Meet the Archipelago Azores Team

Ian Coates
"Following many years as a tour leader based mainly in Africa, I worked for four years as operations manager for a specialist tour operator in the UK. I first visited the islands in 1998 and have been an enthusiast ever since!"

Sarah Bennett
“After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in Modern Languages, I spent several years as a tour manager leading adventure holidays worldwide and especially in the Azores, before co-founding Archipelago Azores. I am proficient in several languages including Portuguese and have been working in the Azores for the past 10 years.”

Diane Shaw
“Following my busy career as a legal executive, I followed my passion for travel and joined the Archipelago Azores team. I enjoy walking and cycling in the Lake District where I live, and my favourite place in the Azores is Fajã Grande on Flores island!”

Gillon Hunter
“Having grown up in the Lake District, I discovered a passion for the outdoors and travelling from an early age. For several years I worked as an assistant golf pro before moving to the south of France. I now live in Keswick and as well as working in the office I also lead some of our guided walking holidays in the Azores. Pico is my favourite island; I recently walked to the summit of Mt Pico from where you can enjoy amazing views of five islands of the Archipelago.”

Jake Cardigan
“After studying tourism and working for a large walking holiday company I joined the Archipelago Azores team. In my spare time I enjoy walking and cycling and also playing the cello. My most recent Azores experience was cycling around the eastern coast of São Miguel which was fantastic!”