The gorgeous islands dubbed 'Hawaii of Europe'
A gorgeous set of European islands have been described as the continent's answer to Hawaii with 'Caribbean-style luxury' - and it's not hard to see why.
The Azores, an autonomous region off the coast of Portugal, are known for their tropical landscapes which make them feel like they're somewhere far more exotic than Europe.
Gavin Lapidus, a travel expert and the founder of eShores, says: 'These volcanic Portuguese islands are Europe's best-kept secret.
'Think Caribbean-style luxury with an eco-conscious soul - dramatic coastlines,mystical crater lakes, and world-class whale watching, all powered by sustainable initiatives.
'Shorter flights from the UK make this archipelago even more appealing. Each of the nine islands has its own distinct personality, from the thermal pools of Sao Miguel to the perfect cone of Pico Mountain, making island-hopping an irresistible adventure.'
Sao Miguel is the largest Azores island and has an international airport, making it the starting point for many adventurers.
Known as the 'Green Island', Sao Miguel is an incredible spot for whale and dolphin watching.
Holidaymakers are in with a chance of spotting bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, blue whales, minke whales.
Tourists can also head to Sete Cidades, to see the island's spectacular twin blue and green lakes. The lakes differ in colour due to their varied depths, the deeper blue lake reflects the sky, while the green shallow lake reflects the green surroundings.
Sao Miguel's Furnas Valley is a dormant volcanic caldera with plenty of thermal pools to take a dip in.
At the island's Terra Nostra Park, tourists can relax in iron-rich thermal water at temperatures of 37 degrees.
But Sao Miguel isn't the only island worth exploring.
On Pico, known as 'Mountain Island', tourists can enjoy locally produced wine and tackle Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal.
If it's beaches you're after, Faial has the best shoreline according to Lonely Planet which says its 'stretches of sand are worth visiting'.
And Flores is known for its incredible natural beauty, which ranges from waterfalls to lagoons and volcanic craters.
How to get to the Azores
British Airways and Ryanair both offer direct flights to Sao Miguel. Once there, tourists can catch ferries or domestic flights to reach the rest of the islands. The flight takes just over four hours from the UK.
Best time of year to visit the Azores
The Azores can be visited year-round, but the water can sometimes be too choppy for boat tours in December and January. During July and August, the weather is warmest but the islands tend to be at their busiest. The months between April and September are the best time to see whales and dolphins.
Language
Portuguese is the official language in the Azores but English is commonly spoken, particularly in touristy areas.
Currency
The Azores uses the Euro as standard currency.
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