Madeira Vs The Azores: Which archipelago is for you?
The two stunning Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores are favourites amongst our Artisan Travel Experts, but with so much in common it can be difficult to tell them apart! That’s why we’ve decided to pit these two fantastic archipelagos against each other, to help you discover the best place for your next getaway.
©Antti Pietikainen
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Come and explore some of the best islands in the world
Our ethos has always been ‘bucket list experiences in extraordinary destinations’ and though we emphasise the experience side of our trips, we’re incredibly proud of our hand-picked destinations. That’s why we were thrilled to see that others think the same - in fact, they think some of our destinations are the best in the world! Big 7 Travel recently revealed their reader’s poll of the 50 best islands in the world, and we think you’ll recognise some familiar names on there.
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The Artisan Travel Team
Summer might be steadily drawing to a close but that doesn’t have to be the end of your adventures until the snow rolls in during the months of November and December. In fact, here at Artisan Travel we believe that October can be an excellent chance to get away and avoid some fantastic destinations whilst avoiding the busier summer crowds.
So, whether you are looking to soak up the last of the summer’s sun or head north for an Arctic adventure, let us inspire you to get away this October with five of our favourite trips for this often-overlooked time of the year!
The idyllic summer months offer the perfect excuse to book a long weekend away, somewhere far beyond the typical staycation. Enjoy super-soft sandy beaches, explore vast volcanic landscapes, experience wildlife encounters, or simply bask in the summer sun; from breathtaking archipelagos to Nordic hot-spots – these destinations are all less than a five-hour flight away from London. So, take a look below at our recommendations to plan that much needed weekend away!
The islands of the Azores - which to visit and what to do
Situated in the mid-Atlantic, remote, volcanic yet full of life sit the nine islands of the Azores.
The archipelago’s islands are divided into three; the Eastern Group (Santa Maria and São Miguel), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and the Western Group (Corvo and Flores). On first glance, the rocky landmasses all have a similar presence - rugged and green with impressive geological structures, but delve deeper and you’ll find an individual charm on each island.
Here at Artisan Travel, we have a vast range of bucket list summer holidays, skilfully designed by our trusted Travel Experts with you in mind. We'll take you from the sun-drenched islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast to Northern Norway to watch the Midnight Sun over the sublime fjords, to the Azores to snorkel alongside dolphins, to Madeira to explore exotic botanical gardens and to Gozo to indulge your passion for photography. Here are our top destinations for you:
Why the Azores is one of the top holiday destinations for summer 2019!
Nothing beats an island holiday for your summertime getaway, but do you fancy trying something different this year? This summer, step beyond your much-loved European escapes for a new kind of island holiday in one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets; the magnificent Azores archipelago.
Whale watching in Madeira is one of the most popular activities during any visit to the island, and for good reason. With over 20 different cetacean species swimming in the surrounding waters, you’ll have a high chance of seeing a splash of a whale’s tail, a spurt from a blowhole or even a full breach!
Due to the depth of the water around the island, whales can be spotted as close as 5km away from shore where the ocean floor reaches more than 3000 metres deep. However, our whale watching excursions during your holiday in Madeira include a boat trip to give you an even better chance of seeing the wonderful marine life in their natural environment.
View our holidays in Madeira complete with whale watching here.
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When is the best time to see whales in Madeira?
Though marine life is present year-round, it’s said that the best time to see whales in Madeira is between April and September/October. This is because there are usually more species around at this time due to both resident and migratory species being present.
That’s why our holidays in Madeira complete with whale watching all run between April and October, to give you the best chance of seeing these mighty mammals.
There is no ‘best time of day’ to go whale watching. Our tours will operate in either the morning or afternoon, depending on weather and sea conditions.
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Which whale species can be found in Madeira?
In 1987 once whaling was banned, Madeira was officially declared as a marine mammal sanctuary and now, many different species swim through its waters. Sperm whales and short-finned pilot whales are most commonly sighted and though beaked whales are quite rare to see in other locations, you could see them in Madeira.
The waters also attract giants such as fin, sei and Bryde’s whales and you can even see humpbacks, minke and false killer whales.
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What to expect during whale watching on holiday in Madeira
Our boat trips all depart from Funchal, the welcoming capital which will be the base for your holiday.
You will usually sail aboard a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for an adventurous way to speed across the water. There may be an option for a catamaran instead, but please enquire about this with one of our Artisan Travel Experts at the time of booking.
The marine biologist on board will help you look for and identify the different species found around the island. Make sure you bring your camera as these are moments you won’t want to miss!
Along with the many different whale species you could also spot sea birds, turtles and dolphins. To take your marine experience even further, we also offer the chance to snorkel alongside the wild dolphins that call the Atlantic Ocean home.
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Your whale watching experience in Madeira with Artisan Travel
We have spent over 15 years carefully crafting experience-led holidays to provide you with bucket list moments in extraordinary destinations.
By working alongside our local partners, listening to our clients and visiting all of our destinations ourselves, we’re able to create authentic holidays filled with experiences of a lifetime.
Call our Artisan Travel Experts today on 01670 785 085 to discuss how we can help you start ticking off your bucket list.
VIEW OUR HOLIDAYS IN MADEIRA COMPLETE WITH WHALE WATCHING HERE.
Image credit: Miguel Moniz And Visit Madeira, Rota Dos Cetaceos and Madeira Promotional Bureau
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