Atlantic Azores Current

Northeast of the Azores, the Atlantic opens toward the European coast. The Gulf Stream and its branches carry water across the North Atlantic, with eddies and winding currents around the island group. Farther south runs the eastward Azores Current. For sailing ships, the westerly winds near the islands formed part of the return route from the Americas, while ports such as Angra on Terceira offered a place to call during the long voyage.