text: The volcanic Azore Islands rise from the mid-Atlantic seabed 900 miles west of Portugal. Settled by Portugal early in the Age of Exploration, the natural beauty of São Miguel Island is a welcome break after long days at sea.
  Ponta Delgada, administrative capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of the Azores, lies on the south shore of São Miguel Island. The local architecture is distinctive for its whitewashed walls bordered by dark gray stone, and public plazas are often paved in mosaics of black and white stone. The town's long prosperity, based on a blend of agriculture, trade, industry, and governance, is quite evident. Though far less volcanically active than Iceland, the Azores arise from the same mid-ocean rift, and the islands' origins are obvious. Placid waters pool in the craters of the island's volcanoes, delivering memorable vistas to those visiting the heights. Offshore, whales and dolphins feed and cavort in rich waters of the Gulf Stream.
  No one is quite sure when mariners first sighted the Azores, though islands in that general area appear on maps dating back to 1351 AD. However, there's no evidence of human habitation until after the official "discovery" of the Azores by the Portuguese in about 1427. From then on, Portugal's claim on the islands was quite firm. Among the settlers were "former" Jews seeking distance from the Inquisition. After the island's original capital was damaged by an earthquake, the seat of government moved to Ponta Delgada in 1522. The islands housed a key Allied air base during World War II when officially neutral Portugal leased Lajes Air Base to the British, providing critical air protection for Atlantic convoys.
  Size: 90 sq. mi. (233 sq. km.) ( city)/ (745 sq. km.) (São Miguel Island)
  Climate: Humid Subtropical/Mediterranean Temperatures: 56°F (14°C) to 71°F (21°C)
  Population 68,809/137,856 Busy Season Summer
  Time Zone: Azores (UTC-1) Transportation: Walking, taxis, buses
  Phones: Country code +351, dial 112 for emergencies
  Leave a comment about: Ponta Delgada IntroductionAmbienceHistoryFactsPonta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
  You are viewing page 476, which is section 60 of chapter 9 of PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line guidebook.