Welcome to the Portuguese archipelago paradise — where natural phenomena blend harmoniously with hotels and restaurants

This string of nine Portuguese islands around 2,400 miles from the U.S. East Coast has regular nonstop flights from both sides of the Atlantic - (Getty Images)

With their immense volcanic craters, dramatic cliff faces and “Lost World” waterfalls, it’s no surprise that the Azores is dubbed the “Hawaii of the Atlantic”.

This string of nine Portuguese islands around 2,400 miles from the East Coast of the U.S. – São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores, and Corvo – is remarkably easy to reach, with regular nonstop flights from both sides of the Atlantic.