The archipelago of the Azores (Ilhas dos Açores, in English : Habicht Islands) are a group of nine major and several smaller Portuguese Atlantic islands, which lie about 1,500 kilometers west of mainland Europe and another 3,600 km to the east of North America. Administratively the Azores form an autonomous region of Portugal. Coin finds suggest that the Azores have already been visited in ancient times by the Phoenicians. In 1427 they were visited by Diogo de Silves on behalf of Henry the Navigator and taken in possession by Portugal. Already in the middle of the 15th century began the colonization of the islands. Quickly they became an important base on the way to the possessions in Central and South America. With the beginning of the 19th century the Azores experienced an economic boom, among other things, through the export of oranges, tea and tobacco. About 250,000 people live on the islands, the majority of which are Portuguese citizens.
Bilder zum Hafen Azores / Portugal
Cruise offers to the port Azores / Portugal
São Miguel is the largest island of the archipelago. It is home to approximately 128,000 of the 250,000 inhabitants. The capital Ponta Delgada is economic and administrative center and with its international airport has direct connections to Lisbon, Madeira and the USA. With 65,000 inhabitants, the city is a metropolis with small-town charm. In terms of tourism São Miguel is the most developed of the islands, it has yet with the valley of Furnas with its hot springs and the thermal center as well as the crater lakes of Sete Cidades two high-profile tourist attractions. In terms of landscape the island is a dream and both the cultural as well as the sports offer is very large. The Pico island with the eponymous volcano is already from the ship an unforgettable sight upon arrival. It is particularly attractive for hikers and those who want to climb the highest mountain in Portugal. Besides São Miguel and Faial Terceira is the most important island of the Azores with its 50,000 inhabitants.The capital Angra do Heroismo with its churches, museums and typical houses is located in a beautiful cove and has been declared a UNESCO world cultural heritage. A spectacle of a special kind is the bloodless "bullfighting on a rope", which is celebrated by the boisterous population as folk festival with wine and roasted meats. The island of Graciosa is the second smallest of the archipelago and famous for its numerous windmills and caves. The visit to the Furnas do Enxofre (sulfur cave) of the Caldeira Graciosas with its underground sulfur lake is an unforgettable experience. Flores got its name because of the lush plant wealth and is considered the island of flowers and waterfalls. With a population of 4,300, the island promises rest and relaxation, and is a hot tip for nature lovers. Connoisseurs of the Azores designate Flores as the most idyllic of the Azores Islands.
Which cruise lines and ships sail to Azores?
In which country / island is Azores located?
