Lying in the Atlantic Ocean is a group of nine little known islands. Many have heard of the Azores but few have visited. Heather Loat explores…

Largely untouched by tourism, the islands have an unspoilt beauty. Virtually free from pollution they are indeed the emerald isles both literally and metaphorically.

Ironic then that the future development of the Azores should depend so much on tourists, whose carbon footprint will over time transform this perfect paradise into yet another holiday hotspot.

Of the tourists who have visited the Azores many do so for the excellent dolphin and whale-watching opportunities. These gentle giants of the ocean can be admired close up by taking advantage of a three-hour trip – 24 of the world’s 81 cetacean species have been spotted here.

Other visitors come to appreciate the natural wonders of the islands formed from volcanic eruptions, and a fascinating geological tour takes you to see some of the vast volcanic craters.

For our trip we followed the south coast which takes you to Lagoa do Fogo, or the “fire lake”. Looking down on the tranquil blue waters flanked by jagged mountains, it’s hard to believe this sleeping volcano was once a raging inferno.

The journey also takes you to what can only be described as a forgotten village where only two inhabitants remain. On entering the village you are greeted by the nose-wrinkling smell of sulphur emanating from a hot mineral spring.

To explore deeper the origins of the Azores a visit to Gruta do Carvao, the largest laval tunnel on Sao Miguel, is worthwhile, while inter-island flights make it possible to visit Santa Maria, home to only 5,000 islanders.

Dubbed the sunshine island it typically rained for most of the day we visited. But the weather failed to quell our love for this charming place which seems to have stood still in time. All around are the dots of white-washed houses with lace-like chimneys.

What strikes you is the hospitality of the locals. Several welcomed us into their homes offering us refreshments and jabbering away in broken English as if they had known us for years.

Santa Maria is a landscape of changing colours from the white sands of Sao Lourenco bay, to the black of the artistically chiseled basalt in the facades of churches.

Sao Miguel is the largest of the islands which has a population of just 250,000, and the capital, Ponta Delgada, was our stay for a five-day break.

It should be noted that although the city offers a selection of bars and clubs, it is by no means a buzzing nightspot. If in search of partying, head for Ibiza instead.

The future of the Azores as a holiday destination is taking shape with the completion of a new multi-million pound harbour.

Hotels are being built and another new shopping centre is planned. The launch of a second weekly direct flight from Gatwick means that short break stays are now possible.

But now is the time to visit these idyllic islands before the tourist onslaught robs them of their splendour.