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 |
 Paseo
de la Castellana, 141; piso 17
28046 Madrid
Telephone:
91 761 72 30
www.portugalinsite.pt |
|
Azores Regional Tourism Office |
R.Com.
Ernesto Rebelo, 14 9900-112 Horta.
FAIAL. Açores.
Telephone: 292 200 500
Email |
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=link}
