Azores Facts & Worksheets

The Azores is an autonomous archipelago belonging to Portugal and consisting of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its official name is the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

See the fact file below for more information about the Azores, or you can download our 31-page Azores worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

• The Azores were uninhabited when Portuguese navigators, including Diogo de Silves and Gonçalo Velho Cabral, first discovered the islands in the 15th century, likely between 1427 and 1432. The Portuguese Crown claimed the islands, and setters began arriving soon after. 
• Early settlers focused on agriculture, cultivating crops like wheat, sugarcane, and later oranges and tea. The island‘s strategic location in the Atlantic made them an essential stopover for ships traveling between Europe and the New World, facilitating trade.
• Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Azores faced threats from pirates and privateers, leading to the construction of fortifications to protect the islands. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Azores played a significant role in the whaling industry, establishing whaling stations on some islands. 
• Over the centuries, control of the Azores shifted between Portugal and Spain. In 1766, the islands were ceded back to Portugal under the Treaty of Paris. In the 20th century, the Azores gained administrative and political autonomy within Portugal. This allowed them to have their own regional government and legislative assembly.
• Due to their strategic location in the Atlantic, the Azores have played a role in international geopolitics, particularly during World War II and the Cold War. The United States maintained a military presence there during these periods. Today, the Azores are known for their unique culture and natural beauty and as a gateway for marine research and environmental conservation efforts in the North Atlantic.

GEOGRAPHY

• The Azores archipelago is located in the northern hemisphere of the Atlantic Ocean, stretching 600 km along a west-northwest to east-southeast direction. The archipelago’s nine islands cover a total surface area of 2,346 km², including the main islands and several islets. The largest, São Miguel, has a surface area of 759 km², while the smallest, Corvo, has a surface area of around 17 km².
• Corvo, the smallest of the islands, is a crater from a massive Plinian eruption, whereas Flores (its neighbor on the North American Plate) is a rough island shaped by several valleys and escarpments. Faial is distinguished by a shield volcano and a caldera (Caldeira Volcano). Pico, at 2,351 m (7,713 ft), is the highest point in the Azores and mainland Portugal.
• Graciosa is famous for its active Furnas do Enxofre and its mix of volcanic cones and plains. São Jorge is a long, skinny island produced by thousands of years of fissure eruptions. Terceira, which is nearly round, is home to one of the region’s largest craters. São Miguel is the largest of the islands and it is riddled with enormous craters and fields of spatter cones.
• The oldest island, Santa Maria, is heavily eroded and is one of the few places in the archipelago where you can find brown sandy beaches. These islands can be divided into three distinct groups located on the Azores Plateau: the Eastern Group (Grupo Oriental) of São Miguel, Santa Maria, and Formigas Islets, and the Central Group (Grupo Central) of Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial. Flores and Corvo’s Western Group (Grupo Occidental).

VOLCANISM

• The Azores are a volcanic archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, and their geological history is closely related to volcanic activity. The Azores were formed through volcanic activity resulting from the movement of the Eurasian, African, and North American tectonic plates. 
• The islands are located along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where these plates meet.
• The Azores are relatively young in geological terms, with the oldest islands estimated to be around 8 million years old and the youngest less than a million years old. São Miguel, the largest island, is one of the oldest. The islands exhibit a variety of volcanic landforms, including stratovolcanoes, calderas, fissure vents, and cones. Each island may have multiple volcanic structures.
• The Azores have a history of volcanic eruptions. Some of the most recent occurred in the 20th century, such as the eruption of Capelinhos on Faial Island in 1957-1958. Several islands, including São Miguel and Terceira, have volcanic crater lakes. Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel and Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel are notable examples.
• Volcanic activity has also created thermal springs and geothermal areas on several islands. These hot springs are famous for relaxation and wellness. Due to its location along tectonic plate boundaries, the Azores experience occasional seismic activity, including earthquakes. While most are small and go unnoticed, the region is seismically active.
• The Azores have a well-established system for monitoring volcanic and seismic activity. The Azores Volcano Observatory is crucial in monitoring and researching volcanic processes and hazards. The unique volcanic landscapes of the Azores attract tourists interested in geology, hiking, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore volcanic craters, lava caves, and other geological features.
• While the Azores are generally safe for visitors, volcanic hazards like eruptions, landslides, and earthquakes are taken seriously. Authorities have contingency plans in place to manage potential volcanic crises.

