All the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago are volcanic origin
and are located roughly between 37° and 40° north latitude and 25°
and 31° west longitude, with the island of Flores marking the
westernmost border of the European continent. 244,780 people (2008
data) live in the 2,325 sq. of this island territory, which is part
of the Portuguese state and constitutes the Autonomous Region of the
Azores.
The islands of the archipelago are divided in three geographical
groups: the Eastern Group, comprising Santa Maria and São Miguel,
the Central Group, including Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and
Faial, and the Western Group, composed by Corvo and Flores.
The Azores, along with the archipelagos of Madeira, Canary Islands
and Cape Verde, constitute the biogeographic region of Macaronesia,
a name which means "fortunate islands" for those who live there and
visit them.
Santa Maria
With 16.6 km of length, 9.1 km at its maximum width and a total area of
97 km2, the island of Santa Maria has 5,552 inhabitants (2011 data).
Together with the island of São Miguel, it forms the Eastern Group of
the Azores Archipelago, with the two islands distancing 81 km from each
other. Pico Alto, the island’s highest point, reaches an altitude of 587
m and is located at 36º58’59’’ latitude north and 25º05’26’’ longitude
west.
São Miguel
São Miguel is the biggest island of the archipelago, with 62.1 km in
length and 15.8 km at its maximum width. More than half of the Azorean
population (137.856 inhabitants in 2011) occupies an area of 744.7 sq.
km. Together with Santa Maria, located 81 km away, São Miguel is part of
the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago. With an altitude of 1,105
m, Pico da Vara is the island’s highest point located at 37°48’34’’
latitude north and 25°12’40’’ longitude west.
Terceira
The second most inhabited island of the Azores, with 56,437 inhabitants
(2011 data), the Terceira island has 401.9 sq. Km, with 30.1 km long and
17.6 km at its maximum width. It is the eastern island of the five that
form the central group and is the nearest one of São Jorge island, 37.9
km away. The highest point of the island, at 1,021 m altitude, is
located in the Serra de Santa Bárbara, at 38°43’47’’ latitude north and
27°19’11’’ longitude west.
Graciosa
The size of Graciosa, with 12.6 km in length and 7 km at its maximum
width, provides the island with an elongated shape from the Northwest to
Southeast. There are 4,391 habitants (2011 data) living on the island’s
surface of 60.9 sq. It is the northernmost island from the five that
make up the Central Group of the Azores Archipelago, with São Jorge, 37
km away, being the closest island. At an altitude of 405 metres, this
island’s highest point is located in Caldeira at 39°01’17’’ latitude
north and 27°57’59’’ longitude west.
São Jorge
With a length of 54 km and a maximum width of 6.9 km, São Jorge Island
features a long volcanic ridge stretching from northwest to southeast.
The area of the island reaches 243.9 sq. km, and it is the home to 9.171
inhabitants (2011 data). The island of São Jorge is part of the Central
Group and is one of the corners of the so-called "triangle islands"
together with Faial and Pico, the latter of which is 18.5 km away. At an
altitude of 1,053 m, Pico da Esperança is the highest point of the
island and is located at 38°39'02'' north latitude and 28°04'27'' west
longitude.
Pico
Pico is the second largest island of the Azores, with 444.9 sq. km and
with an elongated shape thanks to its 42 km of length and 15.2 km at its
maximum width. It is dominated by the Volcano of Pico on its western
half, it is 6 km away from the neighboring island of Faial and is
populated by 14.148 inhabitants (census 2011). It is the most southerly
island of the Central Group of the Azores Archipelago and part of the
“triangle islands.” The highest point of the island, at 2350 m altitude,
is also the highest point of Portugal, located at 28°23’58’’ longitude
west and 38°28’07’’ latitude north.
Faial
The 21 km in length and 14 km at the maximum width provide the 173.1 sq.
km of the island of Faial with a pentagonal shape. Faial is the third
most populous island of the Archipelago with 14,994 inhabitants (2011
data). The island is part of the Central Group and is the westernmost
corner of the so-called “Triangle Islands”, which also include São Jorge
and Pico, the latter just 6 km away from Faial. The island’s highest
point is the Cabeço Gordo (1,043 m of altitude) in the Caldeira area
located at 38º34’34’’ latitude north and 28º42’47’’ longitude west.
Flores
The island of Flores is 16.6 km long and has 12.2 km at its maximum
width, which translates into a surface of 141.4 sq. km. Together with
the island of Corvo, which is 17.9 km away, it forms the Western Group
of the Azores Archipelago. The European Continent has its westernmost
point on this piece of land where 3 793 people live (2011 data). At an
altitude of 911 metres, the Morro Alto is the island’s highest point and
is located at 39°27’48’’ latitude north and 31°13’13’’ west.
