A visit to Pico is a unique experience in the open, concerning the volcanism of the Azorean archipelago. Known for being the highest point in Portugal (2350m), this island has several geosites worth visiting.

O itinerário começa com na Miradouro das Lajes do Pico, com uma excelente perspetiva da Fajã Lávica das Lajes do Pico, e da vila com o mesmo nome. Deste local, podem ainda ser observados um conjunto de geossítios com grande interesse para a compreensão da evolução vulcanológica da ilha: Montanha do Pico, as Erupções Históricas de 1718 e 1720, o Vulcão do Topo e o “Castelete”, a chaminé de um antigo cone de escórias, hoje muito erodido e desgastado pela ação do mar.

Then, we visit the Miradouro de Arrife, a place from which the visitor can enjoy an incredible view of the Fajã Lávica das Ribeiras, located on the south coast of the island of Pico. This fajã was formed mainly by lava flows, emitted about 3,500 years ago, which made the island grow and formed a fossil cliff.

We continue for a walk through the Mistério de São João Forest Reserve. These poor and stony soils resulted from the eruption that began on February 2, 1718, with intense seismicity, strident noises and the emission of 6 rivers of lava from an opening located between Terra do Pão and Companhia de Cima. This eruption was responsible for the destruction of many houses and even the local church. The name “mystery” comes precisely from the name that the inhabitants attributed to these volcanic phenomena, often devastating and incomprehensible by the common population. Currently, the recreational forest has a wide range of recreational equipment and here we can visit the Forestry Disclosure Center, dedicated to the subject of volcanism.

Por último, terminamos com a visita à Gruta das Torres, o maior tubo lávico conhecido em Portugal, com 5150 m de comprimento total. Esta cavidade foi formada por escoadas lávicas de erupção vulcânica com origem no Cabeço Bravo, no complexo vulcânico da Montanha. Classificado como Monumento Natural do Parque Natural do Pico, a visita ao interior da Gruta das Torres é uma experiência imperdível.