Pico represents life on a grand scale, from the mountain that rises from the sea to form the island, to the epic struggle between whaling boats and the powerful sperm whale, and the efforts of local men to build houses from black lava, and cultivate vineyards and fields in volcanic soil.
Pico is its own small world – build throughout the centuries by whalers, farmers and fishermen. Life in Pico is full of contrasts, from the barren edges of an old volcano to vineyards of figs and grapes, from vast panoramas to cosy villages perched above the sea.
The island's villages have a unique character. The houses are built of blocks of dark lava and everywhere you'll see flowers in pots and gardens.
Colourful fishing boats adorn the small harbours, and tiny homes nestle in the hills facing out to sea.
The villages of Lajes, Sao Roque and Madalena are steeped in centuries of history and art. While in Calheta de Nesquim, Sao Joao, Sao Mateus, Ribeirinha and many other boroughs, you'll find attractive churches and picturesque streets leading to the sea, and charming houses backing onto vineyards.
Today, Pico's whaling tradition is remembered but not continued. Two whaling museums outline
its history with delicate carvings made by seafarers in whalebone and teeth. Pico now has pride of place among the world's whale-watching destinations, and offers specialist scientific and ecological tours either one day or several days in duration.
The early inhabitants of Pico broke up the hard lava covering the earth to build rock walls, and then planted vine cuttings in small circles of fertile soil. Over the centuries, these plantings grew into the island's vineyards and created a unique landscape given World Heritage status by Unesco.
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