The Azores: Beautiful Islands in the Mid-Atlantic

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies a virtually unknown paradise of unsurpassed beauty. Due to its oceanic isolation, the volcanic and green landscape is mostly preserved. Few people know of these isolated islands; fewer still visit them. Many who visit the Azores return, and some make it their home. Those who visit the Azores carry with them forever the green pastures divided by lava stones and the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore.

The Azores, an archipelago of nine islands, sit on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, about 2,110 miles from the American Continent and 760 miles from Lisbon on the European Continent. Seven of the islands are on the European plate; however, the two most western islands are on the American plate. Together they span a distance of 300 miles on the Atlantic Ocean. The Islands range in size and population from Corvo to São Miguel. Corvo has a mere 400 inhabitants and São Miguel has 132,000 inhabitants. The total population across the nine islands is about 244,000.

The weather in the Azores has a capricious personality. The temperatures range from 59º Fahrenheit in the winter to 77º Fahrenheit in the summer. However, here the saying "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" holds ever true. The morning may be grey and threatening, but after a few sprinkles of rain, the weather clears for a sunny afternoon. Due to the microclimates on each island, a 15-minute drive can be enough to change the weather from sun to grey or vice-versa.

A common thread of greenery and volcanic formations ties the landscape of the nine islands. All the islands have either beaches, natural rocky pools, or both. The average ocean temperature of 65° Fahrenheit invites everyone for a swim in the clear salt water. Although, these characteristics are common to all the islands, each is unique.

Santa Maria is the southernmost island. Measuring 37.6 square miles, it has two white sand beaches, Praia Formosa and S. Lourenço. Both of these beaches are excellent for paragliding. Anjos, on Santa Maria, is where Christopher Columbus landed on his return voyage from the Americas.