The Autonomous Region of the Azores is a collection of volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean and one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal. Located about 1,500 km west of Lisbon in continental Portugal, the archipelago is composed of nine islands in three main groups: Flores and Corvo (west), Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Faial (centre), and São Miguel and Santa Maria (east).
There are many activities available to visitors on the Azores: walking around stunning landscapes marked by dense coastal woods, playing golf at one of the best and least exploited courses in the world, relaxing in natural carbonic water, waterfalls and iron water pools, whale watching, canoeing and kayaking, sailing and horse riding.
The Azores are well known for promoting sustainability. The Azores have a rich and protected geodiversity and marine life, natural areas with well-regulated hiking trails as well as an Eco school. Renewable energy is also widely used on the island. On the Azores, rational use of water is supported by the Regional Plan for the Water (PRAA). Moreover, tourism businesses are ensuring long-term social and economic benefits and the government actively supports human rights activities with for example, campaigns against domestic violence.