Pico

It is very difficult to describe the island of Pico and not mention its iconic mountain, not only because they have the same name, but also because the peak represents the island in several ways. Seen very clearly from the other islands in the triangle, Faial and São Jorge, Pico Mountain is the highest in Portugal, reaching 2351m and becomes a real challenge for adventurous hikers. On clear days, the stunning view from the top of its summit is indescribable and very rewarding, which will give you a feeling of immensity. When you visit Pico, get as close as possible to the mountain, watching it get bigger and bigger before your eyes, and go down to sea level to enjoy the landscape and the typical rustic houses.

The history of whaling is still very present in the lives of the locals, there is a very present memory of what those days meant to them as a way of survival. Men would gather together to hunt while their families stayed ashore, hoping they would return with a bonus. A tradition that continued for more than 100 years became the center of the local economy and culture with artisanal techniques until 1984, when hunting was banned. Even today, the sea and its wild animals are a great passion for Pico residents. Today they dedicate themselves with great enthusiasm to cetacean observation and proudly show visitors how immense and graceful these animals are.