Pico
Details
Dominated by Portugal’s highest peak, Mount Pico, this volcanic island is a paradise with its surreal lava fields, mountain’s summit and rolling vineyards. This morning we’ll explore the small villages and hamlets of Pico Island, from Cabeço do Chão to São Roque, including Cachorro, the famous rock formation in the shape of a dog’s head.
No visit to Pico would be complete without a visit to the vineyards where we’ll sample local wine made from centuries-old traditions.
View Lagoa do Capitão, a serene mountain lake set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Pico, one of the island’s most photogenic spots. Continue down to Lajes do Pico, once the heart of the Azorean whaling industry, to visit the Whale Museum and learn of the island’s seafaring past.
This afternoon we’ll take a leisurely hike on the Vinhas da Criação Velha trail (approximately 4 miles on mostly flat terrain) as we wind through Pico’s UNESCO-listed landscape, where centuries-old vineyards grow between dark basalt walls that protect the vines from Atlantic winds. On this hike, you’ll pass lava fields, ocean viewpoints with islets, see the Moinho do Frade windmill (used for grain milling) and elements associated with vine culture such as rola-pipas (carved slopes to enable the sliding of the wine barrels to the boats), relheiras (tracks left by the wheels of the ox carts), shelter houses, wine cellars, tide wells, and more.
After a full day, we’ll return to our hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Activity Info
Schedule
Start Time
Jul 6