Azores
Geographic Situation / Climate:
In the Atlantic Ocean, 760 maritime miles (1408 km) from Lisbon and 2110 miles (3910 km) from New York, nine islands of volcanic origin form the Azorean Archipelago. Açores derives from the name of a bird (goshawk) that supposedly lived in the islands. According to some investigators, the archipelago was once part of the legendary Atlântida.
Săo Miguel and Santa Maria islands form the eastern group; Terceira, Graciosa, Săo Jorge, Faial and Pico islands are the central group; the western group is composed by the islands of Flores and Corvo. In its whole, the archipelago occupies an area of approximately 2335 sq km.
The mild maritime climate is affected by the East Golf Stream. Without great changes, the air temperatures vary between 23º C (73º F) during summer, and 13º C (55º F) in winter. The water temperature oscillates between 24º C (75º F) and 17º C (24º F).
Săo Miguel and Santa Maria islands form the eastern group; Terceira, Graciosa, Săo Jorge, Faial and Pico islands are the central group; the western group is composed by the islands of Flores and Corvo. In its whole, the archipelago occupies an area of approximately 2335 sq km.
The mild maritime climate is affected by the East Golf Stream. Without great changes, the air temperatures vary between 23º C (73º F) during summer, and 13º C (55º F) in winter. The water temperature oscillates between 24º C (75º F) and 17º C (24º F).