Publisher 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.

Table of Contents

PART 1GENERAL INFORMATIONChapter 1 Background InformationGeography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, Population, Language, Religion, CultureChapter 2 Practical InformationWhen 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 positivelyPART 2 EASTERN GROUPChapter 3 Sao MiguelBackground, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Ponta Delgada, Touring the island, Activities, WalksChapter 4Santa MariaBackground, 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 islandPART 3CENTRAL GROUPChapter 5TerceiraBackground, 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 islandChapter 6GraciosaBackground, 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 islandChapter 7Sao JorgeBackground, 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 islandChapter 8FaialBackground, 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 islandChapter 9PicoBackground, 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 islandPART 4WESTERN GROUPChapter 10FloresBackground, 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 islandChapter 11CorvoBackground, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, ActivitiesAppendix 1LanguageAppendix 2FloraAppendix 3Fish on the menuAppendix 4Further informationIndex

Review

'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 TravellerRecommended readingWanderlust Magazine

Promotional

.Still the only comprehensive guidebook numbers increased 46% between 2015 and budget flights operate from the of Bradt's top 10 guides in 2018About Bradt Travel in 1974, Bradt is now the largest independent guidebook publisher in the UK with over 200 titles in of the Gold award for Best Guidebook Series in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards guides are written by authors who really know their destinations. Many are resident there, or have been visiting regularly over a number of years..Each new Bradt guide is backed by a dedicated press and social media campaign

Long 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 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 and welcoming, the islands attract geologists, bird-watchers, whale-watchers and anyone who loves nature in all its forms. Mountaineers head to Pico to climb Portugal's highest peak, while the diverse landscape makes a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking or canyoning. A geological curiosity, nature-lover's paradise and, more recently, mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become increasingly accessible in recent years, notably with more flights arriving direct from North America and an increasing number of visitors arriving on cruise ships. Despite the increase in visitor numbers, though, the islands retain an authenticity, a genuineness which in most places remains true to its roots.

Review Quote

'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 TravellerRecommended readingWanderlust Magazine

Description for Sales People

. Still the only comprehensiveguidebook available . Visitor numbers increased 46% between2015 and 2017 . Weekly budget flights operate fromthe UK . One of Bradt's top 10 guides in 2018 AboutBradt Travel Guides . Founded in 1974, Bradt is now thelargest independent guidebook publisher in the UK with over 200 titles in print . WINNER of the Gold award for BestGuidebook Series in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2018 . Bradt guides are written by authorswho really know their destinations. Many are resident there, or have beenvisiting regularly over a number of years. . Each new Bradt guide is backed by adedicated press and social media campaign

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