Pico
Portugal · Azores · 50 m
Description
Pico is the second-largest island of the Azores and is dominated by the volcanic Mount Pico, at 2,351 metres Portugal’s highest mountain. The island is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscape, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture with its distinctive black basalt walls, and traditional vineyards whose origins date back to the 15th century. Whale watching, climbing Mount Pico and exploring the harbour town of Madalena are among the island’s defining experiences, alongside its deep maritime heritage. Pico combines rugged landscapes, centuries-old winemaking and the distinctive culture of the Azores into a uniquely atmospheric island experience.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Mount Pico summit hike
- Pico Island Vineyard Culture (UNESCO)
- Whale watching from Lajes do Pico
- Pico Mountain House (Casa da Montanha)
- Lagoa do Capitão crater lake
- Madalena port town
- Pico wine landscape & lava-stone vineyards
- Wine tasting in lava-stone adegas
- Pico Wine Museum
- Lajido wine village
- Whalers' Museum in Lajes do Pico
- São Roque do Pico Whaling Industry Museum
- Gruta das Torres lava tube
- Lagoa do Caiado
- Lagoa do Paúl
- Lagoa da Rosada
- Mount Pico volcanic landscape
- Pico Mountain hiking trails
- Pico Island coastal hiking
- Pico natural swimming pools
- Lajes do Pico natural pools
- São Roque do Pico natural pools
- Whale & dolphin watching
- Pico whaling heritage
- São Roque do Pico historic centre
- Madalena whale watching
- Mount Pico summit climb (May - October)
- Pico vineyard harvest (September - October)
- Pico Island wine route
Getting there
- Airports:
- PIX
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry