Azure Islands Map: Discover the Nine Islands of the Azores

The Azores, a archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located about 1,500 km west of mainland Portugal, the islands are a treasure trove of natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Each of the nine islands has its unique charm and attractions, from the lush green landscapes of São Miguel to the rugged coastlines of Faial. The islands are also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the iconic blue whale, which can be spotted in the surrounding waters.

The Azores have a rich history dating back to the 15th century, with the islands being a key stopover for ships traveling between Europe and the Americas. Today, the islands are a popular destination for tourists, with many choosing to visit the capital city of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island.

The Azores islands are strategically located in the North Atlantic Ocean, which plays a significant role in shaping their climate. The surrounding seas have a favorable influence on air temperatures, keeping the islands relatively mild.

The islands' proximity to the Gulf Stream is a key factor in their mild climate, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing or soaring above 30°C (86°F). Ocean temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.

The Azores' geography is characterized by a humid and wet climate, with an annual rainfall totaling 958mm (37 inches). This is mainly due to the prevailing westerly winds and the surrounding seas.

Our location is a big advantage. It's situated in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible by public transportation.

The area is relatively flat, with a slight elevation in the north. This makes it perfect for building and development.

We're close to major highways and roads, reducing travel time to nearby cities and attractions. This is a major plus for people who commute or like to explore.

The nearby river provides a scenic view and a source of fresh water. It's also a popular spot for fishing and boating.

The Azores islands have a unique climate thanks to their location. Temperatures in the Azores range between 16°C (61°F) and 25°C (77°F) throughout the year.

The Gulf Stream has a warming effect on the islands, giving them one of the mildest winters in Europe. This means temperatures never drop below freezing in the main, populated areas.

The surrounding seas have a favorable influence on air temperatures, but also make the climate generally humid, wet, and cloudy. Ocean temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.

Annual rainfall in the Azores totals 958mm (37 inches), mainly in the winter months.

The Wild West is often associated with the United States, but it's actually a vast region that spans across North America. The Western United States is a vast and sparsely populated region that covers over 2.2 million square miles.

The region includes states like California, Arizona, and Texas, which are known for their deserts and canyons. California alone covers over 163,000 square miles.

From the Rocky Mountains in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Western United States is a region of diverse geography. The region's terrain is dominated by mountains, valleys, and deserts.

The region's unique geography has shaped its history, with many cities and towns founded along rivers and trade routes. The Santa Fe Trail, for example, was a major trade route that connected the Missouri River to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Western United States is home to many national parks and monuments, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. These parks attract millions of visitors each year.

The Azure Islands are a hidden gem for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Located in the Pacific Ocean, this archipelago boasts crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches.

These islands are scattered across a vast area, with some of the islands being uninhabited, while others have small villages and a few resorts.

The Azure Islands are a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with numerous coral reefs and marine life.

The first map of the Azores archipelago was created by Abraham Ortelius, a Flemish cartographer and geographer, and Luís Teixeira, a Portuguese cartographer.

This map is a significant milestone in the history of cartography, marking the first recorded attempt to document the Azores.

Abraham Ortelius and Luís Teixeira's collaboration resulted in a detailed and accurate representation of the islands, showcasing their unique geography and features.

The map is a testament to the cartographers' skill and expertise, demonstrating their ability to accurately capture the complexities of the Azores' landscape.

Their work paved the way for future cartographers and explorers, providing a valuable resource for navigation and discovery.

Faial is a yachting destination and a fertile island with an impressive carpet of blue hydrangeas in the summer months. The island has a rich history, with the last volcanic eruption occurring in 1957-8, which you can learn more about at the nearby Museu dos Capelinhos.

Faial is located at the westernmost tip of the Central Group of the Azores archipelago, separated from Pico Island by the 8.3 km wide Faial Channel. It has a total area of 172.43 km².

The island is often referred to as the "Blue Island" due to the abundance of hydrangeas, a name coined by Raúl Brandão in 1924.

You can explore Faial's unique museums, including The Scrimshaw Museum, which showcases centuries-old engraved whale bones and teeth.

São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores, measuring 90 km in length and 8-15 km in width.

Getting around São Miguel can be done by hiring a taxi for a half day tour, which is reasonably inexpensive and gets you exactly where you want to go. You can also rent a car, which is good to have on the island.

São Miguel covers an area of approximately 747 km2 and is divided into six different municipalities: Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação, and Nordeste.

The island is nicknamed the Green Island for its lush vegetation, and it's home to the capital, Ponta Delgada. This island is a nature lover's paradise.

You might try using public transportation, but the timetables are probably inconvenient for most tourists. You can also try using Uber, but services are quite limited, even in Ponta Delgada.

São Miguel is home to many natural attractions, including whale and dolphin watching, 20+ amazing beaches, the Lake of Fire (Lagoa do Fogo), the green pastures in the Picos region, hot springs, and the volcanic debris field that bridges the two massifs that make up the island.

São Jorge Island is a part of the Central Group of the Azores archipelago.

Located in the center of the archipelago, São Jorge is separated from Pico Island by a 15 km channel.

São Jorge measures 56 km in length and 8 km in width.

The island has a total area of 246.25 km2.

The coastline of São Jorge is rugged and almost vertical, especially to the north.

It's interrupted by small coastal flat surfaces known as “fajãs.”

Corvo Island is the smallest and northernmost island on the Azores map. Located in a remote area, it's not a spot you'd stumble upon easily.

The island features some pretty impressive geography, with sheer cliffs that will take your breath away. These natural wonders are a sight to behold.

Ancient lava flows are also a notable feature of Corvo Island, a testament to the volcanic history of the area.

Flores is one of the most beautiful islands in the Azores. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the region.

The island covers an area of 141.7 km², which is relatively small compared to some of the other islands in the Azores.

Terceira is the second largest island in the Azores archipelago.

The island is home to the Azores' oldest city, Angra do Heroísmo, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Terceira Island is approximately 29 km in length and 18 km in width.

Its perimeter measures 90 km and it has a total area of 402.2 km2.

The highest point on the island is at an altitude of 1022 m and is located in the Serra de Santa Bárbara on the western side.