Corvo
The smallest island of the Azores is 6.24 km long and has 3.99 km at its
maximum width. This oval shaped island stretches from north to south and
has an area of 17.1 sq. km, with 430 people (2011 data) living there.
The island of Corvo and the island of Flores, 17.9 km away, make up the
Western Group of the archipelago. The highest point of the island, at an
altitude of 720 m, is located in the area known as Estreitinho at
39°41'58'' latitude north and 31°06'55'' longitude west.
Activities
Walking trails
In the Azores, there is a network of approximately 60 mapped trails, all
of great biogeological, historical and ethnographical interest.
They are classified in accordance with their level of diffi culty,
distance and type of route (linear or circular)
As you walk inland from the coast, you will enjoy a stunning landscape
marked by dense coastal woods, juniper trees and the remains of
laurissilva forest.
But there is much more to see than just vegetation.
There are also waterfalls,vineyards,typical homes,windmills,fishing
boats,and corrals.
What’s more,on the coast,there are tidal pools nestling amongst rock
formations,great for a refreshing swim!
Whale watching and swimming with dolphins
The Azores are currently one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries.
Among resident and migrant species, common or rare, more than 20
different types of cetaceans can be spotted in the Azores.
It is an impressive figure and it corresponds to a third of the total
number of existing species.
This is an an ecosystem with unique characteristics.
With majestic whales and friendly dolphins, the blue Atlantic Ocean
becomes even more magic around these nine islands.
And it brings to the present, when preservation is the keyword, an old
cry: “How she blows!”
Birdwatching
The Azores are internationally recognized as a bird watching destination
for observing certain groups of bird species.
Due to its central position in the North Atlantic Ocean, it is possible
to observe several migratory species which are occasionally seen in the
Azores, as the weather throws some of these species off course on their
migration route.
It is also possible to observe seabirds that nest in the Azores and
endemic species and subspecies.
Besides the Azores bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina), one of the rarest birds
in Europe and endemic to a small area of São Miguel Island, and
Monteiro’s storm petrel (Oceanodroma monteiroi), one of the rarest
seabirds in Europe and endemic to the Graciosa Island Islets, Atlantic
canary (Serinus canaria,) a unique species in Macaronesia, and several
endemic subspecies such as the Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs moreletti),
the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus azoricus, R. r. sanctaemariae , R. r.
inermis), the Azores woodpigeon (Columba palumbus azorica), and the
Common buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi).
Pyrrhula murina
The Azores have also the most important nesting populations in the world
of Cory's Shearwaters (Calonectris Diomedia borealis), and Rosy Tern
(Sterna dougallii).
Calonectris diomedea borealis
The archipelago boasts approximately 30 breeding species.
The number of occasional species already observed and recorded in the
archipelago, is approaching the 400, including some extremely rare for
the Western Palearctic.
Bird watching can be practiced in all of the islands, most notably in
the islands of São Miguel and Graciosa for endemic species, Terceira
Island for gulls and waders from the Nearctic and Palaearctic ecozones,
and the islands of Flores and Corvo to observe American passerines.
Bicycle / MTB rides
Explore the Azores’ alluring volcanic landscapes by mountain bike for a
unique and exhilarating experience.
The islands boast a plethora of trails ideal for all levels, as well as
an array of fascinating nature and unusual volcanic terrain.
From ultra-technical single tracks which connect mountains, beaches and
fajãs to roads surrounding lakes and mountain ranges which flourish with
native fauna and flora, the Azorean islands offer a mountain biking
experience for every taste and skill level.
If you would rather bike on the road, the islands also provide a large
road network flanked by hydrangeas and Japanese cedars.
These roads connect some of the Azores most fascinating places for
breath-taking landscapes and culture, pastures, mountains and villages.
In addition, you can cool off after a long day biking at one of the
archipelago’s many bathing sites, natural, warm water baths which are
located in tidal pools or the ocean.
Big Game Fishing
The Azorean sea is one of the favourite destinations of the fans of
big-game fishing.
Enormous blue and white marlins swim in this part of the Atlantic, as
well as dolphin-fishes and Atlantic bluefin tunas, among other species
of tuna.
Between the islands of the triangle (Faial, Pico and São Jorge), the
challenge is always on, even though any of the remaining islands can be
a point of departure for high quantity and quality fishing outings.
On land, it is possible to find many specialised operators of big-game
fishing.
Those that prefer to fish independently may rent boats and equipment and
leave in search of the coveted trophies.
Canoeing / Kayaking
These sports can be practised in the Azores both in internal waters on
open sea.
Whether one exploits the escarpments that surround the lakes that filled
the volcanic calderas or rows around the small islets to watch sea birds
or even to visit caves, all these activities involve a total physical
and emotional involvement with the Azorean landscape.
Canyoning
The Azores are located in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The region is composed
of nine volcanic islands, three of which provide excellent canyoning
conditions.