CLIMATE

• The archipelago is nearly the same latitude as the southern part of mainland Portugal. Still, its position in the mid-Atlantic Ocean provides it with a usually tepid, oceanic, moderate to warm subtropical climate with mild yearly oscillations.
• The Azores archipelago lies in a transition and conflict zone between tropical air masses and colder polar air masses. Fluctuations in the North Atlantic atmospheric pressure system mainly govern the climate of the archipelago.
• A semi-permanent subtropical Atlantic anticyclone called the Azores High overlaps these changes caused by the bulk of the American Continent and the Atlantic water mass. This anticyclone has seasonal fluctuations, which can significantly impact the archipelago.
• In the winter, the Azores anticyclone moves further south, allowing the Polar front to descend and reach the archipelago. In the summer, however, the anticyclone migration farther north causes the polar front and its associated disturbances to shift to higher latitudes. The marine effect weakens the continental air masses that reach the archipelago when they are far enough away from the mainland shores.
• The same cannot be confirmed at higher elevations (such as Mount Pico), where upper air masses with a continental origin and a more direct road to the surface can reach such regions and cause them to experience drier air and more intense temperatures. 
• Aerosols, such as volcanic ash or fine sands from the Sahara desert, are transported through the atmosphere to the archipelago simultaneously by this open circulating air, causing intermittent radiation and affecting air quality.
• Low heights often have maximum temperatures between 16 and 25 °C (61 and 77 °F). From east to west, the average annual rainfall gradually rises, from 700 mm in Santa Maria to 1,600 mm in Flores and exceeding 5,000 mm in the peaks of Pico.
• Although the island of Pico has had temperatures as high as 32.1°C (89.8°F), neither Ponta Delgada nor Angra do Heroismo, the two main cities, have ever experienced temperatures higher than 30°C (86°F). On any of the islands, there has never been a record of a frost, snowfall, freeze, or even temperatures below five °C (41°F) at sea level.
• August is a very humid month in the summer, which may cause the felt temperature to rise by a few degrees. In addition to being quite warm, winters are highly humid, significantly increasing the precipitation that falls each year.

CULTURE

• The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal located in the North Atlantic Ocean, have a rich and unique culture influenced by their history, geography, and natural surroundings. The Azores are influenced by Portuguese culture, language, and traditions, forming the foundation of Azorean culture. The islands’ isolation has led to the preservation of many traditional customs and practices. 
• The Azores have distinct dialects and accents, which vary from island to island. The Azores have a strong tradition of folklore and festivals. Festivals often feature traditional music, dancing, and food. The Festival of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important religious celebrations in the Azores. 
• These festivals are significant to the Azoreans, primarily Roman Catholic, and mixed religious ceremonies, with processions commemorating neighborliness and equality.
• Traditional Azorean music includes genres like “fado” as well as folk music with unique instruments like the “viola da terra.” 
• Folk dancing is also an integral part of cultural celebrations. Azorean cuisine is known for its seafood dishes, including “caldeirada” (fish stew) and “lapas” (limpets). Dairy products, particularly cheese, are also prominent. Pineapples and tea are locally grown and exported.
• Historically, whaling was an essential industry in the Azores. While commercial whaling has ceased, the culture still bears traces of this heritage. The Azores are known for traditional crafts such as ceramics, embroidery, and basket weaving. These crafts often feature intricate and colorful designs. The Azores’ stunning natural landscapes encourage outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and birdwatching. 
• This connection to nature is an essential part of Azorean culture. Azorean people are known for their hospitality and friendliness to visitors. Traditional hospitality customs are observed. Portuguese is the official language, but many Azoreans also speak the regional dialects, such as Azorean Portuguese and Mirandese, which add to the linguistic diversity. The Azores offer a blend of traditional and contemporary elements that make their culture unique and inviting to explore. 

