Azores
The Mysterious Islands

The Azores (Açores) is a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 km (930 mi) from Lisbon and about 3,900 km (2,400 mi) from the east coast of North America. The two westernmost Azorean islands (Flores and Corvo) actually lie on the North American plate. The Azores' most significant industries are tourism, cattle raising for milk and meat, and fishing.

The nine major Azorean islands and the eight small Formigas extend for more than 600 km (373 mi) and lie in a northwest-southeast direction. The vast extent of the islands defines an immense exclusive economic zone of 1,100,000 km2 (420,000 sq mi). The westernmost point of this area is 3,380 km (2,100 mi) from the North American continent. All of the islands have volcanic origins, although Santa Maria also has some reef contribution. The mountain of Pico on Pico Island, at 2,351 m (7,713 ft) in altitude, is the highest in all of Portugal. The Azores are actually the tops of some of the tallest mountains on the planet, as measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean. The archipelago forms the Autonomous Region of Azores, one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal.

Because these once uninhabited, remote islands were settled sporadically over a span of two centuries, their culture, dialect, cuisine and traditions vary considerably from island to island. Farming and fishing are key industries that support the Azorean economy. 240,000 Azoreans live within the archipelago’s 868 square miles.

São Miguel is the largest island and has many active, geothermal sites, as well as blue and green lakes formed from old craters (Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo).
Pico was once a major whaling center and now is known for wines, historic villages and handicrafts.
Terceira includes Angra do Heroismo, a UNESCO World Heritage Town dating to the 16th century. Terceira combines golf and other recreational options with history, scenery and a string of local festivals.
Flores and Corvo offer the ultimate escape from modern life. The islands are paradises for hikers and trekkers.