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Now in its eighth edition, Bradt's Azores remains the only comprehensive guidebook to this nine-island archipelago - a mountainous, nature-lover's wilderness perched in the mid-Atlantic at the western extremity of Europe. One of the world's best whalewatching destinations, a geological curiosity and - more recently - a mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become increasingly accessible thanks to increasing direct trans-Atlantic flights, with departure airports now including JFK and Newark. The nine islands making up the Azorean archipelago share volcanic origins, albeit from different eras, so each rugged landscape boasts a unique feel. The approach to tourism also differs from island to island: while São Miguel welcomes a rising number of cruise ships and international flights, and Faial is a busy hub for trans-ocean yachts, tiny Corvo and gentle Santa Maria remain almost untouched.