Pico - Pico Alto

The main tourist attraction on the island is the Pico Alto (2,351m/7,714ft), a still active volcano with an unusually steepsided summit which is frequently shrouded in cloud. The most violent recorded eruptions took place in 1562 and 1718. The ascent of the volcano (guide advisable) should be undertaken only in clear weather. The best starting-point is Madalena.

From the summit there is a superb view of the whole of the central group of the Azores. In the caldera, some 300m/330yd in diameter and 30m/100ft deep, are numerous hot fumaroles (temperatures up to 74°C/165°F) and the Pico Pequreno, a bare eruption cone 70m/230ft high (difficult but rewarding climb on southeast side).