Walking in the Azores

It is hard to believe the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush, green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. Each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife to sites of historical interest. All, however, are best explored on foot. We visit three of the most interesting islands, walking through Unesco-listed vineyards, lava plateaux (or fajãs) and sunken volcanoes to showcase the Azores at their best.