Atlantic Islander
03-14-2014, 06:24 PM
http://i.imgur.com/KYpgwfv.jpg
Things to do in Pico Island are a surprise for visitors. The breath taking views rival with the comfort of the hotels and the tasty food of the restaurants.
Things to do in Pico Island conquer all visitors. The mountain island as it is called, offers breathtaking landscapes, wonderfull hotels and restaurants. Along the coastline there are unique villages built from lava blocks. The darkness of the buildings provides a magnificent contrast with the green vineyards that surround them and the blue waters of the Atlantic.
My favourite things to do in Pico Island
Pico Island is dominated by the imposing presence of the Pico Mountain. From the top of this mountain with 2351 meters high visitors may enjoy one of the most astonishing views over all other Azorean Islands. Therefore climbing to the top of this mountain is one of the commendatory things to do in Pico Island. However, it is advisable to go with an experienced guide as the climb isn´t easy and the weather conditions may be deceiving.
http://i.imgur.com/ytldXuW.jpg
Pico Island was always identified with the whaling industry. To discover more about the traditions and artifacts linked to this ancient activity I advise a visit to Museu dos Baleeiros (Whalers Museum). This is definitely one of the most emblematic things to do in Pico Island as it helps you to understand the ancient way of living of the people of Pico. At first came the American whalers to hunt sperm whales. Then begun whaling from the Island. By then whalers left their houses to face the giant whales on their small rowing boats. It is amazing how incredible brave were these men!
One of the most curious things to do in Pico Island is to visit Arco do Cachorro (Dog’s Arch), a rock formation resembling the head of a dog. Besides, on this location there is an electrical central that uses the waves to produce electricity.
Nowadays Santa Catarina Fortress houses the tourism of the Island. The building was renovated and now comprises also a garden and a belvedere. From April until October there are shows and animation on the fortress’s bailey.
To go for a swim at the Lajes do Pico Natural Pools is one of the best things to do in Pico Island. They are on the Lajes Bay famed for its calm and crystalline waters. The Bay is a paradise for snorkeling and diving.
http://i.imgur.com/v00EM82.jpg
Last but not least, I recommend a visit to the Torres Cave. It is the largest lava tube in Portugal. The Cave’s main tunnel is about 4480 meters long. It is believed that Torres Cave was formed by the lava expelled by a volcanic eruption occurred in Cabeço Bravo. Visiting this geological treasure is for sure one of the most fascinating things to do in Pico Island.
Pico Island history - All About Portugal
http://i.imgur.com/GjQLY4e.jpg
Pico Island history begun in the 15th century when the first settlers arrived from Continental Portugal. Wine growing and whaling were the main activities.
Pico Island history started around 1480 when the first settlers arrived, coming from the Northernn areas of Continental Portugal.
The newcomers first established their base at Lajes village and then, in 1542, founded a settlement in São Roque village. Throughout the centuries several villages were founded along the coastline.
As it happened in most Azorean Islands like S. Miguel or St. Maria, for instance, agriculture was the main activity of Pico Island’s settlers. Wheat and woad, a dye-yielding plant exported to Flanders, where the main productions.
However, fishing and the vineyard culture, which landscape is considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the ex-libris of the Island, soon took the lead on what it comes to economic activities of the Island. The economic panorama of Pico Island remains almost untouched nowadays.
Pico Island’s development
http://i.imgur.com/SXyv82b.jpg
The economic development of Pico Island was boosted by the island’s harbor located at Madalena. It was, and still is, the main exit for the exports. It was from this harbor that Verdelho, Pico Island’s wine, sailed away to different countries like England, USA and Russia. Besides, this port ensured the connections with Faial Island.
In 1723 Madalena was raised to city thanks to the importance of its harbour and to the fact that housed the Island’s most important owners of the large vineyards.
Pico Island faced troubled times between the 18th and the 19th centuries. First due to several earthquakes that hit the Island and then by the plague that destroyed the vineyards. The recovery of the wine growing industry has been slow and still endures.
Whaling in Pico Island
Whaling became an important activity in Pico Island by the end of the 18th century, when American whalers arrived to hunt cachalots. Soon locals engaged in this activity that became one of the most important sources of income for the Island. The heritage of those days may be found at Museu dos Baleeiros (Whalers Museum). It is the perfect place to discover how the Pico Island’s whalers sailed away on small rowing boats to hunt the huge whales that crossed the Azorean waters.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/pico-island-history/)
Things to do in Pico Island are a surprise for visitors. The breath taking views rival with the comfort of the hotels and the tasty food of the restaurants.
