Known as the ‘mountain island’, Pico was built over the centuries by the whalers and fishermen that inhabit it. Now that whaling is no longer permitted here, the whales of the surrounding ocean are observed here, as are its dolphins, and whale watching expeditions set off from the island.
Though not known for its sandy beaches, there are plenty of wonderful and sometimes mysterious water holes that offer the perfect place to cool down after one of the many walks that can be taken on the island. The interesting vineyard landscape of Pico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is a maze of short-walled squares and lines built by the islanders to protect their grapes from the islands strong breezes. Pico remains seemingly untouched by the modern way of life and is a must for any visitor to these islands.
Landscape - Pico Island, photo by Associação de Turismo dos Açores
More information: visitportugal.com, Azores Tourist Office
ATOP members: Archipelago Azores Ltd, Atlantic Holidays, Azores Tourist Office, Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International, Pousadas de Portugal, Someone2travelwith, Sata International, Sunvil Discovery, TAP Portugal
