I had already finished the college and I was finally carefree in a paradise in the middle of the Atlantic. São Miguel was an incredible island but there were still 8 islands remaining, so I packed all my stuff, I bought many ferry tickets and then it started an amazing adventure. 8 friends, 8 islands and a lot of time to spend!
INTER-ISLAND TRIP: PICO
The first island that we decided to visit was Pico. After more than eight hours sailing, Pico appeared as an oasis surrounded by all the blue. The imposing mountain of Pico, which is the highest of Portugal, created a beautiful scene visible from several kilometers.
Pico welcomed us with a great variety of colors. The green of its mountains merged with the blue of the sky and the red windmills of the villages.
Our goal was to reach one of the most famous lakes of the island. The only problem was that it is situated at 826 m altitude. With 10 kg backpacks but a lot of energy we hiked into the woods, and after walking all day we finally arrived to "Lagoa do Capitão". Looking back now I realize our first day was one of the hardest of all the trip, but it was worth it! We were all together with Pico behind us giving us wonderful views at night.
The next day was a little more relaxed. After having a bath in the cold lake, we did hitchhike to the other part of the island, concretely to Madalena. Pico Island is well known for its liquors and wines, so Cella Bar, an internationally recognized restaurant next to the sea, was a must-see place.
Near this architectural jewel we found a perfect campsite to rest before another of the hardest days of the trip: We were going to climb the highest mountain of Portugal! We woke up about 6 am, we prepared smaller bags and then we started walking. After few hours going up we finally reached the top of Pico, called Piquinho. Over these 2351 meters we could see five islands: Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira and of course, Pico. But the best part was that I was temporarily the highest man of all the Azores!
After this amazing and unforgettable experience what could be better than a relaxing afternoon watching the sea? We stopped the car next to a small lighthouse just to see the horizon. I felt so small and lost there!
And suddenly, we realized we were not alone... In the vast extension of the calmed ocean we saw a kind of water explosion. It was a whale! Are you able to find it? Click on the picture to amplify it.
Pico is high, but also deep. The next stop was Gruta das Torres, a lava cave of 5.2 km (3.2 mi) formed about 500 to 1500 years ago.
After that amazing underground tour and four days visiting Pico, it was time to leave to the next island: Corvo was waiting for us! Pico said goodbye to us in the same way it welcomed us: with its majestic mountain above the clouds. I'm sure we'll meet again!
