Intur Azor, Benicasim

Advantages: Stunning scenery, history and a great cup of tea!
Disadvantages: None

...Did you know that tea grows in Europe? Well I didn't until I went on holiday in the Azores. Friends all said "Where are the Azores?" so I'll start by briefly explaining where these wonderful islands are situated. The Azores consist of nine islands found in the Atlantic Ocean between the continents of America and Europe, Sao Miguel is the largest of these islands and is about a two and a half hours flight from Lisbon. Not quite the middle of the ocean, but a good distance from Portugal, so it came as a surprise to see tea growing. The temperate climate and rich volcanic soil results in lush vegetation and the growth of tropical plants - I can recommend the pineapples! We were touring the island and were on the lookout for another tea factory mentioned in the guide book, which we knew the bus tours visited, so were delighted... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Perfect if you like to walk.
Disadvantages: If you're looking for night life, it will be difficult to find...

...Whether you're a natural walker or a relaxed rambler, Pico is perfect for walking. The island, part of the Azores (which belong to Portugal), has 148 volcanic craters, from gentle slopes to arduous scrambles. The dad is Mount Pico itself; at 2,351 metres, it's Portugal's highest mountain, and it will take you around six hours to climb its steep, crumbly lava slopes. At the top you're rewarded with views of all the islands. It would be impossible to tire of this extraordinary landscape, but one of the biggest attractions on Pico is located underground at Gruta das Torres, a deep 5km-long lava tube, created more than 1,000 years ago. It takes a brave soul - and sturdy boots - to venture into its darkness. A flight to Sao Miguel can be arranged for just under £200 and there're ferry links to Pico from Sao Miguel.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Relaxing, stunning scenery and still unspoiled!
Disadvantages: Cuisine lacking in fancy menus.

...Sâo Miguel also known as the Green Island is 65 kilometres long and 16 kilometres wide. It is the largest of the islands making up the Azores. The island is made up of several volcanic groups, the black lava fields form a dark coastline dotted with a handful of beaches, but the green hills provide some splendid scenery, and every turn (and there are many!) along the windy roads unfolds some wonderful surprises. In the east the highest point is Pico da Vara standing 1,103 metres tall, in the centre is the Sierra de Água do Pau, with a volcanic Lake called Lagoa do Fogo. In the west are the smaller volcanoes, and the highest point is about 900metres, one of the most popular places to visit called the Caldeira das Sete Cidades, where the ground still rumbles and geysers boil and streams flow with the water of hot springs. There are two... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful