This summer adrenaline-junkies can experience an exhilarating rush like no other and take in the Azores’ breathtaking volcanoes, lakes and landscapes from an entirely new perspective thanks to the Azores Islands Paragliding Festival (21-25 August) and an array of some of the top adventure activities on offer in Europe.
Less than four hours direct flight from London Gatwick with SATA International, the 19th Annual Azores Paragliding Festival will see pilots from acrossPortugal and around the world come together inPonta Delgada on theisland ofSão Miguel. From here, the pilots will set off to landscapes such as Ribeira Grande and the islet of Vila Franca to take part in paragliding competitions, flying across expansive lakes, imposing volcanoes and lush landscapes at eye-watering heights.
The Azores Islands Paragliding Festival spearheads a variety of exhilarating adventure activities on offer in the Azoresthis summer, including the chance to paraglide over one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders, Sete Cidades, go canyoning across extreme terrain and cycle in the crater of a ‘sleeping’ volcano. Travellers may also choose to climb to the top ofPortugal’s highest mountain, Pico onPicoIsland.
Paraglide from the top of one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders
The Azores’ mild climate offers some of the best paragliding opportunities all year round and travellers will struggle to find sites more inspiring than over the lake at Sete Cidades, one of the biggest and most beautiful crater lakes on the islandof São Migueland one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal.
Light Blue Travel offers a 7 night package to São Miguel from £1,171 pp departing in September 2013.
Includes 7 nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Vale do Navio in São Miguel(based on two sharing) on a Bed & Breakfast basis, transfers and direct return flights from London Gatwick. To book call Light Blue Travel on 01223 568 904 or visit www.lightbluetravel.co.uk. Paragliding in São Miguel from Sete Cidades can be arranged locally through Clube Asas de São Miguel by visiting www.asassaomiguel.com or emailing asassaomiguel@gmail.com.
Cycle in the crater of a ‘sleeping’ volcano
Cycle past boiling and smoking sulphurous springs in Furnas onSão Miguelfor phenomenal views, a picturesque village and breathtaking lake actually situated inside the crater of a ‘sleeping’ volcano. Furnas is so hot, travellers can also witness traditional Azorean cuisine being cooked in the ground from the heat of the volcano.
Skedaddle offers an eight night guided cycling adventure on São Miguel starting from £995 pp departing 7 September 2013 with a stay in Furnas.
Includes five days cycling with one day cycling in Furnas, a whale watching excursion, transfers and 7 nights’ accommodation including all breakfasts and lunches. Bike hire starts from £125 pp and direct flights can be booked from £325 pp. To book, visit www.skedaddle.co.uk or call 0191 2651110.
Canyoning on extreme terrain
This unique sport combines the techniques of caving and climbing by walking, wading, abseiling, boulder hopping, swimming, jumping and rock climbing across the Azores’ rocky landscape, tumbling waterfalls and vertical drops with the best and most challenging terrain found on the islands of São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores.
Azores Choice offers a week long canyoning adventure to São Miguel and Flores starting from £1,171 pp departing in August 2013. Includes two half-day canyoning trips in Flores and a day long canyoning trip in São Miguel, direct return flights from London Gatwick, internal flights and transfers and 7 nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis. To book, visit www.azoreschoice.com or call 01768 775 672.
Climb Portugal’s highest mountain, Pico
Sitting proudly on Pico island, Pico is an active volcano andPortugal’s highest mountain. The seven hour round trip to the summit is unforgettable, especially at sunrise, with magnificent views over the central islands of Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa andTerceirain clear weather.
Sunvil offers a week long holiday to the Azores with a guided walk to the top of Pico starting from £1, 416 pp departing in July 2013.
Includes a guided walk to the summit of Pico Mountain, 2 nights’ accommodation in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island on the first and last days of the trip, 5 nights’ accommodation on Pico island, direct return flights from London Gatwick to Ponta Delgada, return internal flights from São Miguel to Pico island, transfers and car hire for 5 days in Pico. All accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis. To book, visit www.sunvil.co.uk or call 02087584722.
Swim with Blue Sharks
One of the most exhilarating experiences theAzoreshas to offer! Divers can experience a real adrenaline rush and swim openly with Blue Sharks in the untouched waters around the islands of Pico andFaialduring the summer months.
Dive Worldwide offer a week long Blue Shark Adventure from Pico Island starting from £1,095 pp departing in September 2013. Includes eight dives with two Blue Shark dives, return flights from London Gatwick, internal flights and transfers and 7 nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis. To book, visit www.diveworldwide.com or call 0845 130 6980
July 2013
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Editor’s Notes:
The nine islands of the Azores are in the middle of the North Atlantic and belong toPortugal. They can be reached by direct flight from theUKin less than four hours from April – October, or viaLisbon. 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 ofEurope.
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