Azores: Pico Island – Climbing Pico Volcano
Mount Pico is the highest point in Azores and the entire Portugal, a massive perfectly conical stratovolcano that is still active. You hike from around 2k feet to the top just inside 8k. It’s only 5km hike but given the elevation gain it’s very steep and rough. The entire way is up the lava flows – knee destruction assured. On top, there is a massive crater and in the middle is another cone, which you climb pretty much vertically. The views are insane from the top, way above clouds and one can see 4 other Azore islands. Breathtaking!
