
Azores Photo Gallery - A Drive Around Pico .
Climbing the volcano is not the only thing to do on Pico. The day after that incredible hike, I explored the island and almost drove a full circle around it. A rental car is a must on this island, especially if you plan to hike the volcano because the visitor's centre where the hike starts is almost half way up already and you'll need your own wheels to get there. Let's start with Lajido de Santa Luzia on the north coast just a short drive out of Madalena. Eruptions have created black rocks that have been used as construction materials for field enclosures and houses. Continuing east, there are plenty of sea views and I stopped at Miradouro da Terra Alta, São Miguel Arcanjo, and do Corre Águafor for photography breaks before crossing the island. That's Sao Jorge on the other side, my next island. Lagoa do Capitao is a small lake at 790m above sea level that is supposed to offer a beautiful reflection of the volcano. Unfortunately, the clouds have rolled in and you can't see the mountain top anymore. Weather conditions are unpredictable up there. Even though it could be sunny by the coast, it could be cloudy at the top. It's a short crossing behind the volcano to the island's southern coast, where the coastal road weaves through small towns and there are plenty of sea views. I had a lunch break in Silveira. The easternmost point on the south coast I'll reach today is Miradouro do Arrife just before Ribeiras, then it's a long drive back to Madalena. It's an easy drive with little traffic past several small towns with lookout points to stop for a quick look.

Azores Photo Gallery - A Drive Around Pico

Climbing the volcano is not the only thing to do on Pico. The day after that incredible hike, I explored the island and almost drove a full circle around it.
A rental car is a must on this island, especially if you plan to hike the volcano because the visitor's centre where the hike starts is almost half way up already and you'll need your own wheels to get there.
Let's start with Lajido de Santa Luzia on the north coast just a short drive out of Madalena. Eruptions have created black rocks that have been used as construction materials for field enclosures and houses.

Continuing east, there are plenty of sea views and I stopped at Miradouro da Terra Alta, São Miguel Arcanjo, and do Corre Águafor for photography breaks before crossing the island. That's Sao Jorge on the other side, my next island.

Lagoa do Capitao is a small lake at 790m above sea level that is supposed to offer a beautiful reflection of the volcano. Unfortunately, the clouds have rolled in and you can't see the mountain top anymore. Weather conditions are unpredictable up there. Even though it could be sunny by the coast, it could be cloudy at the top.

It's a short crossing behind the volcano to the island's southern coast, where the coastal road weaves through small towns and there are plenty of sea views. I had a lunch break in Silveira.

The easternmost point on the south coast I'll reach today is Miradouro do Arrife just before Ribeiras, then it's a long drive back to Madalena.

It's an easy drive with little traffic past several small towns with lookout points to stop for a quick look.