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The Azores<br />
The Azores are a group of nine islands in the middle of the<br />
Atlantic Ocean, 1,369km from the European mainland.<br />
Santa Maria and Sao Miguel are the eastern islands; Terceira,<br />
Graciosa, Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge are the central islands; and<br />
Flores and Corvo are the western islands. Pico, at 2,351m,<br />
is the highest peak of the island and also the highest peak of<br />
Portugal.<br />
The best mountain biking can be found on Sao Miguel<br />
and Santa Maria. Here you’ll also find bike shops, shuttled<br />
tours and guides.<br />
How to get there<br />
There are direct flights in the summer from London, or other<br />
times via Portugal or European hubs.<br />
From Sao Miguel to Santa Maria there is a cheap daily<br />
connection with SATA Air Açores. Bike transportation is no<br />
problem at all. The flight to Santa Maria takes 15 minutes.<br />
Best time to travel there<br />
The Azores are different to the Canary Islands. The wind<br />
comes from all directions to the islands and brings high<br />
humidity so it can rain every day, but usually only in short<br />
showers. The subtropical climate means temperatures of<br />
maximum 26C in August and a mild 11–16C in February.<br />
May, June, September and October are the perfect months<br />
for riding, since the humidity is low and the temperatures are<br />
between 22 and 24C.<br />
Bike tours<br />
The trails are very difficult to find on your own. Azores<br />
Adventure Islands Tours can organise a trip to all the<br />
islands, including airport transfer, bike shuttle, guiding,<br />
accommodation and rental bikes.<br />
www.azoresadventureislands.com<br />
Santa Maria Tours offers tourist activities, including hiking<br />
and mountain biking.<br />
www.smatur.pt<br />
Bike shops<br />
Bike shops are in Sao Miguel and in Santa Maria. Bring any<br />
special spare parts for your bike you might need, with you.<br />
What you need to do there:<br />
• Visit the tea plantation in Sao Miguel<br />
www.gorreana.de<br />
• Swim in the hot springs at Poca da Dona Beija in Furnas<br />
(Sao Miguel) www.pocadadonabeija.com<br />
• Enjoy a cool beer and burger in Santa Maria in the Central<br />
Pub in Vila do Porto www.centralpub.no.comunidades.net<br />
Bike Events<br />
Enduro-party in Faial da Terra (Sao Miguel) in February,<br />
Info: www.bikesafaritour.com<br />
Azores Challenge MTB, Stage Race in September<br />
www.azoreschallengemtb.com<br />
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