The Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean. They lie about 1,400 km (870 mi) west of Lisbon, Portugal, and roughly halfway between Europe and North America. The islands extend over an area approximately 600 km (370 mi) wide, positioned between latitudes 36.5°–40° North and longitudes 24.5°–31.5° West
. The nine islands are grouped into three clusters:
- Western group: Flores and Corvo
- Central group: Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial
- Eastern group: São Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas islets
The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal and are known for their volcanic origins, mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, and natural beauty
. The largest city is Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island
