Give the kids something to brag about this May half term! From spotting wild whale species and wild dolphins, to cycling to volcanoes and experiencing the magic of colourful festivals – you’ll find it all in The Azores, less than four hours direct from London Gatwick.
 

Holy Ghost Festival
As the landscapes of the Azores come alive so do the towns, cities and people. The islands’ most important religious festival, the Holy Ghost Festival, takes place this year from May until mid June. Each week throughout this period, special gatherings and processions of flags, drums, musical performances, traditional dancing, singing, and occasionally parades and fireworks take place in towns, cities and villages across the archipelago. Celebrations often reach a peak on the last of the seven Sundays after Easter (19 May 2013). Travellers will receive a warm welcome as stewed meat, sweet bread, and scented wine are typically distributed to visitors as part of the festivities. Ceremonies on the island of Terceira typically take place in brightly decorated chapels, called Impérios, while festivities on São Miguel can take place in the streets and attract a large number of visitors.
 

Whale watching, scuba diving and swimming with wild dolphins
The waters of the Azores become a classroom of excitement this spring offering world-class whale watching and the chance for lucky travellers and children to spot the king of the whale kingdom, the majestic Blue Whale, as it passes through the archipelago on its annual migration, as well as the resident sperm whale, and 25 resident and migratory species. Adults and older families can also swim with wild dolphins and go scuba diving to see colourful and striking pelagic fish, manta rays and blue sharks in the spring’s warmer waters. Varieties of dolphin include Atlantic, Common, Bottlenose and Spotted dolphins. After a full briefing and if conditions allow, people are able to enter the water from a low level boat to swim with the dolphins in their natural habitat – a rare experience.
 

The Azores – an adventure playground
Experience the natural world like nowhere else – the Azores are the ultimate adventure playground for families. Ideal for younger families, take in imposing volcanoes, breathtaking lakes often situated in ancient volcano craters, and dramatic terrain scattered with tranquil waterfalls, hot springs and steaming fumaroles by bike on a family paced cycle adventure. Enjoy walking, hiking and horse riding or mountain biking, canoeing, sailing and even paragliding for the more adventurous.
 

Geological, volcanic wonders and thermal spas
This spring the landscapes of the Azores will be decorated with colourful flowers and lush landscapes. Introduce inquisitive minds to the wonders of island geology where travellers can touch, see and smell natural phenomena including volcanoes, volcanic rock and thermal spas. Gaze at collapsed calderas and their beautiful lakes, walk through Fajãs, see the volcanic ridges and formations left behind by recent eruptions, discover the underground world by descending into caves and walking into lava tubes, or watch bubbling hot springs.
 

Inexpensive local produce- cooked in a Volcano!
From food aficionados to fussy eaters, even the cuisine of the Azores is fun, and better yet inexpensive; a coffee, soft drink or beer can set you back just one euro. Sample simple but mouth-watering produce including the local cheese, pineapples, bananas, guavas and passion fruits. Those with experimental palettes can savour local dishes, including delicious and freshly caught squid, clams, tuna, swordfish, limpets, crabs and one of the most famous dishes from São Miguel island, ‘Cozido das Furnas’, a traditional stew which is cooked underground by the heat of a volcano! Containing local sausage, beef and a variety of vegetables, this is a hearty family meal. The Azores also boast delicious local wines and a fragrant Azorean tea produced in local tea plantations in São Miguel.

The Azores offer a wide range of affordable accommodation including modern and traditional hotels, farmhouses, villas, hostels and campsites with direct flights from London Gatwick on SATA International between April and October. Taking less than four hours, straight to Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel, and with only one hour’s time difference, it’s really convenient for families.
 

HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE AZORES FROM £517PP
Based on 2 adults and 2 children travelling on 26 May 2013 for 7 nights. Accommodation is at the Hotel Villa Nova in Ponta Delgada in São Miguel and includes all breakfasts. Price includes direct return flights from London Gatwick. Horse riding excursions start from an additional £56pp. Other excursions include swimming with dolphins from an addition £82pp and rock climbing from an additional £48pp.

To book call Atlantic Holidays on 0844 824 4544 or visit www.atlanticholidays.net

WHALE AND WILD DOLPHIN WATCHING FROM £533PP
Based on 2 adults and 2 children travelling on 25 May 2013 for 7 nights. Accommodation is at the Hotel São Miguel Park in Ponta Delgada and includes all breakfasts. Price includes direct return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and a 3-hour whale and dolphin watching excursion per person.

To book call Sunvil on 02087584722 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

FAMILY CYCLING HOLIDAY FROM £1180PP
Based on 2 adults and 2 children travelling on 25 May 2013 for 7 nights. Accommodation is in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel and includes all breakfasts and lunches, direct return flights from London Gatwick and transfers. Includes three days cycling, one day hiking, a whale watching excursion and a jeep safari of Fogo Lake.

To book call Skedaddle on 01912651110 or visit www.skedaddle.co.uk

FAMILY AZOREAN ADVENTURES FROM £3299PP
Based on 2 adults and 2 children travelling in May 2013 for 7 nights. Accommodation is at Villa at the Nossa Senhora da Estrela resort on São Miguel near Lagoa on a self catering basis. Includes direct return flights, from London Gatwick and transfers, car hire for the duration of the trip and three included excursions. Guests can choose from whale and dolphin watching excursions, a geological jeep tour, mountain biking, horse riding, swimming with wild dolphins or kayaking.

To book call Azores Choice on 01768775672 or visit www.azoreschoice.com

To find out more about The Azores Islands, visit www.visitazores.com
  

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Editor’s Notes:

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