Pico Island Map

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, villages, main roads, secondary roads, points of interest, tourist attractions, and sightseeings on Pico Island.

About Pico Island

Pico Island is the second largest island in Portugal's Azores archipelago, covering an area of 447 square kilometers (173 square miles). Located in the Central Group of the Azores, it is part of an autonomous region of Portugal. The island was named after its imposing stratovolcano, Mount Pico, which reaches an elevation of 2,351 meters (7,713 feet), making it the highest peak in Portugal and the highest point in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

The island's main economic activities include wine production, dairy farming, fishing, and tourism. The historic vineyard culture of Pico Island has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture features a unique system of small, rectangular plots (called currais) divided by black basalt walls, which protect the vines from wind and seawater.

The main settlements on the island are Madalena, São Roque do Pico, and Lajes do Pico. Madalena serves as the primary gateway to the island, with regular ferry connections to Faial Island. The island's population is approximately 14,000 inhabitants. Other notable attractions include the Gruta das Torres, which is the longest lava tube in the Azores at 5.2 kilometers (3.2 miles), and the Whaling Industry Museum in Lajes do Pico, reflecting the island's historical connection to whale hunting. Today, whale watching has replaced whaling as a significant tourist activity.

The island's climate is characterized by mild temperatures year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) in winter to 23°C (73°F) in summer. The volcanic soil of Pico Island contributes to its agricultural success, particularly in viticulture, producing the famous Verdelho wine.