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The Azores are a group of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago is located 1500 km from the southern coast of Portugal and 3900 km from the North American Continent. The islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group consisting of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria, the Central Group of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial and the Western Group of Flores and Corvo. The highest point is the Pico Vulcano (2351 m). The green forested islands are volcanic in origin and often ringed by black, sandy beaches. The climate of the Azores is controlled by high pressure areas. The warm Gulf Stream produces a very temperate maritim climate (winter 14°C, summer 23°C). The sea water temperature is varying on average between 15°C and 22°C throughout the year. Rain is falling all over the year. At summer the showers are brief and sometimes very strong. There is an average of 78% humidity. The Azores is a Portuguese Autonomous Region since 1976.
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