Western Group

The Western Group is one of the island groups of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. It comprises the islands of Flores and Corvo, situated on the North American Continental Plate, approximately 1,500 km (930 mi) west of mainland Portugal. These islands are part of a chain formed by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge volcanic activity, rising from ~1,500 m below sea level.

Flores and Corvo were discovered in 1452 by the Portuguese explorers Diogo and João de Teive, and were formally claimed by the kingdom of Portugal in January 1453 under King Afonso V. Flores was so named by 1475 for its profusion of yellow flowers, and Corvo derived its name "Caldeirão" from its volcanic crater.

The islands that form the Western group of the Azores archipelago are situated on the North American Continental Plate, approximately 1,500 km (930 mi) west of mainland Portugal. These islands are part of a chain formed by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge volcanic activity, rising from 1,500 m (4,900 ft) below sea level. Flores measures 141.7 km² (54.7 sq mi) by area, and consists of rugged, mountainous terrain marked by deep ravines and coastal cliffs. It reaches its highest elevation at Morro Alto at 914 m (2,999 ft), and hosts the lush Laurisilva woodlands. Corvo measures 17.13 km² (6.61 sq mi) by area and consists of a single extinct volcano peaking at Monte Gordo, featuring a 300 m (980 ft)‑deep crater lake. Both islands form part of a designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resident population of Flores was recorded as 3,791 inhabitants in 2011, divided among the municipalities of Santa Cruz and Lajes das Flores.

Flores and Corvo have small regional airports with inter-island flights, and seasonal connectivity to Lisbon. Regular ferries link Flores to Corvo, with seasonal operations to Horta.