Everything about the island is on a large scale. Its mountain, which rises up from the sea to touch the sky. Its sperm whales
which are on view for the tourists. Men with Herculean strength transform the dark lava into houses, vineyards, and tilled fields.
Visiting Pico is like entering a world in miniature built up over centuries by whalers, farmers and fishermen. For a holiday of
many contrasts, from the slopes of old volcanoes, the taste of fresh sweet figs and grapes to the enchanting panoramic views and
snug villages overlooking the sea.
White and black houses strewn amongst tree groves
Spread out along the coast, nestled
between the green fresco of vegetation and vineyards, the village of Pico has a distinctive character all of its very own characterized
by its houses which are built from blocks of black lava. An abundance of flowers in vases and surrounding gardens. Its small-scale ports
where colorful fishing boats bob in the wind. Its humble little church perched on a hill overlooking the sea.
Lajes, Sao Roque and
Madalena are three century-old towns steeped in their own fair share of art and history. Calheta de Nesquim, Sao Joao, Sao Mateus,
Ribeirinha and many other parishes all boast churches that are worth a visit with picturesque streets leading out to the sea and
houses set amongst the vineyard plantations.
Whalers and sperm whales
Lajes, Sao Roque and
Madalena are three century-old towns steeped in their own fair share of art and history. Calheta de Nesquim, Sao Joao, Sao Mateus,
Ribeirinha and many other parishes all boast churches that are worth a visit with picturesque streets leading out to the sea and houses
set amongst the vineyard plantations.
Whalers and sperm whales
Until the end of the 19th century, American whalers would come
to Pico to catch sperm whales and to recruit harpooners, though it would not be long before the islanders took to whaling themselves using
their speedy rowing boats. Ending in a royal battle between man and sea creature, which would so often end in tragedy.
These days Pico
is regaining its whaling tradition though in a more peaceful way - in the form of two museums which tell the story of whaling and display
the delicate artwork performed by mariners using the teeth and bones of sperm whales. Boat trips also take the visitor out to sea to view
the sperm whales and the graceful dolphins.
A mountainous island to be explored
Pico is a paradise for nature-lovers. Wind your
way along its marvelous coastline, past the vineyards, the gentle slopes of the mountains, the extensive and verdant plateaus with their
small lakes and pools of lava. Climb up to the peak of the Pico volcano (2,351m). Enjoy a spot of bird watching and the primitive flora.
Look out towards the neighboring islands of Faial, Sao Jorge and Graciosa from any one of the excellent vantage points available.
Pico wine
appreciated by the Czars