Stretching out from the volcano, with an altitude of 2,351 metres, which gives it its name, the island of Pico (which means Peak) has an oblong shape, a length of 42 km, a width of 15.2 km and a total area of 447 km2. A plateau with secondary volcanic cones ends next to the sea in tall cliffs while the lowest area, in the west, has moderate slopes. It is situated at 28º 20 West longitude and 350º 30' North latitude.