Things to do in Pico Island conquer all visitors. The mountain island as it is called, offers breathtaking landscapes, wonderfull hotels and restaurants. Along the coastline there are unique villages built from lava blocks. The darkness of the buildings provides a magnificent contrast with the green vineyards that surround them and the blue waters of the Atlantic.
My favourite things to do in Pico Island
Pico Island is dominated by the imposing presence of the Pico Mountain. From the top of this mountain with 2351 meters high visitors may enjoy one of the most astonishing views over all other Azorean Islands. Therefore climbing to the top of this mountain is one of the commendatory things to do in Pico Island. However, it is advisable to go with an experienced guide as the climb isn´t easy and the weather conditions may be deceiving.
http://i.imgur.com/ytldXuW.jpg
Pico Island was always identified with the whaling industry. To discover more about the traditions and artifacts linked to this ancient activity I advise a visit to Museu dos Baleeiros (Whalers Museum). This is definitely one of the most emblematic things to do in Pico Island as it helps you to understand the ancient way of living of the people of Pico. At first came the American whalers to hunt sperm whales. Then begun whaling from the Island. By then whalers left their houses to face the giant whales on their small rowing boats. It is amazing how incredible brave were these men!
One of the most curious things to do in Pico Island is to visit Arco do Cachorro (Dog’s Arch), a rock formation resembling the head of a dog. Besides, on this location there is an electrical central that uses the waves to produce electricity.
Nowadays Santa Catarina Fortress houses the tourism of the Island. The building was renovated and now comprises also a garden and a belvedere. From April until October there are shows and animation on the fortress’s bailey.
To go for a swim at the Lajes do Pico Natural Pools is one of the best things to do in Pico Island. They are on the Lajes Bay famed for its calm and crystalline waters. The Bay is a paradise for snorkeling and diving.
http://i.imgur.com/v00EM82.jpg
Last but not least, I recommend a visit to the Torres Cave. It is the largest lava tube in Portugal. The Cave’s main tunnel is about 4480 meters long. It is believed that Torres Cave was formed by the lava expelled by a volcanic eruption occurred in Cabeço Bravo. Visiting this geological treasure is for sure one of the most fascinating things to do in Pico Island.
Pico Island history - All About Portugal
http://i.imgur.com/GjQLY4e.jpg
Pico Island history begun in the 15th century when the first settlers arrived from Continental Portugal. Wine growing and whaling were the main activities.
Pico Island history started around 1480 when the first settlers arrived, coming from the Northernn areas of Continental Portugal.
The newcomers first established their base at Lajes village and then, in 1542, founded a settlement in São Roque village. Throughout the centuries several villages were founded along the coastline.
As it happened in most Azorean Islands like S. Miguel or St. Maria, for instance, agriculture was the main activity of Pico Island’s settlers. Wheat and woad, a dye-yielding plant exported to Flanders, where the main productions.
However, fishing and the vineyard culture, which landscape is considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the ex-libris of the Island, soon took the lead on what it comes to economic activities of the Island. The economic panorama of Pico Island remains almost untouched nowadays.
Pico Island’s development
http://i.imgur.com/SXyv82b.jpg
The economic development of Pico Island was boosted by the island’s harbor located at Madalena. It was, and still is, the main exit for the exports. It was from this harbor that Verdelho, Pico Island’s wine, sailed away to different countries like England, USA and Russia. Besides, this port ensured the connections with Faial Island.
In 1723 Madalena was raised to city thanks to the importance of its harbour and to the fact that housed the Island’s most important owners of the large vineyards.
Pico Island faced troubled times between the 18th and the 19th centuries. First due to several earthquakes that hit the Island and then by the plague that destroyed the vineyards. The recovery of the wine growing industry has been slow and still endures.
Whaling in Pico Island
Whaling became an important activity in Pico Island by the end of the 18th century, when American whalers arrived to hunt cachalots. Soon locals engaged in this activity that became one of the most important sources of income for the Island. The heritage of those days may be found at Museu dos Baleeiros (Whalers Museum). It is the perfect place to discover how the Pico Island’s whalers sailed away on small rowing boats to hunt the huge whales that crossed the Azorean waters.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/pico-island-history/)