How can we describe the island of Pico? Fascinating, breathtaking, awe-inspiring… These adjectives are not too strong to capture this jewel of nature and culture that is such a joy to explore. With its iconic volcano, the highest peak in Portugal, it promises a discovery brimming with emotion. So, let’s get started!
1 – The formation and history of Pico
Pico is the youngest of all the islands in the Azores archipelago, with “only” 270,000 years of life above the ocean, and it belongs to the Triangle group (the central group), together with São Jorge and Faial.
The Pico volcano was the first to rise above the water and set the island’s formation in motion. Today, alongside the main volcano, the island is made up of a central mountain range, a plateau and the so-called “Lajidos” or “Terras de Biscoito” (fields of basaltic lava). In all, more than 200 volcanoes took part in this masterful creation.
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1439, Pico was nonetheless the last of the group to be settled, at the end of the 15th century. The first town to emerge was São Mateus. In the 20th century the island saw a massive wave of emigration, with its inhabitants leaving for Brazil and the United States.
Since the island was discovered, 3 major eruptions have been recorded (1562-1564, the longest ever recorded in the Azores, 1718 and 1720), which created the famous lava fields known as “Mistérios.”
Today Pico has just over 15,000 inhabitants, enough to support cultural events, most notably the Semana dos Baleeiros (Whalers’ Week).
2 – The treasures of Pico
The second largest island by size (448 km²), Pico is instantly recognisable thanks to Mount Pico, the most imposing of all the Azorean volcanoes and the highest point in Portugal at 2,351 metres above sea level. This magnificent giant, with its circular crater 550 metres in diameter, draws countless hiking enthusiasts who come to climb it, and some even sleep at the summit to watch the sunset and sunrise… a truly unforgettable experience!
Pico offers a stunning variety of landscapes: gigantic lava tubes and arches, natural viewpoints, breathtaking lakes such as Lagoa da Rosada, natural swimming pools… But what has earned it worldwide fame is wine, produced on the “Mistérios,” those lava fields where the “currais” (low stone enclosures used to grow vines) stretch as far as the eye can see. An age-old craft, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finally, the island is a prime spot for whale watching, with dolphins and whales found not far off the southern coast. A truly fascinating ecosystem!
3 – Visiting Pico
Beyond these natural wonders, Pico holds treasures and secrets all its own, along with a few practical things worth knowing: where to stay, how to get around with ease…
Travel to the Azores offers to craft the perfect itinerary, just for you: we work entirely bespoke, negotiating and booking all the key elements of your stay (car rental, accommodation, activities, restaurants…) and designing an optimised route of discovery. Whether you stay 3 days, 5 days or longer, experience Pico like a local, with your personalised travel journal and interactive map in hand.
To receive your free quote, get in touch with us at contact@voyage-aux-acores.com or through the contact form. Até logo in Pico!
