Mount Pico is part of the Madalena Volcanic Complex, one of three volcanological units that comprise the island of Pico, associated with three historic eruptions in 1562, 1718 and 1720. Current morphology suggests an age dating to the Holocene age, confirmed by radiocarbon dates younger than 6000 years.Structurally, this complex can be subdivided into two other sections: the Pico Volcano and the East Fissural Zone.
 

Pico is a stratovolcano, with a pit crater on its summit. Pico Alto the round crater about 500 meters (1,600 ft) in diameter and 30 meters deep tops the volcano, with Piquinho (Pico Pequeno) a small volcanic cone rising 70 meters within it to form the true summit. Meanwhile, the East Fissural Zone comprises several alignments of Hawaiian/Strombolian scoria cones and associated lava flows, which overflowed many of the cliffs, cut in older units and originated lava deltas.



On top of Pico (Piquinho) there is an area of permanent degasification characterized by the emission of water vapour at a temperature of between 50ºC to 75°C. In addition, other vents also exist between 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) and 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) above sea level, as well as diffuse degasification along the graben between the Lagoa do Capitão and Topo faults. There is also a carbon dioxide-rich spring in the locality of Silveira (along the southern coast of Lajes do Pico, formed in the base of Pico.
 

Hiking trails are available and the ascent to the summit can be made in around two to four hours from the trail-head for fit persons depending on weather which can be quite treacherous especially in winter months.



These are the main points of interest:



• Pico mountain with an altitude of 2351 meters stands as a challenging hike;
• Whaler museums in Lajes, Sao Joao and Sao Roque are worth visiting and depict an important historic and era of Pico;
• Wine tasting in Madalena and visiting the UNESCO protected wine country in Lajido, Cabrito and Madalena;
• Visit "Gruta das Torres". A must-do in Pico features the longest lava tube in Europe;
• Pico features the best natural swimming holes in the Azores. Worth mentioning are the ones in S. Prainha, S. Roque, Santo Antonio and Madalena;
• Wine tasting in Madalena and Lajido's "Museu do Vinho";
• Whale observation in Sao Joao and Lajes;
• Aldeia da Fonte. A "nature" hotel with its offering of excellent organic cuisine and wellness activities such as yoga.