Pico Island Azores Portugal

Pico Island (Ilha do Pico, Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈiʎɐ du ˈpiku]), is an island in the Central Group of the Portuguese Azores noted for its eponymous volcano, Ponta do Pico, which is the highest mountain in Portugal, the Azores, and the highest elevation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Pico is referred to as the Ilha Preta ("Black Island"), for its black volcanic earth, responsible for its UNESCO-designated historical vineyards that allowed the development of the island. Pico has a area of 447 km2 (173 sq mi) and the capital city is Madalena.

The island supported a substantial whaling industry until 1980. The position of the island on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge means that deep water is very close. Active industries include tourism, shipbuilding and wine production. Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. It has several notable wines, that are commercialized in Portugal and exported abroad.

Azores climate

The Azores islands enjoy a mild temperate climate throughout the year and benefit from the Gulf Stream; a current of warm water that heads north east from the Gulf of Mexico. The average air temperature varies between 11 and 26°C depending on the time of year and the surrounding ocean averages between 15 and 25°C.

Pico tourism

In 2012 Pico has received the QualityCoast Gold Award for its efforts to become a sustainable tourism destination. Because of this award has been selected for inclusion in the global atlas for sustainable tourism

Pico mountain

The Pico mountain / volcano occupies the western portion of the island, and corresponds to the central volcano with a 2341 meter altitude. Along its flanks are diverse lava and spatter cones that are formed along radial fractures and faults. Generally, the island of Pico's tectonic structures are oriented along a west-northwest to east-southeast and a northeast to southwest axis. The main axis controls the main structures, especially the main mountain.