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Only £25 deposit per booking
Pico island is the furthest south of the central cluster of the Azores islands and is the second largest in the archipelago (around 46km long and 15km wide). The most mountainous island on the Azores and containing the most dramtically beautiful landscapes, Portugal's highest peak is here - Pico Alto which stretches up 2352m and like Teide on Tenerife can be seen from all over the island and indeed from peaks on the other Azores islands. There's a special magic about Pico Alto, now a protected Natural Reserve. It last erupted in 1718, and you can view the lava fields and black lava rocks around the volcano.
Pico Alto and its surrounding high plateau covers most of the west of Pico Island. The Planalto da Achada also contains numerous volcanic cones and crater lakes to the east. Volcanic caves, stunning rock formations at Arcos, laurel and juniper forests and the ancient laurissilva are all here on stunning Pico Island. It the youngest volcanic island in the Azores archipelago, forming some 300,000 years ago. Pico does have its own little airport, and to fly here you'll usually be flying from Terceira's Airport. (if flying from the UK you may need to land first on Sao Miguel, then fly to Terceira and then on to Pico - contact Iknow Holidays booking line direct for assistance on flight bookings to Pico Azores).
Pico in its not to distant past was a centre for whale-hunting. Today though its tourist boat trips out to view the whales that bring in the income. The history of whale hunting on this Azores island is explored in the Whale Museum in Lajes to the south. Whaling history is futheer explored in the whale factory museum at Sao Roque.
Pico volcano, from which Pico takes its name dominates this island and many visitors do climb to the crater peak via a guided walking tour. In winter the peak is covered in snow. Numerous volcanic cones are dotted around Pico's plateau, culminating in high cliffs which plunge into the sea. If you're into mountaineering, then Pico is the Azores island of choice for you! Upto around 1500m around the mountain, thick forests carpet the plateau, particularly the Juniperus brevifolia. Moving higher the landscape changes to shrub then the stark lava reamins. The Pico Alto crater itself measures 700metres around its perimeter, and reaches a depth of 30m.
Split into three municipalities - Madalena, Sao Roque and Lajes, most of the accommodation on the island is centred around the main three towns. (see accommodation in Madalena on this website). This Azores Island boasts the best whale watching trips in the world! Expect to see sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins and tropical pilot whales, all of which are frequently spotted in the waters around Pico and the Azores. (see whale & dolphin watching weblinks right for details). Boat trips around the island are numerous, and include a regular ferry from Madalena to Horta on Faial Island. Visitors should note though that there are no beaches on Pico - it's walking, climbing, mountaineering and fine wines and dining on the menu here, with some diving around the rocky coast.
Another renowned feature within Pico Azores Island is its vineyards, planted in fine basalt layers. You'll note the stone walls surrounding the vines, built to protect them from high winds. You can purchase Pico wines, mainly using their own variety of grape - verdelho, from shops in most of the main towns. Alternatively sample them in Pico restaurants.
Pretty Madalena village has grown in recent years, particularly its port which faces on and close to Faial island. Constant boat traffic leaves from Madalena over to Faial. Madalena makes an excellent base for exploring not just Pico but also hopping across to Faial, or taking whale and dolphin watching trips from the port. You'll note just off-shire from Madalena two large rocks called De Pe meaning standing up, and Deitado meaning lying down. both these rocks are favoured haunts for seabirds who nest here.
In the centre sits a picturesque church plus a Wine Museum in the Carmelite Convent, exploring the history of wine production on Pico. Madalena is the centre for Pico's wines - the Cellar of the Cooperative Wine Producers is based here.
Move to Madalena's surrounds to visit the huge lava tunnel (650m) at the Frei Matias cavern.
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