Portugal - Azores (Steve)

Portugal - Azores (Steve)

"The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal. They lie in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1,400 km west of the European mainland. They consist of nine larger islands covering an area of over 2,300 km². They were discovered and settled in the early 15th century. The population is around 250,000. The largest city is Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel. The islands are characterized by a very rugged volcanic relief with high peaks. The highest point in Portugal is Pico (2,351 m). In the interior of some of the islands there are calderas, the remains of volcanic structures. The last volcanic eruption was in 1957 on the island of Faial. The occurrence of thermal springs and geysers is also related to volcanic activity. The small size of the islands has only allowed the formation of streams. The climate of the islands is mild. It is also generally humid and cloudy ... music: Saudades dos Açores (A Portuguese Fado Tribute to the Azores Islands) ..."