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The Pico Island is the second largest island in the Azores Archipelago and the largest in the Central Group.
It is located to the west of mainland Portugal, and the origin of its name is related to the mountain, which has the shape of a conical peak, being the highest point in Portugal at 2,351 meters above sea level, where it is possible to see the neighboring islands of Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, and Graciosa.
It is an island inhabited by approximately 14,000 people and is characterized by its natural habitat, formed by caves, lagoons, seaports, natural pools, and mountains. Historians believe that this island was discovered around 1480 by the first Portuguese colonizers who came from mainland Portugal.
Fotografia de Mário Amaral
The activities developed on the island included wheat cultivation, indigo farming, and vine culture, notably the verdelho grape, which made the region one of the world’s main wine-producing areas, receiving the title of UNESCO World Heritage. Furthermore, the location has had a strong role in trade since early times, due to its port in the municipality of Madalena, allowing easy access to Faial Island and the rest of the world.
Fotografia de Kevin Tomé
However, by the end of the 18th century, the presence of American whalers in the vicinity of the Azores influenced one of the main activities in the region, which lasted for a long time and became essential for the sustenance of the population: whaling. Nowadays, this activity has been converted into mere observation, attracting tourists from around the world to observe whales and other cetaceans.
Pico Island is a must-visit for all nature lovers. Check out some of the main points of interest to visit below.
Lajes do Pico
This is the oldest location on the island, being the first region to receive settlement, with one of the most active ports during the peak of whaling.
Fotografia de Lidia Magalhaes
The urban center is the main highlight of Lajes do Pico, its architecture harkens back to the 16th century, featuring several important historical landmarks, such as the Mother Church, the Franciscan Convent, the Hermitage of Saint Peter (one of the first constructions in the locality), and the Church of Our Lady of Conception, notable for its 16th-century alabaster statue, and the SIBIL Whaling Factory, among other attractions.
Fotografia de Soraia Nogueira
The history of Lajes do Pico has always been closely linked to whaling activities, which have undergone significant changes over time, from hunting to observation.
Visitors interested in learning more about this typical regional activity can visit the Whalers’ Museum. It is noteworthy that throughout the last week of August, the Whalers’ Festival is celebrated, which began in 1883, after a vow made by the whalers to Our Lady of Lourdes.
It is a great festival for all who want to have fun, featuring traditional whaleboat races.
Another interesting point is the Fajã Lávica of Lajes do Pico, formed by basaltic flows emitted from a cone near Cabeço do Geraldo.
Photo by José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa
The lava flows were responsible for the formation of the lava delta, which increased the total area of the island. To better observe this geological phenomenon, it is recommended to go to the viewpoint along the regional road to better observe this priority geosite of great regional, scientific, educational, and tourist value.
Therefore, do not miss out on visiting Lajes do Pico, and enjoy all the Azorean nature that this locality offers through walking trails, natural pools, ocean diving, cetacean watching, views of the Pico mountain, and much more.
São Roque do Pico
Photo by Ruben JC Furtado
Located on the northern coast, the town of São Roque do Pico, like Lajes do Pico, also had a large part of its history linked to whaling, with a commercial port that was extremely important for the local economy and sustenance, producing various products derived from cetaceans.
Whaling activities can be better understood by visiting the Whaling Industry Museum, which is located at the port. Additionally, there are three preserved whaleboats at the pier that are part of the monument built to the harpooners.
The rich heritage of the town includes the City Hall and the Convent of Saint Peter of Alcântara, built in the 18th century, with an interior decorated with tiles and baroque altars, and a façade adorned with an arcade that extends under the bell tower.
Photo by José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa
Also part of this heritage is the Mother Church, built in 1776, with a collection of high-quality Renaissance and Baroque images.
During the last weekend of July, São Roque do Pico celebrates the Cais Festival, which features traditional performances, musical shows, and a parade of floats as its main attractions.
This region is highlighted by its beauty, represented by colors and atmosphere, especially with the dark volcanic soils and rocks, referred to by many as “mysteries,” and the lush green vegetation mixed with colorful plants.
The Lagoons of Capitão and Caiado are standout attractions, as well as the Municipal Garden. Certainly, São Roque do Pico delights us with its fascinating nature and should not be left out of any travel itinerary.
Fotografia de Cátia Almeida
Madalena do Pico
Located at the western tip, the town of Madalena do Pico was named the City of Wine 2017, simply for being a major producer of the famous Azorean Wine, the verdelho variety, which is the essence of the local lifestyle, thanks to favorable climatic conditions and the peculiarities of volcanic soils.
Fotografia de António Faria
This has led the region to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, being one of thirteen wine regions worldwide that uphold this important title. To learn more about these facts, visit the Wine Museum.
