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Islands of Azores - Ilha do Pico
This island is 42 kilometres long and 15 kilometres wide with a population
of 15.500, dominated by its mountain Pico that rises majestically to
a height of 2.351 meters above sea level. It is the highest point in the
whole of Portugal's territory and as such it is best seen from the
neighbouring islands to be best appreciated. Many visitors enjoy the very
challenge climbing this peak which can be capped in snow in winter and is
quite demanding. A guide is always recommended who will arrange permission
beforehand for a climb to take place. Once at the peak the view is
spectacular. The capital town Madalena lies on the west side and
only 7 kilometres across the water from the Ilha do Faial making a
days outing worth while.
Two places are devoted to the history of Whale Hunting, the Museu dos
Baleeiros at Lajes do Pico where examples of the boats and
equipment are well recorded. From this town visitors can enrol in a "whale
watching" 3-hour trips where they are taken in groups by boat to view the
now free whale life in its natural role. The other place is the extinct
whale processing factory Fabrica da Baleia at São Roque do Pico.
The very hard and strange life of men working at whale catching has been
captured on film with poetic starkness by the Portuguese cinema and its
photographers. A trip around the island will expose the visitor to the
strange sight of molehills made of lava which local inhabitants have used
for construction of homes and walls to protect fields or to shelter vines.
The island is taking steps to improve its wine quality and production in
order to build up again an international trade. The local wine once reached
great fame in the Russian court in the time of the Tsars.
There is an airport and access by boat can be made from Ilha de São
Jorge, Ilha Terceira and Ilha do Faial.
Ilha do Pico Guest Book
Pico Forum
Ilha do Pico Photos
Coastline
· Coastline
· Coastline
· Village Houses
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Ilha do Pico Events |
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| Festa do Bom Jesus |
6th August |
| Festa dos Baleeiros |
Last Sunday in August |
Azores Accommodation
Guest & Manor Houses
· Hotels
· Inns
Azores Golf Courses
Golf Courses in Azores
Azores Wines
Azores Wines
Azores Islands
Corvo
· Faial
· Flores
· Graciosa
· Santa Maria
· São Jorge
· São Miguel
· Terceira
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Useful Pico Telephone Numbers
