One cannot mistake that this island is volcanic. Between Madalena and Lajes the black stones and rocks have been painstakingly gathered to make the labyrinthine walled enclosures which protect the famous Pico verdelho grape (fortified verdelho wine) which, it is said, was imported in the 16th century from Cyprus. The houses and churches, too, are black – their features outlined in white.
Pico and nearby Faial (30 minutes by boat from Madalena) were the centres for traditional, open-boat whale hunting, an important industry for the islands until its ban in 1987. These two islands are now the centre for the growing interest in whale watching.
Hire a taxi for an island tour to visit the lakes and marvel at the magnificent views and changing facets of the mountain and its relationship with the sea. Visit the fascinating whaler’s museum at Lajes. Walks are plentiful and, for the experienced walker (you must take a guide), the ascent to the summit of the volcano is a must.
Festivals on Pico
- Espirito Santo (Holy Ghost Festival)
Held Seven Weeks after Easter 2009
- Cais de Agosto (Sao Roque) Music festival.
Last weekend July 2009 or first weekend of August 2009
- Festa do Sr Bom Jesus Milagroso (Sao Mateus)
Religious festival. Held first week in August
- Semena dos Baleeiros (Lajes)
Whaler’s week with a festival playing homage to those who worked in the industry. 23-30 August 2009
Pico holiday activities >
