Azores Island region

Detailed Satellite map Azores Island

The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 km from Lisbon. The nine major Azorean Islands and the eight small Formigas extend for more than 600 km, and lie in a north west-south east direction. The Azores' most significant industries are tourism, cattle raising for milk and meat, and fishing.

The climate is temperate, which ensures a wealth of flowers strewn across hedgerows and fields throughout the summer season, and the deep greens of the lush grasslands contrast distinctly with dark volcanic stone walls and neat whitewashed houses.

The Azores Islands were first to have been spotted or sighted in 1317 by the Portuguese. The ports of these islands played an important part in Portugal´s conquest of the north of Africa and later on in the expansion of its territories in the New World. It is believed that the Azores Island got its name because the first settlers were so surprised to find such a large number of birds of prey. They thought they saw goshawks or Azores but were really a species of eagles.

São Miguel is the largest island of the Azores. Ponta Delgada situated on it, is the chief city of the region. There is a caldera and volcano crater that is almost filled by the beautiful Sete Cidades twin seas. Botanical gardens and extinct volcano craters make this a beautiful and varied island, ideal for long stays, two centre and fly-drive holidays. Santa Maria was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on his return from his voyage to America. Santa Maria is different from the other islands in that it is flatter and so dryer, warmer and with a lower humidity. Flores is the most beautiful island. The spectacular scenery covers craggy cliffs, a multitude of lakes and craters, high waterfalls, small pastures bordered by mile after mile of hydrangea hedges. Pico is dominated by its volcano at 2351m the highest point in Portugal; snow capped in winter. The views to and from the volcano are spectacular. The town of Angra do Heroismo situated on island of Terceira, with its origins in the late 15th century, has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. There are imposing townhouses and cobbled streets seemingly untouched by time.

The Azores are fascinating islands to explore, many activities are available such as walking and cycling tours, boat trips, diving and fishing, whale watching and swimming with dolphins.