The Azores are far from everything, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 1500 km off the coast of mainland Portugal and 2300 km from North America. Or just close to what you would like to surround yourself with, it will depend on your overall vision. Either way, in terms of time (AZOT), the Azores are two hours earlier than Central Europe (CET), making it two hours closer to North America.
“The islands include the highest mountains in the world, when measured from their base in deep sea. For sailors, the islands are an anchorage for crossings between America and Europe.”
Pico is home to Portugal’s highest point with its mountain, so characteristic in the landscape, rising more than 2350 meters. In general terms, the islands include the highest mountains in the world, when measured from their base in deep sea. All the islands, with the exception of Santa Maria, are of volcanic origin, and each island has its own distinct identity, nature and culture. Together with Madeira, the Azores form the Portuguese ultra-peripheral region.
The islands are geographically located on the very last stretch of Europe, the intersection of the North American -, African – and Eurasian tectonic plates, which around the Azores, all diverge by up to a few centimeters per year. Technically speaking, in all likelihood the Azores are on a microplate located between these major tectonic plates. For sailors the islands are an anchorage for crossings between America and Europe and vice versa.
For sailor, Horta marina is the main port of the Azores and one of the five most visited ones in the world. Its location offers excellent shelter from winds from all directions and, given its location, makes it an almost obligatory anchorage for those en-route from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Horta is also the location for many international regattas, such as Les Sables – Les Azores – Les Sables, Vannes – Les Açores – Vannes, Portsmouth – Horta, Route des Hortensia, ARC Europe and many others. In the surrounding waters one can dive and spot whales and/or dolphins.
