Azores Islands
Atlantic Travel
Port of Ponta Delgada
The Azores Islands (nine major islands) are located approximately 2400 from the eastern coast of the United States in the Atlantic Ocean. The name Azores is derived from the archaic Portuguese word “azures†the plural of the word blue. The Azores are of volcanic origin which is evident by volcanic cones and craters.
At the time of discovery in approximately 1427, no humans were living in the Azores Islands. Colonization of the Azores occurred approximately 2 years later in 1429 by people from Spain, North Africa and Portugal. The Azores are one of the two Autonomous Regions of Portugal.
Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores islands, its cobblestoned streets contain renaissance churches, monuments and convents. The residents of the Azores are pleasant and extremely helpful to tourists who are unfamiliar with the Portuguese language. An example of the hospitality of the people of the Azores was the assistance we received from locals while attempting to purchase stamps at the post office. Apparently the look of confusion on our faces did not need translation. The currency in the Azores is the Euro (€).
Ponta Delgada was a welcome and beautiful first port of call.
