Pico Island
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What people say
Nally Preseault
"There are two major reasons to visit Pico Island: hiking and wine. Though there are trails all over the island, Ponta do Pico is the biggest (literally) draw for hikers. Mount Pico, a dormant stratovolcano, is the highest mountain in not only the Azores, but in all of Portugal. The wine is equally impressive. The vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the basalt stone walls that surround them. So the two reasons to visit Pico Island are very good ones.
Pico Island is in the Azores' Central Group of islands. You can see and easily visit two others, Faial and São Jorge, from here. The Black Island (the black volcanic soil says it all) was discovered in the 14th century, though it wasn't settled until the 1480s. Volcanic eruptions kept deterring people, though. It wasn't until the 18th century that the lava flow ceased, Verdelho grapes started thriving, and whale hunting became popular. Pico found its groove.
Similar to São Miguel, tourists are now flocking to Pico. They're lured by the humid and mild climate, rarely exported wine, bucket-list hikes, and whale-watching trips. Madalena, the tiny main town, blends history and nature on the west coast. While Pico's east coast feels like it's still waiting to be discovered."
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About Pico Island
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