Amazing Azores of Portugal

Officially known as the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the area is one of two autonomous regions of Portugal, composed of nine volcanic islands which are situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its main industries are agriculture, dairy farms (for cheese and butter products primarily), livestock ranching, industrial fishing, and tourism; which his becoming the major driving force in the increase of activity in their economy. So what's so amazing about the Azores that has tourists captivated?

 
There are lots of islands to discover and explore. There are nine major Azorean islands and an islet cluster, in three main groups. The Azores are actually some of the tallest mountains on the planet, measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean to their peaks, which rise high above the surface of the Atlantic. A perfect set of islands for the enthusiastic hiker and outdoor enthusiast to explore.

 

For the culturalistic aspect of the islands, because these once, uninhabited and remote islands were settled sporadically over a span of two centuries, the culture, dialect, cuisine, and traditions vary considerably. For those who are looking for an educational experience out of their travels, this makes the Azores the perfect destination. Azoreans have developed their own distinct identity and cultural traits from a combination of continental Portuguese customs brought by various waves of immigration and local political and environmental factors. Religious festivals, patron saints and traditional holidays litter the Azorean calendar. These are all open to visitors and locals encourage and invite 'out-of-towners' to attend.