SÃO ROQUE DO PICO

Land of vineyards embraced by the sea

The black volcanic land, blue sea and green vegetation form the scenery of this council located on the north coast of Pico island. Portugal’s highest mountain rises here, also called Pico. The municipal headquarters still preserves the memories of whale hunting, especially in the Whale Industry Museum, whose important collection (boilers, furnaces, etc) was considered one of the best of this activity. Today, part of the local economy is based on livestock breeding (dairy production) and agriculture, especially vine planting, whose landscapes have been classified World Heritage by UNESCO in 2004. Highly representative of the agricultural tradition that was developed here for centuries, this council includes small settlements known as wineries with their fillings (press rooms, warehouses), their sacred spaces (especially the hermitages of Cabrito and Nossa Senhora da Pureza) and the walls that divide vineyards. In São Roque town, 18th century religious architecture prevails, along with the Church of São Pedro de Alcântara Convent that belonged to the Franciscan Friars. Santo Amaro Regional Handicraft School is also located here, where you can see and buy all kinds of handicraft products. The municipality also charms visitors for its natural beauty, namely Poça Branca Beach and Capitão and Caiado lagoons.