Pico Island
Pico ( German " Summit" ) is the second largest island of the Azores. It was named after the 2,351 m high volcano Mount Pico, which is situated on the island 's highest mountain of Portugal. The island of Pico is 42 km long and 15 km wide, the surface area is 447 km ². East of Pico extends a plateau with small volcanic cones and craters, are kept on the larger cattle herds. On Pico approximately 14,000 people.
The wine-growing culture of the island is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.
Geography
The island is located at 28 ° 20 ' west longitude and 38 ° 30 ' north latitude and is separated by the Canal do Faial of six kilometers away, Faial Island. Next to the ferry Madalena, situated directly opposite the island of Faial in the West, Lajes do Pico in the South as a former whaling base, and to the north of the city and the port of São Roque important.
History
Pico is the youngest island of the Azores with an age of about 250,000 years.
The Portuguese took possession of the island in 1439. From 1460 first settlers came to the island. They lived on the cultivation of corn and yams, as well as animal husbandry. Later the wine was added. Eruptions of Pico 1562 and 1718 led to the partial emigration of the population. Middle of the 19th century, the wine was strongly affected by the mildew. For the whaling flourished and for the next century an important source of income for the population; 1980 Pico was affected by a major earthquake in Terceira. 1981 Pico airport was put into operation.
Management
Pico is to São Miguel, the second largest island of the Azores archipelago. It belongs to the Autonomous Region of the Azores and is thus part of the territory of Portugal.
The island is divided into three Concelhos (Portuguese circles):
- Lajes do Pico
- Madalena
- São Roque do Pico
Specialties of the island
The wine of the island is red and usually heavy and has due to the volcanic earth a unique flavor. In the 19th century it was exported to the Imperial Court to Saint Petersburg. In countless small adegas not only the wine, but also the self-burned Aguardente is offered today. The wine-growing culture of the island was declared in 2004 by UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cheese made on the island called Queijo do Pico is known.
Whales
The professional whaling, the operated the islanders in small occupied with 10 to 20 rowers boats, was abandoned in 1984, 1987, the last whale was caught. Today there are two Pico whaling museums. One is located in Lajes do Pico, the other, a restored " Walfabrik ", in São Roque.
Pico is a center for whale watchers in Europe. Since 1985, an extensive commercial for gentle whale watching has grown on Pico. From Lajes and Madalena from start inflatables to observe marine mammals. In Madalena has specialized in trips to snorkel with wild dolphins.