The second-largest island in the Azores stands out completely from the rest of the archipelago. More than half of it is made up of the enormous cone of the former volcano Pico, which also gave the entire island its name.

Mount Pico rises to a height of over 2,000 metres, far surpassing all other peaks on any of the Azores islands and is even the highest mountain in the whole of Portugal.

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However, Pico Island isn’t just a magnet for hiking enthusiasts. Wine lovers will enjoy the unique local lava vineyards, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you can go whale watching or explore the picturesque towns.

Although at first glance the landscape may seem rather monotonous due to Mount Pico, the opposite is true. Peaceful, lush green pastures give way to a wild and desolate mountain range in the centre of the island and steep, wooded cliffs on both the north and south coasts. Find out in this guide what to see on Pico and how to make the most of your holiday here.