The Azores
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!
Protected Areas
The Azores are home to a wide array of natural reserves, parks and protected habitats, including land sites, waterways, fauna, flora, landscapes, ecosystems and other natural components that, due to their rarity, ecological value and scientific and cultural importance, need to be safeguarded.
The degree of isolation of the islands, their relief and the special geological characteristics are all factor contributing to the creation of diverse endemic species, like those found in the laurissilva forest. About 13% of the total area of the Region is protected.