Highlights on Pico

During our second week on Faial we decided to visit the island of Pico for a day. Based on a recommendation, we called ahead to reserve a taxi for our arrival at Pico port. We called Jão, an English speaking repatriate from Canada.

He picked us up from the ferry and drove us to Gruta das Torres near Criação Velha. This lava cave is a volcanic phenomenon. Having been formed by lava flowing from the eruptions of Cabeço Brava, it now appears as a tunnel. We entered this 500 m long tube with the help of an English speaking guide. Good shoe wear is a must. You will be provided with helmets and flash lights. At the end of the tour, the guide asked us to turn off our lights and then open our eyes. What a feeling to experience nothing but total blackness!!

Getting geared up for the descend into the lava tube.

Getting geared up for the descend into the lava tube.

After one hour, Jão came back to take us to the famous vineyards, small stone-wall enclosures to protect the plants from salt winds and to gain extra heat.

In 2002, UNESCO designated this area just outside of Madalena on the western coast, a World Heritage Site. Jão told us an unofficial count of the length of wall had been conducted and it was concluded that the walls, all built from lava rocks, total 100.000 km in length. The vines on Pico are surrounded by walls which could circumference the world twice and a half!

Looking out towards Faial.

Looking out towards the island of Faial.

Looking back at Pico mountain.

Looking back at Pico mountain.

Pico is most famous for its wine and whales, which includes the vinyards, one wine museum, and tree whale museums.

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