Make sure to hike on “official” trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad. This is a great way to see the secret spots of the island, particularly the waterfalls. Whether you’re in top-notch shape or want to go on an easy hike, Pico Island has the hiking trail for you. The museum also has a video about the history of whale hunting in Pico which can be shocking for some but is very well directed. Inside, you will learn about the history of whale hunting through whalers tools, old photographs, and objects. The museum is situated in three boathouses from the 19th century. Known as Museu dos Baleeiros in Portuguese, the Whalers Museum is a must-see, close to Lajes Port. You can book a dolphin and whale guided tour with a biologist here.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a sperm whale at around 20 meters long. The best season for whale-watching in Pico is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year. 24 different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. Since whale hunting was banned in the 1980s, Pico island has become famous for whale watching. We recommend the Poço da Maré do Verdugo, Ponta do Admoiro, as well as the classic Lajes do Pico Natural and São Roque do Pico pools. If you want to experience the pools like a local, you’ll need to know some secret spots.
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These natural pools are often very full during summer. These usually even have showers and sometimes picnic tables for barbecues. Although there are barely any sandy beaches in Pico, there are many ocean natural pools that provide you with the same experience. Going for a swim in Pico is like nothing else, you can enjoy a view of the Atlantic ocean and volcanoes. Pico also has some of the best swimming spots in the Azores including natural sea pools and waterfalls, as well as sand beaches. This is the perfect island to experience a full Azorean experience! You can hike, bird watch, explore the sea life, as well as experience the more luxurious side of the island. Pico wines are renowned all over the world for their quality. The volcanic soil provides the ideal conditions for vines to grow. Pico island’s vineyard culture began in the late 15th century. Pico has ever since been leading a movement of fair treatment study of whales, as well as other sea animals. Moby Dick was allegedly set in Pico islands! Today, you can visit the whale museum, the old whale factory. Spermwhaling hunting was the primary industry of the island until 1986 when it was finally abolished. Whaling began to boom in the 18th century with the presence of American and British whalers. Throughout the years, Pico’s main economic activity was whaling. Pico island’s history has been built around its wine and whaling culture. However, it is believed to have been inhabited since the 1480s when the island became part of Faial’s control, an Azorean island less than 10 kilometers away. We do not know when this island was discovered exactly. This does, however, lead many curious scientists to visit and study the island. Pico is known as the Ilha Preta (“Black Island”) because of its black volcanic soils which nourish the UNESCO-designated vineyards.īut don’t worry, volcanic eruptions have ended in Pico over 300 years ago and it is now dormant. The Hawaii of Portugal, Pico island is 46 kilometers long and is filled with exotic vegetation and astonishing sea views. At 300,000 years old, Pico is the most recently formed island of the Azores. The second-largest island in the Azores, Pico is home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Pico mount at over 2,000 meters high.
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