Abandon the Christmas and New Year hype for the Atlantic’s undiscovered archipelago with a different kind of festive charm. From just £632 per person*, the Azores Islands hold the key to “off the beaten track” festive escapes – from carols and ancient farms, to Christmas caves and volcano adventures.

Venture to a historic city of carolling, arts and crafts, cobbled streets and ancient churches and architecture in Ponta Delgada and bin the turkey in favour of an alternative to Christmas lunch, cooked inside the crater of a sleeping volcano on Sao Miguel Island. Head to Terceira Island to discover a mysterious Christmassy volcanic cave (Grotto Christmas), to discover a rustic 19th century farm and restaurant and to descend into the chimney of a volcano.

Traditional Christmas & New Year on Sao Miguel Island

The locals’ pride in the Christmas story paired with the island’s charming cobbled streets, twinkling lights, museums and an abundance of fish and meat restaurants serving native dishes, provide an unusual and magical holiday experience. Sao Miguel’s capital city, Ponta Delgada comes alive on New Year’s Eve with traditional concerts, dinners and fireworks. On 7 December the city hosts a carol service from the St. Joseph Choir at the Theatre Micaelense, boasts a charming weekly market and a classic ‘Lagarta’ train taking travellers to see all of the city’s main churches and historical sites. The island celebrates the birth of Christ and the Azores’ strong crafts heritage with traditional Nativity themed crib contests until 13 December, and until 8 December in Santa Cruz, Lagoa, take part in festive celebrations including local entertainment, artisans, music groups and traditional cuisine including native liqueurs, teas, sweet bread, and rice pudding.

Christmas Volcano Cave, Terceira

Terceira Island boasts its very own volcanic Christmas cave called Natal Cave (translated as “Grotto Christmas”) situated in front of The Black Lagoon (a mysterious natural pool). Located near the Natural Forest Reserve of the Serra de Santa Barbara, the cave hosts a traditional Christmas Mass. According to ancient legend, the lagoon near the cave was created by the tears of a noble family’s daughter after a forbidden love was revealed. Within the UNESCO listed Angra do Heroismo, travellers can visit the impressive Sé Cathedral of Angra do Heroismo and visit Monte Brasil, an extinct volcano guarded by an ancient fort. A short distance away, descend into Algar do Carvao the atmospheric 90 metre deep volcano chimney, or discover Quinta do Martelo - an old farm which preserves the Azores’ old traditions, cuisine and way of living. Here travellers will discover a rustic farm-house restaurant serving home grown fruit, vegetables and meat from the farm as well as a museum and accommodation equipped in an old-Azorean style with straw beds and historic artefacts.

Escape the Christmas Turkey - Cozido das Furnas cooked in a sleeping volcano

Take a trip to the village of Furnas, located inside the crater of a sleeping volcano, to sample a Christmas dinner a million miles from the Christmas turkey. The traditional dish, Cozido das Furnas, is a deliciously hot meat and vegetable stew cooked in the ground using the heat generated from the volcano, and is served in the local eateries. These include the restaurant of newly renovated Terra Nostra Park Hotel, located in breathtaking botanical gardens with a natural thermal pool. Throughout the village, there are hot springs spewing from the volcanic yet lush landscape, and mounds where this dish has been buried to cook in the ground. Other local cuisine available across the archipelago includes a number of native cheeses, beef and fish dishes, and popular merry desserts such as ‘Queijada da Vila’, a milky and eggy custard sweet from the islet of Vila Franca do Campo dating back to the 16th century, and ‘Queijada da Graciosa’, a star shaped dessert from Graciosa island.

Thanks their location in the heart of the Atlantic, the Azores Islands have preserved their natural beauty and history, a world away from overly-commercialised celebrations. With mild December temperatures (approximately 17°C), the islands are also well-known as a paradise for excellent winter activity sport including renowned surfing, horse riding, walking, cycling, kayaking and even canyoning.

FESTIVE BREAKS WITH AZORES CHOICE FROM £632 PER PERSON*

All breaks below include 7 nights’ Bed & Breakfast accommodation at the coastal Hotel Caloura on Sao Miguel Island with a sea view room and 7 days’ car hire to explore the festivities. Access Terceira Island via inter island flight from Sao Miguel with SATA (www.SATA.pt) or by frequent local ferry service.

Pre Christmas break, 07-14 December 2013: prices start from £750 per person including flights and all airport taxes

Christmas break, 21-28 December 2013: prices start from £365 per person excluding flights. Book flights with SATA (www.SATA.pt)

*New Year Break, 05-12 January 2014: prices start from £632 per person including flights, all airport taxes, and optional walking maps.

To book with Azores Choice visit www.AzoresChoice.com or call 01768 775 672

To find out more about the Azores, please visit www.visitazores.com

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Editor’s Notes:

Click here to find out more about the Azores Islands’ new app, available for IOS and Andriod. 

The nine islands of the Azores are in the middle of the North Atlantic and belong to Portugal. They can be reached by direct flight from the UK in less than four hours from April – October, or via Lisbon. These volcanic islands are renowned for their volcanic craters, beautiful lakes, stunning sea, thermal pools and mountain vistas, their impressive flora and fauna and marine life. The islands have played a hugely important part in European maritime history, due to their strategically significant position as the western most point of Europe.

For more information, high resolution images or details of press trips please contact: David Wilson or David Ezra at KBC PR & Marketing: david.wilson@kbc-pr.com / david.ezra@kbc-pr.com / 01825 763636