With 448km2 in surface, Pico Island is the second largest of the archipelago and the one where Portugal highest mountain is located, precisely the Pico, which gave it the name, with an altitude of 2.351m. Often referred to as Mountain Island, it is one of the vertices of the so-called "triangle islands", which is further south of the central group of the archipelago and just 6km from Faial.
Its dry and hot climate combined with the mineral richness of the lava soils and the organization of the land in an impressive black stone mosaic the "corrals" has allowed a growing success of the vine culture, with a predominance of the verdelho grape variety. Gradually, wine and brandy become appreciated on and off the island. Exported to Europe and America, the verdelho reaches international fame, and even reaches the table of the Russian tsars.
The extensive lava fields that mark the landscape of the island, which the local people call "lajidos" or "cookie lands" form the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Of these Noteworthy are the sites of Lajido da Criacao Velha and Lajido de Santa Luzia.
While on the black lava floor stand the "rilheiras", grooves left by the wheels of ox carts that carried grapes and barrels, in the ports and gates by the seafront are the "kite rollers", slopes cut to facilitate gliding. from kites to boats, which still represent this activity today.
The huge volcanic cone of Pico Mountain, the third largest volcano in the Atlantic, imposes itself on the island's landscape. In its main crater houses a lava cone called Piquinho, on top of which permanent fumaroles are in charge of reminding their volcanic nature. At about 1250m, where the pedestrian climb to the mountain begins, you can see much of the island, as well as the neighboring Faial and São Jorge. The climb to the top is tiring, but rewarded by fantastic and unique panoramic views, which on clear days also reward us with a glimpse of the Graciosa and Terceira islands.
It is in Pico that we find one of the largest visitable lava tubes in the world, the Gruta das Torres, which extends for five kilometers embellished by various types of stalactites and lava stalagmites and striated walls.
In addition to its natural richness, Pico Island also offers a good gastronomic heritage, very much based on fish and seafood dishes. Fish broths. Also famous are its figs, with their bright red interior, the honey produced with the incense flower and the "cheese of Pico" a soft cheese cows milk cheese. All watered, of course, by Verdelho Wine, or by the much appreciated red and white wines of the Island.
