by a historic eruption above the parish (1562-1564), occupies the extreme west of it. This latter area, extends from the coast to the interior, and is characterized by its high fajã and massive lava delta along the northern coast (equally divided between Prainha and São Roque). This zone also pertains to the Recreational Forest Reserve of Prainha. The coastline, with about , is generally low and very jagged, with islets and points that alternate with sheltered coves, especially the Areia Bay (Baía da Areia) and the Canas Bay (Baía de Canas). The small port and above all the “natural pools” attract many holidaymakers, especially Poça Branca, where there are excellent conditions for bathing. The beach of Canto da Areia, with black volcanic sands, is the only beach on Pico Island. The small watercourses, with shallow valleys, originate in the Achada Plateau and flow in a torrential regime. South of the parish, numerous lagoons (Lagoa do Caiado, Lagoa Seca) are home to various bird and plant species and have a significant environmental interest. Climate Prainha has a humid subtropical climate, with some Mediterranean influences. The parish is located on an extremely precipitous area on the island of Pico and the Azores. Areas close to the coast receive on average around of precipitation per year, making it among the rainiest coastal areas on the middle latitudes. At higher altitudes, precipitation is even higher, with the Lagoa do Caiado receiving over per year. Temperatures experienced in the winter (January through March) hover between at daytime and at night and in the summer (July through September) temperatures vary from during the day and during the night. Humidity is around 80% year-round. Human geography In terms of human occupation, the pattern of settlement is linear, extending along the regional road. The main agglomerates are the places of Prainha de Cima, Prainha de Baixo and Canto da Areia. The secondary streets, which run perpendicular to the coastline, accommodate some scattered houses. In the last century, the population evolved in a similar way to the other parishes of the archipelago, registering a decrease in the period from 1900 to 1930, a slight increase until 1960 and again a gradual decrease until today. Economy Farming, viticulture and fishing are the economic base of the parish, along with livestock, carpentry, sawmilling, baking, dairy products, small businesses and basalt cutting. More recently, tourism has also played a role in the