An Overview:
The nine islands of the Azores archipelago are a thousand nautical miles from land. The islands are wild and diverse, created by ancient volcanic eruptions. The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, just four hours by plane from Boston, yet undiscovered by most Americans. Situated about 1,000 miles from the European coast and about 2,000 miles from North America, the Azores consists of nine unique islands divided into three groups:
the eastern (São Miguel and Santa Maria)
the central (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial)
the western (Corvo and Flores)
In the Azores, life moves at a different pace ...
A handshake is more common than e-mail. While the Azores are some of the most beautiful islands in the world, they remain undiscovered. Large tour groups are not the norm here. The Azorean government has intentionally sought visitors who want a personalized, unique experience. Fine hotels in ancient monasteries and palaces dot the towns, the valleys and the seashore. Everywhere, Azoreans are truly pleased to share their homeland with visitors.
Unspoiled, Authentic, and Diverse
On a map, draw a line due east from New England to find the Azores. The islands were created by dramatic volcanic activity millions of years ago, building an unexpected and varied environment. From the 7,700-foot peak of Pico island, to the blue and green lakes at Sete Cidades on São Miguel, the Azores landscape is lush and sculptured. Some say its green fields and gentle hills resemble Ireland. The baroque cities and classical architecture are like those of northern Portugal. The mountains and valleys resemble northern California. The geysers and craters remind one of Iceland.All around are sapphire blue and emerald green lakes; stone wall-lined prairies, volcanic cones and craters; wild hydrangeas and azaleas; 15th-century Gothic churches, and grand manor houses. The Azores archipelago enjoys a mild climate year-round (between 57°F and 71°F) and is lightly populated with 240,000 inhabitants in 868 square miles. Deep craters, geysers and sulfur springs remain as evidence of the Azores volcanic beginning. The landscape is also rolling, sprinkled with tiny settlements of whitewashed or black stone houses. The hillsides are planted with vineyards, tea, and fruit orchards. Some coastlines are strewn with black rocks, rugged and often plunging hundreds of feet into the emerald sea. But, there are plenty of welcoming bays, natural pools, beaches, and inlets for swimming and sunbathing (the water temperature is warm enough year-round). Watersports, fishing and whale-watching are widely available. Equally popular is yachting, horseback riding, cycling and hiking.
