Azores

Lying between New York and Lisbon and sometimes referred to as Europe's best kept secret, the Azores are verdant, tranquil, diverse, exquisitely beautiful and always welcoming. These nine green islands are the embodiment of old-world charm and include an elegant capital, remote villages, glittering blue coastlines and spectacular volcanic landscapes.

Bradt's Azores is the only publication in English that not only provides details of travel and activities, but also gives in-depth background information about the archipelago's discovery, settlement and subsequent social history. David Sayers outlines how the archipelago erupted from beneath the ocean some five million years ago. Revised throughout, this new edition also includes in-depth sections on whaling, fishing and agriculture, climate, and geology.

There is now a wide choice of accommodation, from 4-star hotels to small family-run affairs, simple pensions, rented cottages and B&Bs - all detailed in the guide. Tourism services have expanded with greater numbers of marked walking trails, improved opportunities for diving, whale watching and adventurous activities such as sea kayaking and jeep safaris, and excellent new museums.

The islands remain an outstanding destination for walkers and lovers of nature and the simple life. Tourism has not been allowed to spoil the archipelago and the islands retain much of their traditional charm - they are not a beach destination, and there is little nightlife or commercial entertainment. With this guide visitors can discover the best walks, tour Europe's westernmost coast - the island of Flores - visit Europe's only tea plantations or step into the hot springs and gurgling mud pools of Furnas. Brimming with practical information this new edition of The Azores is the perfect guide to these garden-like islands.