The Azores (Western Islands) are an island group in the Atlantic ocean belonging to and 1440 km west of Portugal renowned for their climate. They are nine in number, and form three distinct groups: a north-west group, consisting of Flores and Corvo; a central group, consisting of Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico, Fayal, and Graciosa; and a south-east group consisting of Sao Miguel (or St Michael) and Santa Maria. The total area is about 900 square miles; Sao Miguel (containing the capital Ponta Delgada), Pico and Terceira are the largest. The islands, which are volcanic and subject to earthquakes, are apparently of comparatively recent origin, and are conical, lofty, precipitous, and picturesque. The most remarkable summit is the peak of Pico, about 2316 meters high. There are numerous hot springs. The Azores were discovered by Cabral about 1431, shortly after which date they were taken possession of and colonized by the Portuguese. When first visited they were uninhabited, and had scarcely any other animals except birds, particularly hawks, to which, called in Portuguese acores, the islands owe their name. Research Azores
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Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Gazetteer
Research Azores
