Pico, Faial, and São Jorge islands
The Azores archipelago in Portugal is a stunning collection of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Among them are Pico, Faial, and São Jorge, three islands known for their rich biodiversity and for being home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
On 3 April 2023, one of the two Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites captured an image of these islands, showcasing their lush green vegetation surrounded by blue waters. Pico Island boasts a massive volcanic peak and unique flora, while Faial Island is famous for its colourful hydrangea flowers and diverse marine life. São Jorge Island features cliffs and deep valleys, providing habitat to many unique plant and animal species.
Copernicus provides valuable satellite data that is used to monitor and protect the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of the Azores archipelago, supporting conservation efforts and sustainable development projects in the region.
![Download [WEBP, 587.4 KB]](https://eu-space.europa.eu/sites/default/files/images/iotd/20230416_AzoresIslands.webp){kind=link}