Azores Maps

The Azores (officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores) is an autonomous region of Portugal consisting of nine volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) west of mainland Portugal. The archipelago, with a total land area of 2,351 square kilometers (908 square miles), is divided into three groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial), and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo).

The largest city and administrative capital is Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel Island. Other significant urban centers include Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 16th-century architecture, and Horta on Faial Island, famous for its marina that serves as a crucial stopover for trans-Atlantic sailors.

Notable natural attractions include Sete Cidades, a massive volcanic crater on São Miguel containing twin lakes of different colors; Mount Pico, Portugal's highest mountain at 2,351 meters (7,713 feet); and the Capelinhos Volcano on Faial, which last erupted in 1957-58. The islands are also home to numerous thermal springs, such as the Furnas Valley hot springs, and natural swimming pools formed by lava, like Ponta da Ferraria. The Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre offers visitors the opportunity to experience thermal pools within a protected natural reserve.

The archipelago experiences a mild maritime climate with year-round temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer. The Gulf Stream influences the region's weather, creating high humidity levels and frequent rainfall, which contributes to the islands' lush, green landscape. This unique climate allows for the cultivation of distinctive crops, including pineapples, tea (Europe's oldest tea plantations), and wine grapes.

The Azores' economy primarily relies on agriculture, dairy production, fishing, and tourism. The region is known for its sustainable practices and was recognized as the world's first archipelago to receive certification for sustainable tourism by EarthCheck. The waters surrounding the islands are rich in marine life, making them a premier destination for whale watching, with 28 different cetacean species regularly observed. The archipelago's location also makes it strategically important, hosting the Lajes Field, a joint Portuguese-American air force base on Terceira Island.

The Facts:
Capital: Ponta Delgada (executive), Angra do Heroísmo (judicial), Horta (legislative).
Area: 908 sq mi (2,351 sq km).
Population: ~ 236,440 (2021).

Islands: São Miguel, Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge, Santa Maria, Terceira.

Cities: Lagoa, Nordeste, Ponta Delgada, Povoação, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória, Horta, Lajes do Pico, Madalena, São Roque do Pico, Calheta, Velas, Vila do Porto, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Lajes das Flores, Santa Cruz das Flores, Vila do Corvo.