Why There Are So Many Cows in the Azores

Check out the video! By , in Madeira & Azores · 15 Jul 2026, 13:31 · 0 Comments Cows are a central part of life in the Azores; they shape both the landscape and the local economy. Across the nine islands, you will constantly see them around, often right next to roads, viewpoints, and even the airport fences.The archipelago is Portugal’s main dairy production region, responsible for roughly a third of the national milk production, thanks to its characteristic climate and green pastures. Most dairy cows live outdoors year-round rather than in barns, rotating through small fields separated by volcanic stone walls, and in places like Terceira, there are even more cows than people!Watch the full video hereFor visitors, cows are simply part of the scenery: you may pause your car to let them cros