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'Europe's Hawaii' just two-hour flight from UK with waterfall hikes and whale watching

Often dubbed 'Europe's Hawaii' - and it's just a two-hour flight from the UK, making it one of the best island escapes

[Small stone house in the mountains with waterfall next to it at Flores island]

The Azores are a gorgeous holiday destination.(Image: (Image: Getty))

As the UK weather turns chilly and days grow shorter, a Caribbean getaway might seem appealing, but there's a European alternative that's just a 2-hour flight away, offering an island-hopping experience at a fraction of the cost. The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago known as "Europe's Hawaii", comprises 9 unique islands, each with its own charm.

From Sao Miguel's thermal pools to Pico Mountain's iconic cone, the Azores are a treasure trove for explorers. The islands' volcanic landscape is breathtaking, shaping life there in dramatic ways.

On Sao Miguel, you can soak in stunning thermal pools, where geothermal heat is used to cook the traditional Azorean stew, cozido dos Acores. This local delicacy involves slow-cooking vegetables and meat underground for up to 7 hours.

The Azores are also renowned for whale watching, with many species calling the surrounding ocean home. While peak season runs from April to October, visiting between late April and early May increases your chances of spotting larger migratory species like blue whales during their migration period.

[a whale breaches off the coast of the azores]

The Azores have everything from whale watching to volcanoes(Image: Getty Images)

To get to your desired location, you'll have to fly into Sao Miguel, the biggest of the nine islands. Once there, you can either hop on a flight to the other islands or take a ferry between them, soaking up the stunning ocean vistas, reports the Express.

However, bear in mind that these islands are situated in the Atlantic Ocean, and weather conditions can cause delays - especially if you're planning a trip during the shoulder season or winter months. Hence, having flexibility in your travel itinerary is crucial.

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