It’s the perfect island destination for mountain climbing fans, UNESCO World Heritage wineries, and cultural events.
The island’s (and the country’s) highest peak rises 2,350 meters (7,700 feet) above sea level. It’s why the second-largest island in the archipelago is called the mountain island.Â
This should be quite enough to impress every visitor, don’t you agree? Well, it should.Â
But to sweeten the deal, Pico tops it off with its Landscape of Vineyard Culture (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004) and the contemporary Cella Bar (that won the ArchDaily’s 2016 Building of the Year Award).
Settled by Northern Portuguese in the late 1400s, the main economic activities were growing wheat and dye plants. However, soon the settlers realized the potential of the lava soils and switched to wine-producing.Â
Pico has a strong connection with whaling. Locals went from whale hunters from the late 1800s to whale watchers since whale hunting was banned in 1986.Â
The uniqueness of the volcanic soil has also boosted the winemaking industry. The tourism industry rides both waves (of whale watching and wine-producing) brilliantly, highlighting the grey island as a culturally diverse travel destination.
Thank you so much for your postings. My husband and I are senior citizens. Since my husband has a knee problem, we can only do short hikes. I would love to visit Flores, but we cannot do much hiking, are there other things to do? As of now, I have allotted 3 days in Flores. Thank you in advance for your help/
Hello Nancy! I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts. There’s more to do in Flores than hiking, for sure. If you haven’t already, I suggest you read this post: https://www.tripper.pt/flores-island-azores-itinerary If you don’t find all the information you need here, feel free to email me at hello@tripper.pt
Your post is absolutely helpful!!
Many travellers without informations don’t plan well the trip and spend only few days over here at Pico and after they regret they didn’t stay enough….
Cheers from the Island
And count on us to guide you through the best experience on your next trip here! info@tripixazores.com
Rai
There’s never enough time to get to know the islands! My best advice would be to spend at least two weeks in each one 😀
Great guide! So thorough and makes me want to go.
You definitely should Samantha 🙂
Thank you for sharing this little secret. Such a great post full of useful info and beautiful pictures!! Bookmarked for later 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it Alyssa 🙂
Wow, such a detailed post. It looks beautiful and not at all like other more ‘touristy’ parts of Portugal – it kind of reminds me of Ireland. I love the photo of the bar.
Spot on with the Ireland reference! 🙂 Lots of people say the islands reminds them of Ireland in a smaller scale.
What a great and detailed post about Pico! To be honest, I had never heard of Pico before. Given your description, it sounds like there is lots to do and see. Would love to get my hands on the stewed octopus you mention 🙂 Very informative and great pictures.
Thank you Rosemary. I can vouch for the octopus 🙂
Looks like fun! Glad you included how to find traditional cuisine
Local cuisine can tell us so much about a place’s culture 🙂
I didn’t even know these islands existed. How beautiful! You’re so lucky to have visited. Thank you for sharing this little secret!!
Yes, we’re letting the cat out of the bag now 😀
Really useful guide 🙂
Thank you Melissa.
WOW! I would have never thought to visit the islands. Thank you r opening my eyes to a new destination and giving me the tools to plan a trip!
Glad I can help you plan your trip to discover new places 😉
And my bucket list just got an extra item with visiting Azores! 🙂
Nice article! 🙂
Bucket lists never grow smaller 😀
Wow, looks like an absolutely stunning place! Definitely on my list of places to travel now!
It truly is Natalie. Gorgeous island 🙂