P addy Dillon writes direct from the mid-Atlantic Azores . They are easily overlooked , but full of surprises . In the past few months , while you were sleeping , long-distance ‘ GR ’ trails opened on several islands , making use of centuriesold routes that have been cleared of undergrowth and restored .
Volcanoes abound , including one that has only existed since 1958 . Lush green landscapes and waterfalls are the norm . Portuguese legislation allows you to get to the most remote islands for about £ 30 , even if it takes three flights . Paddy knows what to do and he was the only passenger on one flight !
Top left : The Caldeirão high on the tiny island of Corvo Top right : Waterfalls at Poço da Ribeira da Ferreiro
Bottom left : Start of the GR1 on Flores from the end of the airport runway Bottom right : The Capelinhos volcano on Faial dates only from 1958