Just off the main ring road on the south side of Pico, stop at a small viewpoint in the village of Arrife between Lajes and Ribeiras.

In our opinion, this is the most beautiful view on the south coast. You'll see the monumental massif of the central mountain range, always shrouded in clouds, which gradually descends to a very peaceful looking coastline with lots of little fields and villages.

On your right, you have a wide view of the endless Atlantic Ocean, with small boats and groups of tourists eager to see whales.

In fact, you'll find a whale motif on the pavement by the viewpoint.