Azores on the island of Pico, is the highest point in Portugal, at . If measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean to their peaks, which thrust high above the surface of the Atlantic, the Azores are actually some of the tallest mountains on the planet. The climate of the Azores is very mild for such a northerly location, being influenced by its distance from the continents and by the passing Gulf Stream. Due to the marine influence, temperatures remain mild year-round. Daytime temperatures normally fluctuate between and depending on season. Temperatures above or below are unknown in
Protected areas of the Azores Azores, was Decree 78/72 (7 March 1972), which created the "Reserva Integral da Caldeira do Faial" ("Integrated Reserve of the Faial Caldera"), which was closely followed by Decree 79/72 (8 March 1972), that established the "Reserva Integral da Montanha da ilha do Pico" ("Integrated Reserve of the Mountain of the Island of Pico"). After a hiatus of two years, Decree 152/74 (15 April 1974) was published that created on the island of São Miguel the "Reserva da Lagoa do Fogo" ("Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo"), which was subject to forestry service guidelines along its perimeter. These regulatory frameworks were in