Historically, Madalena has always developed agriculture, livestock, and fishing, resulting in enormous success for regional trade, especially due to its maritime port and proximity to the neighboring island of Faial. This can be easily observed in the local structure, which evokes agricultural life, as well as the architecture of the buildings, wineries, warehouses, and vineyards.
Photo by Christer Johansson
The historical center of Madalena is another must-visit tourist point, where the Church of Santa Maria Madalena is located, featuring twin towers crowned with hexagonal bases, in addition to a clock dating back to the 19th century. It is worth taking a stroll through the eccentric streets of the center, such as Conselheiro Terra Pinheiro Street and Ouvidor Medeiros Street.
Photo by David Stanley
For those who are on Faial Island, Madalena is 5 miles from the City of Horta, a nautical trip that takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the vessel used. For those coming from São Jorge Island, the trip is 1 hour, departing from Velas. It is a village worth visiting, full of history and international achievements.
Also see: Places to visit in Madalena >
Whaling Industry Museum
Located in the former Whaling Factory “Armações Baleeiras Reunidas Lda.” in the municipality of São Roque do Pico, the Whaling Industry Museum is classified as the first public industrial museum in the entire Azores archipelago, covering a total area of approximately 1,200 m².
Photo by Museus do Pico
The location features an interesting collection of photographic records from the past, showcasing how people lived and depended on this industry for their own survival through whale and sperm whale fishing.
It is important to emphasize that this activity, which marked the cultural, economic, and ethnographic level of the population of this Azorean island, has been converted into an observation activity, given that the preservation of animal life has become fundamental. Be sure to check out the exhibitions and films of the whaling saga displayed at the museum.
Address
Rua do Poço
9940-361 São Roque do Pico
Hours
Summer (April 1 to September 30)
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed on Mondays
Winter (October 1 to March 31)
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Contacts
Phone: (+351) 292 642 096
Email: museu.pico.info@azores.gov.pt
Wine Museum
Located near the center of Madalena, the Pico Wine Museum is actually a hostel that belongs to the interior of a winery and an ancient Carmelite convent.
Photo by Museus do Pico
The main room of the building offers visitors a unique moment to relive the history of wine, starting from its culture during the golden age of verdelho, its exportation to countries like Brazil and Russia, and finally, its ruin caused starting in 1852 by devastating plagues such as oidium and phylloxera.
It is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the wine history of Pico, in addition to being a very pleasant place with well-organized exhibitions. It is worth noting that in the museum garden, there are several dragon trees, one of which is over 400 years old.
Address
Rua do Carmo
9950-364 Madalena do Pico
Hours
Summer (April 1 to September 30)
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed on Mondays
Winter (October 1 to March 31)
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Contacts
Phone: (+351) 292 622 147
Email: museu.pico.info@azores.gov.pt
Cultural Landscape of the Vineyard of Pico
Fotografia de António Faria
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Cultural Landscape of the Vineyard of Pico covers a total area of 987 ha and a buffer zone of 1,924 ha, partially encompassing the northern and southern coasts, and the western coast of Pico, all surrounded by a rich fauna and flora, with several endemic and rare species and communities, within a permanently protected area.
Also see: Breathtaking images of the “Vineyard Landscape” on Pico Island
Frade Mill
Photo by José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa
Located in the Lajido da Criação Velha, in an emblematic area categorized as a World Heritage Site, the Frade Mill underwent a reconstruction process in 2003 and 2004 after suffering significant degradation throughout its history.
Fotografia de António Faria
The reconstruction aimed to inspire a copy identical to the original mill, thus maintaining its primary function of milling grains, which was widely used to support the settlements of the island during the early colonization period when agriculture played an important role in the economy.
The mill is located 5 km from the center of Madalena and attracts attention for its privileged view, with a surprising reticulated landscape of walls. It is an excellent place for photography.
Morricão Windmill
The Morricão Windmill belongs to the parish of Calheta de Nesquim, in the municipality of Lajes do Pico, and is composed of a stone base and a movable wooden cover, with its wooden part being reddish, very characteristic of the architecture of the time.
Photo by Pedro Silva
This region where the mill is located is considered a leisure area, where it is possible to camp and even swim, as it is very close to the bathing area of Poça das Mujas. The location has infrastructure support for those interested in picnicking, with bathrooms and a playground.
It is an excellent outing to do in a group or with family.
Gruta das Torres
Discovered in the early 1990s, the Gruta das Torres is the largest lava tube in Portugal, located in the parish of Criação Velha, in Madalena.
Its discovery was so important that the cave was classified as a Regional Natural Monument by the Regional Government of the Azores in 2004.
It has a length of 5,150 meters, with the main tunnel extending over 4,480 meters, reaching up to 15 meters in height.
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