Pico



Pico

Climbing up the 2351 m high volcano was the main purpose of our visit to Pico island, but it wasn't going to happen for two reasons: Bad weather, and the need to book it in advance.

Isles

Two rocky islands before Madalena, Pico's capital.
Pico Rocks near Madalena


Lava tunnel

Furna do Frei Matias, near the EN3, for which no booking or entry fee is needed.

Lava tunnel Lava tunnel


Wine

Pico is famous for its wine. Here, the grapes are growing within stone walls, shielding them from winds.

Winery House in winery


Church in Calheta de Nesquim

Church in Lajes do Pico
Calheta de Nesquim Church in Lajes do Pico


Lajes do Pico

The chimney of a whaling factory belongs now to a museum. This, and yet another one in Lajes, are dedicated to whaling, practiced by the people of Pico for a long time to raise additional income.

Port

A view of the port of Lajes over a former whaling boat, with a pitch-black sky in the distance.
Lajes do Pico Lajes do Pico


Lava

An old lava tongue forms the southern end of the harbor area at Lajes.

Coast at Lajes do Pico


Silveira

We had the honor to meet Manuel Eduardo Garcia Vieira in person, who donated the funds for this house.

Walls

The stones cleared from the fields were used to build the protective walls against the wind.
Silveira Rock walls near Calheta de Nesquim


Climate

The Azores are very wet, something we had to fight with during every day of our stay. The warm temperature does the rest for growing a green forest that is slowly swallowing an old house near Silveira.

Tree Ruins in forest


Trees

A few exotic-looking trees.

Trees Trees
Trees Trees


Pico

A last look at what can be seen of Pico from the airport before take-off on the day after our flight had been canceled due to heavy rain. Plus a wet flower for compensation.

Pico Flower


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