Less than a 6 hour flight from North America, the 9 Islands that make up the Azores archipelago, are rich in history and are amongst the true hidden treasures left in Europe without over development, tacky tourism and over use of its natural resources. The Islands present a fresh face for the visitor and appears somewhat new in the tourism development, offering a multitude of scenic coastlines, extinct volcanoes with hot springs, lakes and lush, rain forest like, foliage throughout.
Environmental Tourism abounds, with carefully planned whale & dolphin watching excursions, coastal excursions, scuba diving and protected National Parks and gardens. An autonomous state within Portugal, the Azorean Islands are just a 2 hour flight from Lisbon, and have their own feel for the visitor. One is not rushed or felt threatened, when visiting Ponta Delgada, the Capital and main city of 135,000 on the Island of Sao Miguel. Offering plenty of shopping, attractions, fine and casual dining, nightlife, scenic drives and plenty of friendly locals to slow the pace down from the city life in North America. City side hotels are modern, with a European style and flair from 3 star to 4+ star accommodation that can be arranged. Outside the city along the South Coast, are popular summer beaches with hotel resorts that also offer perfect seaside getaways in a serene atmosphere, the other 10 months a year.
Enjoy summer temperatures in the 18-24 C range, and very mild winters in November to March where temperatures range from 14 to 18 C daily. Perfect for golf year round on 2 championship courses, that will not only test your skills of every club in the bag, but your patience as well, as they are rarely too busy not to allow visitors to enjoy the local scenery and surroundings. With direct flights on SATA Airlines and never crowded courses, great food and atmosphere, it really is a European Hidden Treasure for golfers this season.
