Açores

The nine islands of the Azores are of volcanic origin. The archipelago is divided into three geographical groups: The eastern group consists of Santa Maria and São Miguel, the middle group includes the islands of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial and the western group includes the islands of Corvo and Flores.

Grouped together in an archipelago, each Azorean island has its own identity. Even though they all share an exceptional natural heritage, they also have their own unique charms in their landscape, traditions, gastronomy and architecture. There are no words to describe and categorise the charm of these nine charismatic islands. They were formed by ancient volcanoes and settled over the centuries by courageous and friendly people. The Azores are a place of diverse experiences and emotions.

But each of the islands has its own identity. The fossils of Santa Maria, the lakes of São Miguel, the caves of Terceira, the cones of Graciosa, the fajãs of São Jorge, the mountain of Pico, the Capelinhos volcano of Faial, the volcanic vents of Flores and the Caldeirão of Corvo are unmistakable features.

The long list of natural parks with protected landscapes, protected animal and plant species, forest reserves, geological landscapes and sites of geological interest guarantees the preservation of an invaluable natural heritage. As a kind of compensation for all these efforts, the Azores are considered a sanctuary of biodiversity and geodiversity and one of the best places for nature tourism.