Families with a thirst for adventure, fun and the great outdoors need look no further than the Azores this October.  Less than four hours away thanks to direct flights with SATA International, and with temperatures in the mid twenties the Azores is the perfect destination to take in the last of the summer sun.

Whale watching is a must during a trip to the Azores and with its calm waters October is the ideal time to enjoy this incredible experience.  Half day whale and dolphin watching tours are available from Pico and Faial, with visitors regularly treated to sightings of the twenty-four species of whales that call the Azorean waters home.

Families can get up close and personal to the Azores’ volcanic origins with guided tours of dormant volcanoes offered on Pico and Graciosa.  Adventurous families can experience the thrill of caving through Terceira’s impressive lava tubes, enjoy a thrilling day of canyoning on San Miguel, Flores and Sao Jorge or take it easy by relaxing in Corvo’s warm natural springs.

Families will be spoilt for choice with the huge range of water sports on offer, such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing and water skiing available in the Azores. The stunning waters around Santa Maria, San Miguel, Terceira, San Jorge, Pico and Graciosa are generously stocked with an abundance of fish, providing the perfect conditions for world class diving and snorkelling.

Sunvil (www.sunvil.co.uk or 020 8758 4722) offers a seven night stay on Sao Miguel staying at The Hotel Vila Nova with breakfast included from £580 per person, a saving of £63 per person. Price includes direct flights from London Gatwick with SATA International, based on a 13 October departure.