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The Islands
The Azores, an outline of garden-like islands on the horizons of the Atlantic ocean. Peace and quiet, flowers in the fields, in the villages, in the houses. The blue and green of dreamy lagoons. A pace of life in which there is time to stop and appreciate living. Art treasures that recall pages of a centuries-long history. Nature in its original splendor. A meeting with the past involved in everyday life. An invitation to discover and experience a different world, repeated on each of the nine islands of the Azores.
Azores Islands video powered by moXion . OriginsThe origin of the name Azores was derived from the archaic Portuguese word "azures" the plural of the word blue. Some say that it was named after the goshawk bird (Açor in Portuguese). However, since such bird never existed in the Azores, most historians have concluded that this the least probable explanation.
LocationThe Azores Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, about two hours flying time and 930 miles (1500 Km) from Lisbon, and about five hours flying time and 2422 miles (3900 Km) from the eastern coast of North America. The Azores have a total area of 910 square miles (2355 Km2). Their individual areas vary between S. Miguel's 290 square miles (747 Km2) and Corvo's 7 square miles (17 Km2). Its nine island archipelago extends over the parallel that runs through Lisbon (39º43'/39º55' north latitude), giving it a moderate climate with mild annual temperature oscillation.
The Azores sit atop of the Atlantic ridge and are of volcanic origin. Santa Maria is the only island that has signs of reef sediment. The volcanic origin of all Azores islands is revealed by their volcanic cones and craters. Pico, a volcano that stands 7725 feet (2,351 meters) high on the island of the same name, has the highest altitude in the Azores.
DiscoveryThe Azores were discovered in 1427 by Goncalo Velho (a contested fact by historians), a captain sailing under the command of Henry the Navigator. The colonization of the Islands started in 1439 with people from Portugal, North Africa, Flanders and Spain. There were no humans living in the Azores at time of discovery.
The ArchipelagoThe archipelago of the Azores is and Autonomous Region of the Portuguese Republic since 1976 extending for 373 miles (600 km) from Santa Maria in the western group to Corvo on the eastern group. It forms an exclusive economic zone of 425 square miles (1.1 million km2). Portuguese is the official language, although there are some dialects of Flemish and African origins. The current president of the Azores is Cesar Carlos. The Presidency for the autonomous government sits in Ponta Delgada (S. Miguel), with the Supreme Court in Angra do Heroismo (Terceira) and the Legislative Assembly in Horta (Faial). Ponta Delgada is the largest city with about 55,000 habitants.
The 9 islands of the Azores archipelago are divided into three groups:
Visit the AzoresFor information on traveling to the Azores please visit our travel pages. Since 1947 Melo/Azores.com has been helping visitors discover the beauty of our islands and our people. Choose from vacation packages, adventure and fun, hotels and manor houses, rental car, air packages and other specialized services. If you are interested in whale watching, swimming with dolphins, jeep safari's, and other activities and adventure look no further than our site.
Consider booking a golf package and play on two superb golf courses in S. Miguel; Azalea, formerly known as Batalha, and Cedars formerly known as Furnas. Also in S. Miguel we offer both coastline and deep sea fishing for those interested in big game fishing.
If arriving in a cruise ship or just interested in a guided tour of the islands Azores.com Travel offers day tours by motor-coach and private car. Browse through our travel pages and please contact one of our travel specialists for further information. |
The Eastern Group of 
