Azores, 2nd: The Bradt Travel Guide

The Azores have aptly been described as the "Garden Islands" of the Atlantic, enjoying a warm climate and a multitude of species of flora and fauna. This second edition is still the only general travel guide to the Azores, and comprehensively covers all nine of the volcanic islands in this peaceful Portuguese group, 3,500 km off the coast of New York. Advice on sightseeing ranges from the architectural sites of Ponta Delgada--the capital on São Miguel island--to pretty spa villages, pastoral windmills on Graciosa, volcanic terrain, and dramatic coastlines allowing visitors to compile their own itineraries. Suggestions for self-drive, local transportation, and walking vacations open up the options. David Sayers' expert botanical knowledge makes the Bradt guide to the Azores particularly strong on the natural history of the islands, which have been colonized with hundreds of species of exotic flowers and plants and are the home to many migrating birds.