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Azores Islands
Folktales have tauted the Azores Islands as the reference for Plato’s Empire Atlantis with its picturesque sapphire blue and emerald green lakes, blooming prairies, volcanic cones and craters, 15th century churches and majestic manors. So pristine and breath-taking are the sights in the Azores that it is said that a visiting six-year old boy once asked his parents if this were God’s home.
Situated 907 miles from the European coast and 2330 miles from North America, the archipelago of the Azores consists of nine islands. The island cluster is divided into three groups. The eastern group consists of São Miguel and Santa Maria islands. The central islands are Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial islands. And the western isles are the Corvo and Flores islands.
Each island is home to a host of medieval churches, each resplendent in their ornate decors and opulent designs. Museums show off the glory of the rich history of Portugal. Some of the manors in the islands which used to serve as local wineries boasting of the local spirits that signify Portugese love of life are now resorts. With volcanic origins and still active craters, the Azores Islands also play host to quite a number of spas and mineral pools.
The Azores Islands are located 900 miles from the coast of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Islands cover an area of some six hundred kilometres in length and a land area of 2.333 square kilometers. The area is about two hours flying time and 930 miles (1500 Km) from Lisbon, and about five hours flying time and 2422 miles (3900 Km) from the eastern coast of North America. It can be reached from the international airports of Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada and Angra. There are also flights to the islands operated by the regional airline SATA and ferry boats between the islands.
