The Azores are a collection of seven volcanic islands around 1,000 miles west of mainland Portugal. They are truly mid-Atlantic. This makes them top spots for water sports including windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing and diving. This archipelago is also supremely rich in marine life with many species of whales and dolphins.
Each Summer, there are hundreds of Tourada à Corda events, where bulls on long ropes run down residential streets. Unlike the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Azorean men run at the bull and try to tap it on the forehead. Aside from the bulls on ropes, endless festivals keep the Azoreans and visitors occupied throughout the Summer.