If you’ve never been close to these creatures in their natural habitat, the island of Faial is a good place to find out what you’ve been missing. Enjoy a boat trip out to sea where you can spot more than 24 species, ranging from the blue whale, to sperm whales and dolphins. It’s an expedition you’ll never forget.

Once you’re back on dry land, discover the ‘blue island’ where hydrangeas border the roads down to the sea and then visit the island’s capital, Horta.

Built between two bays, it has a famous marina that is well known as a resting point to yachtsmen sailing across the Atlantic. Why not follow their lead and drink a gin and tonic in the world famous Peter’s Café Sport?

It’s said to be the best you’ll ever taste.

Learn all there is to know about the ancient tradition of whaling at the fascinating Scrimshaw Museum and see the remarkable collection of engraved sperm whales’ teeth.

Or climb to the top of the now extinct Vulcão dos Capelinhos where the enormous crater provides a stark contrast to the vibrant nature of the rest of the island. You could almost be mistaken for thinking you were on a lunar landscape.

Or finally how about just relaxing and enjoying the beach of Porto Pim? Go for a pedal-boat ride across the bay’s calm waters and take in Faial’s scenery from out at sea.