Azores is constituted by nine islands: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial; Flores and Corvo.

The islands are 1,500 km from Lisbon . Their total area is 2,333 km2. All the islands have a volcanic origin, with a relief characterised by the existence of one or more worn out craters, which descend steeply upon the sea. The deep green of the vegetation subsists almost during the whole year, thanks to a peculiar climate conditioned by the anticyclone named after the archipelago. Vast fields, bushes, forests of conifers, and flowers, especially hydrangeas, cover the land, creating formations which are sometimes so dense that they obstruct visibility.

The archipelago is divided into three groups of islands: the Eastern group, constituted by São Miguel and Santa Maria ; the Central group, constituted by Terceira , Graciosa, São Jorge, Faial and Pico; and the Western group, constituted by Flores and Corvo. São Miguel is the biggest and the most inhabited island. It has the best natural spaces and tourist facilities. Its capital, Ponta Delgada , is the main entrance to the archipelago, through the airport. Santa Maria , the first island which was discovered, is the only one which has no volcanic beaches. Angra do Heroismo, the capital of Terceira , still preserves the design of the 15th and 16th centuries. Faial flourished at the beginning of the 20th century, since it was the insular connection of the submarine telegraphic wires between Europe and America . Finally, Pico shelters the highest summit of Portugal , with 2,351 meters of altitude.

Office of Tourism of Portugal

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