Mount Pico

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Mount Pico

Mount Pico as viewed from Faial Island
Elevation 2,351 m (7,713 ft)
Location Pico Island, Azores, Portugal
Range Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Prominence 2,351 m (7,713 ft)
Coordinates 38°28′N, 28°24′W
Type stratovolcano
Last eruption 1720
Easiest route trail

Mount Pico (Ponta do Pico, in Portuguese) is a stratovolcano and the highest point on Pico Island in the Azores, a chain of volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal. It reaches an altitude of 2,351 metres (7,713 ft) above sea level, which makes it the highest point in Portugal and also in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Pico is more than twice the elevation of any other peak in the Azores.

A round crater about 500 metres (1,600 ft) in diameter tops the volcano, with a small volcanic cone rising within it to form the true summit. Historical eruptions of Pico have occurred from vents on its flanks rather than the summit crater. In 1562–64, an eruption on the southeast flnak produced lava flows which reached the sea. Another flank eruption in 1718 also produced flows which reached the coast. The most recent eruption occurred in December 1720.

Hiking trails are available and the ascent to the summit can be made in around four hours from the trailhead.

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