The Azores Islands

The Azores archipelago is composed of nine volcanic islands that extend for more than 600 km (370 mi) and lie in a northwest–southeast direction the North Atlantic. Ponta Delgada is 1,500 km (910 mi) west from Porto, 1,450 Km (890 mi) west from Lisbon (two-hour flights) and about 3,850 km (2,400mi) southeast from Boston, USA (four-hour flights). Because of the marine influence, temperatures remain mild year-round. Daytime temperatures normally fluctuate between 16 and 25°C (61 and 77°F) depending on season.Discovery of the Azores in 1427 has been attributed to sailors sponsored by Prince Henry of Portugal, known as the Navigator but settlement did not take place immediately. The archipelago was largely settled from mainland Portugal. The actual population of the Azores is of 236,440 inhabitants (census 2021)Whaling was historically an important industry in the Azores, with the islands becoming a hub for this activity starting in the 18th century. The Azoreans developed a unique, shore-based whaling tradition using small boats and lookout towers. These small but fast rowboats became famous and were sought by the US whalers, later described by Herman Melville in his romance Moby Dick published in 1851. As a consequence of this activity and due to earthquakes a substantial portion of the Azorean population emigrated to the USA and Canada. Today, the Azores has transitioned from a whaling region to a leader in whale conservation and ecotourism, with many former whalers now working as whale-watching guides.