ENDEMIC SPECIES

• The Azores, a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, has several unique and endemic species of flora and fauna. These species have evolved in isolation and are found nowhere else on Earth. 
• Azores Bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina), also known as the priolo, is one of the most iconic bird species in the Azores. It is found only on São Miguel Island and is critically endangered. Conservation efforts are in place to protect its habitat. 
• Azores Laurel (Laurus azorica) is a laurel tree native to the Azores. It’s a dominant species in the laurel forests that cover parts of the islands. 
• Azores Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica) is the subspecies of the common wood pigeon, is native to the Azores, and can be found on several islands. 
• Azores noctule (Nyctalus azoreum) is a bat species endemic to the Azores, and it is the only native mammal in the archipelago. 
• Azores blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum) is a unique species of blueberry found in the Azores, particularly in the laurel forests. 
• Azores juniper (Juniperus brevifolia), a native juniper species found on several Azores islands, is known for its distinctive appearance.
• Conservation efforts are in place to protect these endemic species, as habitat loss, invasive species, and other environmental factors threaten many. The unique biodiversity of the Azores makes them an essential area for conservation and research. 
• Azores juniper (Juniperus brevifolia), a native juniper species found on several Azores islands, is known for its distinctive appearance.
• Conservation efforts are in place to protect these endemic species, as habitat loss, invasive species, and other environmental factors threaten many. The unique biodiversity of the Azores makes them an essential area for conservation and research. 

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

• Graciosa hosted numerous notable personalities during the 18th and 19th centuries, including Chateaubriand, a French writer who passed there on his way to America during the French Revolution. Almeida Garrett was a Portuguese poet who went to see an uncle and penned poems during his stay. 
• Prince Albert of Monaco was a 19th-century oceanographer who conducted many excursions to the Azores. He arrived on his yacht “Hirondelle” and went to the famous hot springs grotto of Furna da Caldeira. In 1869, Mark Twain released The Innocents Abroad, a travel book detailing his experience in the Azores.

Azores Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Azores across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Azores. The Azores is an autonomous archipelago belonging to Portugal and consisting of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Azores Facts
2. AzorExplore
3. Azores Timeline
4. Azores Wildlife Detective
5. Island Endemics
6. Culture Quest
7. Volcanic Wonders
8. Ultimate AzoreXperience
9. Climate Watchers
10. Tourist Treasures
11. Azores Stewards

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Azores located?

The Azores are an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are part of Portugal and are situated approximately 1,360 kilometers (850 miles) west of mainland Portugal.

How many islands make up the Azores archipelago?

The Azores consist of nine main islands. These islands are São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores, and Corvo. Additionally, there are several smaller islets and rocks in the archipelago.

What is the climate like in the Azores?

The Azores have a mild, oceanic climate characterized by relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. Winters are mild, and summers are cool due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Rainfall is frequent, leading to lush, green landscapes. The weather can be quite changeable, with rapid shifts between sun and rain.

What are some popular activities for tourists in the Azores?

The Azores offer a wide range of outdoor activities for tourists, including hiking, whale watching, scuba diving, and exploring volcanic landscapes. The islands are known for their beautiful natural scenery, hot springs, and unique flora and fauna. Sao Miguel, the largest island, is particularly famous for its stunning crater lakes and geothermal features.

How do you get to the Azores from mainland Portugal or other countries?

You can reach the Azores by air or sea. Most international travelers arrive by air, flying into the main airports on the islands of São Miguel (Ponta Delgada) and Terceira (Lajes). These airports have connections to mainland Portugal and several other European cities. There are also seasonal flights from North America. Additionally, there are ferry services between some of the islands, which can be a scenic way to explore the archipelago.

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