The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) west of Lisbon and about 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) southeast of Newfoundland. The nine islands that make up the Azores are São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa, Flores, and Corvo.
The best way to visit the Azores is by flying into We recommand to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel and renting a car. From there you can explore the island and visit the other islands by ferry. The ferries are very reliable and run frequently.
São Miguel is the largest and most populated island in the Azores. It is home to the capital city of Ponta Delgada as well as the largest city in the archipelago, Angra do Heroísmo. São Miguel is a very diverse island with something for everyone. It has a beautiful coastline with dramatic cliffs, lush green valleys, and hot springs. It is also home to several lakes, including the stunning Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
Santa Maria is the second largest island in the archipelago. It is a very small and rural island with a population of just over 5,000 people. Santa Maria is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. It is also home to the oldest church in the Azores, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
Terceira is the third largest island in the archipelago. It is home to the historical city of Angra do Heroísmo, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Terceira is also known for its dramatic landscapes, including rolling hills, steep cliffs, and volcanic cones.
Pico is the tallest mountain in Portugal and the second tallest mountain in the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to Pico Island Vineyard Culture Park, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Pico is a beautiful island with rugged cliffs, fertile valleys, and black sand beaches.
Faial is known as the “Blue Island” due to its many shades of blue. It is home to Horta, which is considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Faial is also known for its volcanoes, including the active Capelinhos Volcano.
São Jorge is a beautiful green island with rolling hills and steep cliffs. It is home to the town of Velas, which is famous for its hand-woven baskets. São Jorge is also known for its cheese, which is made from sheep milk.
Graciosa is a small and peaceful island with a population of just over 4,000 people. It is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Graciosa is also home to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which houses a collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Flores is a small and remote island that is only accessible by ferry or plane. It is known for its rugged cliffs, wildflowers, and thermal springs. Flores is also home to the Forte de São João Baptista, which was built in 1514 to protect the island from pirates.
Corvo is the smallest and most remote island in the archipelago. It is only accessible by ferry or plane and has a population of just over 400 people. Corvo is known for its dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and black sand beaches.
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