São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores offer a vast supply of beautiful
canyoning options and itineraries, alll of which are unique to each
island.
The Island of Flores provides the most diversified itineraries, from
large vertical descendents to simple tracks.
In October 2014 the was the 1st Canyoning International Meeting on
Flores Island.
The Island of São Jorge mainly features large vertical descendents.
There are also interesting spots on the islands of Santa Maria and
Faial.
Geotourism
The genesis of the Azores is found upon 1766 volcanoes, nine of which
are still active. Underground, almost three hundred volcanic cavities,
including caves, ravines and cracks, have been surveyed.
The landscape is filled with dry calderas, craters lakes, fumaroles and
thermal water springs. In the sea, there are submarine geothermal
springs.
The mountain of Pico, majestic and with an intact cone, appears to be
protecting all this geological wealth.
The volcanism of the archipelago impresses for its diversity and creates
its own magnetism.
It is a witness to the power of Nature, and the basis for very special
experiences.
Golf
Looking around and not seeing any type of human construction in the
horizon.
Only peace and nature. Another stroke with the Atlantic lurking around
you.
The shape of the greens invites you to walk accompanied by a colourful
explosion of flowers.
The weather bows to the player and allows you to enjoy the three courses
available in the archipelago in any season of the year.
The rounds are adapted to both beginners and professionals. In pasture
golf, swings are shown to the local population amidst pastures and
agricultural fields.
A type of golf with similar rules, but with the label of pure fun and
socialising around a sport.
Health and Well Being
The Azores have hydro-thermal resources, which have been known and
exploited for centuries.
There are various springs of natural carbonic water, waterfalls and iron
water pools, which have been used since the sixteenth century.
The highlight goes to the thermal baths Termas da Ferraria and the iron
water pools in Furnas, on the island of São Miguel, and Termas do
Carapacho on the island of Graciosa.
Horse Rides
To horse ride in the Azores it is more than a sport, it is a tradition.
It is believed that the horse came to the archipelago with the first
settlers as they appear in the inventories of properties dating back to
the beginning of the sixteenth century.
Walking or trotting along trails and around lakes on horseback is an
unforgettable experience.
There are programmes available for horse rides throughout the whole year
including for first time riders.
Paragliding
The Azores are deemed a singular paragliding destination, providing
several spots, as well as takeoff and landing areas.
It is possible to paraglide all year round, but the summer months are
the best. Technical cross country flights allow you to fly over the
volcanic craters of Furnas and the lakes of Fogo and Sete Cidades.
Beaches and cliffs also offer very entertaining flights.
In fact, the village of Sete Cidades, on São Miguel Island, has been
elected one of the 60 most beautiful sites of free fly in Europe.
The Azores Paragliding Festival is in its 20th edition and takes place
in August, hosting many national and international pilots who, during a
week, exchange experiences in the best spots of São Miguel Island.
**Information provided by Asas de S. Miguel
Scuba diving
Diving day and night, in sandy, rocky or mixed seabeds, in caves or
shipwrecks…
The potential of the Azores is almost endless in terms of diving spots
and types of diving.
It offers adequate spots for various experience levels, from beginners
to professionals, and the adventure may start with simple snorkelling in
order to leisurely enjoy the abundant marine life of the archipelago’s
crystal clear waters.
On the other hand, diving in an ocean bank is a guarantee for an
adrenalin rush and for memories that will persist in our mind.
When we return, both a certainty and a doubt come up: the desire to
return to the sea and the difficulty in choosing a new spot to discover.
Surf
Given its geographical location, the Azores Archipelago is an excellent
region for the practice of wave sports.
The morphology of the different islands enable surfing, bodyboarding,
SUP, windsurfing in various contexts, beach breaks, reef breaks and
point breaks.
The winter period is dominated by strong swells from the north generated
near Newfoundland and by constant depressions and cold fronts that pass
north of the archipelago.
Summer months are dominated by waves from the south generated by
tropical storms that pass south of the islands, with some waves created
by the depressions that form between South Africa and Antarctica also
reaching the Azores after crossing over 11,000 km.
These waves are known among locals as "inchas" or "tides of August".
Yachting
On a sailboat or a motorboat, you will quickly understand the mystique
of navigating in the Azores seas.
When navigating around the coastline of an island, it is possible to see
the green landscape descending towards the crystalline-clear waters of
the ocean.
Beaches and sheltered inlets invite you to stop and dive in their
waters. At the marinas o the archipelago, one can find everything that
one needs before returning to the Atlantic.
With a steady hand in the rudder, it is easy to ass up nautical miles as
you travel between the wonders of these nine islands.
Dolphins accompany you in the island crossings, as they did more than
500 years ago with the discoverers of this paradise.
The horizon is the limit that stands above the ocean blue.
Calonectris diomedea borealis