Azores Islands

Oct. 20, 2024

The regional assembly of Portugal’s Azores Islands approved the creation of the largest protected marine area in the North Atlantic to reach international conservation goals well ahead of time.

About Azores Islands:

  • Location: The Azores Archipelago is a group of nine islands in the North Atlantic region.
  • Origin: The islands and islets are of volcanic origin, some of which have been inactive since they were formed. The archipelago is part of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. 
  • These are volcanic islands that originated from the Azores Plateau. The island group lies above the Azores Triple Junction, a junction where three of the world’s main tectonic plates (Eurasian, North American, and African) meet.
  • The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the main structure between the African-Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate crossing the Azores Plateau.
  • The islands lie in a northwest-southeast direction, and are divided into three groups: northwest, central and eastern. 
  • Mountain: Mount Pico, located on Pico Island, is the highest point on the archipelago, 
  • Climate: Oceanic subtropical climate.
  • Fauna: The islands' Laurel forests are home to numerous species, including endemic plants and animals.
  • At least two endemic bird species still survive on the archipelago, including the Azores bullfinch restricted to laurel forests, and the Monteiro’s storm petrel.