European Information
This tour visits the following countries. Please select one to view its details.
| Azores | United Kingdom |
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| Azores |
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Climate
Introduction
The Azores benefit from a temperate, maritime climate with mild winters (average daytime temperatures range from 12-15ºC/54-59ºF) and warm summers. Humidity is reasonably high and the wettest months are October to March.
Required Clothing
Mid-season clothes are best; the temperatures are mild at all times of the year.
Key Facts
Location
Atlantic, 1,300km (780 miles) due west of Portugal.
Area
2,333 sq km (901 sq miles).
Population
244,000 (2007).
Population Density
104.6 per sq km.
Capital
São Miguel: Ponta Delgada; Faial: Horta; Terceira: Angra do Heroismo.
Geography
The Azores are a widely separated group of nine islands in the Atlantic, due west of mainland Portugal. The islands are Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, São Jorge, São Miguel and Terceira. The islands are mountainous in the interior and forested, leading down to long beaches and fishing harbours. There are several hot springs and spas.
Time
GMT - 1 (GMT from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Social Conventions
Electricity
220/110 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
Overview
For more than 500 years, the Azores, an archipelago of nine widely dispersed islands in the middle of the Atlantic, have remained almost completely unspoilt, mainly on account of their remoteness. Volcanic in origin, they are pitted with deep craters, some filled with shimmering lakes, others covered with lush vegetation. Geysers and health-giving sulphur springs abound.
The Azores are also characterised by large tracts of arable farmland, sprinkled with tiny settlements of whitewashed houses. The gently sloping hillsides are planted with vineyards and fruit trees. The coastlines tend to be rugged and somewhat forbidding, but there are plenty of bays, and rocky inlets for swimming and sunbathing.
Watersports are widely available such as scuba-diving and whale watching. Equally popular are yachting, horse riding, cycling and hiking.
From www.worldtravelguide.net copyright Columbus Travel Publishing Ltd, May 2013.
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