual islands. Every route is provided with comprehensive GPS data, ready for download. Listing the most important features and providing detailed route descriptions, excerpts of maps with the routes marked in, height profiles as well as many tips, the guide provides all of the information necessary for a successful walking holiday on the Azores.