Adrift in the middle of the Atlantic, Azores are seemingly distant land, off the beaten track where the scenery and the vastness of the ocean induce silent awe. Glittering blue coastlines and spectacular volcanic landscapes characterize the nine islands, nine ways of life. The Azores are nine unique worlds at one breathtaking location.
The Azores Islands lies in the Atlantic Ocean on the same latitude as both Lisbon and Washington. The archipelago is composed of nine islands, running in a chain over 360 nautical miles. The Santa Maria island is 875 nautical miles from Europe and Flores island is 2,250 nautical miles from America. Its geographical position gives Azores a strategic and meteorological importance. Atmospheric depressions influencing Europe weather form near this beautiful archipelago.
Discovered in the 15th century, the Azores are still considered to be remote even in this day of jet travel. But for over five hundred years they have provided a useful stepping-stone for sailors crossing the Atlantic, and now in the 21st century their strategic position is highly prized by military men in both Europe and America.
There are nine islands in the Azores archipelago, plus the rocky shoals and sandbanks that make up the Ilheus das Formigas. The nine islands may be divided into three groups. Eastern group comprising Santa Maria and São Miguel; central group composed of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial; and the western group comprising Flores and Corvo.
And nine more beautiful islands would be hard to find. This is a gentle paradise of green fields bordered with hydrangeas, hillsides covered in azaleas, forested slopes rising above a colourful patchwork of fields, blue lagoons nestling in high volcanic craters. Washed by the ever-changing Atlantic Ocean, there’s freshness here, a sense of innocence and peace which enchants the traveller attracted by the unspoilt charm of these enchanting islands, and prompts escapist dreams when he return to 'civilization'.
But so far only relatively few travellers have visited the Azores other than those who pause for breathe here during an Atlantic crossing. There is, however plenty to do, from exploring the cobbled streets of old colonial towns to climbing Mount Pico, the highest mountain in the archipelago, and of course exploiting that vast warm ocean, sailing, diving and fishing in its clean blue-green waters.
The Azores - Nine Atlantic Islands just waiting for you!
