Pico Island, one of the five islands that make up the central group of the Azores Archipelago – Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira – is the second-largest island in the whole island. It is known to be the “grey island”, but what makes it stand out from the rest is that it is the island that holds the highest point in Portugal – Pico Mountain.
The mountain island, with its 2351 meters of altitude, is one of the vertices of the so-called islands of the triangle – Pico, Faial and São Jorge – and is the southernmost island of the archipelago. Its dry and warm climate in harmony with its mineral wealth of soils has provided a microclimate very conducive to vine culture. This culture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 2004.
In this article, we will present some of the places that you must visit on your trip to the mountain island.
Pico Mountain
Pico Mountain is the highest area in Portugal, with about 2351 meters of altitude. Its climbing is a very interesting challenge for the more adventurous and, despite its demand, the view from its top over the entire island of Pico and over the remaining islands of the central group will offset its effort. Since 1982 this mountain has been classified as a Nature Reserve. You should seek the help of a specialized guide to climb the mountain.
Cultura da Vinha Landscape
Since 2004, the vine culture and its landscape, well present in the area of Old Creation and Santa Luzia, have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. Verdelho grapes are protected by basalt walls in dry stone masonry, usually called “curral” or “curraletas”. They are one of the largest stone meshes made by man.
Whale Industry Museum
The Whaling Industry Museum was the Old Whaling Factory, in São Roque do Pico. It is the first public industrial museum in the Azores and used to function as a centre for the transformation of cetaceans, where all their raw materials were reused and converted into something useful.
Whaleman Museum
Located in Lajes do Pico, this museum is installed in the original whaling houses of the 19th century. Inside, there is an important collection of bone and tooth whale pieces and other props that portray the whaling activity lived in the Azores.
Mistérios of São João e Silveira
The Mysteries of St. John and Silveira are volcanically formed and were called “mysteries” by the people because they saw “rivers of fire” coming out of the ground and destroying their possessions without having the slightest idea of what was happening.
Protected Wine Culture Landscape Interpretation Centre
This building with sunny characteristics is an important cultural place to understand the vineyard culture landscape of the island of Pico which is, since 2004, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Maroiços
The Maroiços are of volcanic and rocky origin. They are the result of a conical or pyramid-shaped heap of stones, displayed in an elongated and layered structure, resembling a kind of Aztec pyramids.
Arcos of Cachorro
In the shape of a dog’s snout, the dog’s bows are a rock formation that has acquired its name because of its shape. Due to marine erosion, several tunnels have appeared where the sea penetrates, which creates interesting views.
Torres Cave
Located in the Old Breeding area, this cave is the longest lava tube in the Azores and one of the longest in Europe, about five kilometres long.
Wine Museum
Installed in the old Carmelite convent, this museum shows the history of wine from Pico Island. There you can visit the vineyards and understand better how the wine of this island was and is produced, which is the target of several awards.
