Pico is the second largest island in the Açores archipelago. As its name implies, it boasts the tallest peak in Portugal, Pico Mountain, at just over 2,300 meters. As with all the islands here, Pico and its namesake mountain are volcanically active. The towering and still snow-dusted peak was in relatively clear view all day. Pico is also well known for wine production with recognition by UNESCO World Heritage for the unique currais vineyard. Whaling in the past is another significant component of the island’s cultural history, not just here on Pico but on the nearby islands of the central island group. Whalers rowed manually, sailing their “canoes” from shore to pursue the abundant sperm whales that still frequent these waters. We explored Pico, the first of seven islands we plan to visit, by coach, on foot, and even by kayak.
4/24/2025
Read
National Geographic Endurance
Santa Maria
Colors were bright on this marvelous spring day in Santa Maria. The sun shined as hikers made their long descent down to Anjos. The moderate to strenuous walk started at the Church of Santo Espírito, zigzagged around grassy fields, cows, cedars, and windmills and went to where the tallest waterfall in Portugal jumps over the cliff. As the steep trail ran down to the village of Maia along the rock walls, we enjoyed the star-shaped yellow flowers of the endemic Aichryson santamariensis. Those that preferred to explore the island on the scenic tour visited the top of the island and Pico Alto, the church where Columbus’ crew stopped to pray while returning from the New World, and other viewpoints, including São Lourenço Bay, truly a postcard come to life. In the afternoon we had presentations by Angélica Bas Gómez on cetacean migration through the Azores, and National Geographic Photographer Krista Rossow instructed us on how to photograph people. The talks were interrupted by a couple of blue whales during our crossing from Santa Maria to São Miguel. The night brought us the Azorean guitar - Viola da Terra - played by Rafael Carvalho, a local master musician. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful day.
