Rising from the Atlantic, Pico Island is dominated by Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak. Along the coast, its UNESCO World Heritage Site vineyards use black lava stone walls to protect vines, reflecting centuries of adaptation and tradition.
We visit these must-see attractions and more in our ultimate travel guide to Pico Island Azores.
Table of Contents
3 Days on Pico Itinerary
This is our recommended 3-Day itinerary to experience all Pico has to offer.
- Day 1: Pico’s Wine and Vineyard Culture
- Discover Pico’s unique vineyard system at the UNESCO Interpretation Centre and the Pico Wine Museum.
- Walk among centuries-old stone walls in the Criação Velha vineyards.
- Enjoy tasting wines made from local Verdelho grapes.
- Day 2: A day of Adventure in Pico
Select one or more of these excellent outdoor activities.- Hike Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal.
- Discover the lava-tube caves of Gruta das Torres and Furna do Frei Matias.
- Enjoy a whale watching tour, spotting resident and migratory whales and dolphins.
- Day 3: Drive around Pico Island
Explore its charming villages and scenic landscapes.- Visit the charming Santa Maria Madalena Church.
- Admire the stunning natural rock formations of Arcos do Cachorro.
- Discover Pico’s whaling heritage at the Whaling Industry Museum and the Whalers’ Museum.
- See the island’s beautiful red windmills, including the postcard perfect Moinho Do Frade.
- Go for a swim in one of the many Pico Island natural swimming pools.
Pico Island Map
Pico Wine and Vineyard Culture (UNESCO)
In 2004, UNESCO recognized Pico’s unique viticulture system as a World Heritage Site. This man-made grid of walls, with the first built as early as the 15th century, are called Criação Velha or ”old creation” and cover more than 2000 acres on the island’s west coast. They are understood to be the best remaining example of what was once a more widespread method of grape growing.
For vintners to take advantage of the island’s fertile, volcanic soil and mild climate, they needed to adapt to a seaside environment with frequent winds carrying damaging salt spray. Their solution was small, enclosed plots called “currais”, created of dry, basalt-stone walls parallel and perpendicular to the shore in a very systematic way. The currais allow the grapevines to be exposed to the sun and yet protected from the wind. As an added bonus, the basalt warmed up in the sun providing extra warmth to the tiny area.
As these vineyards became more successful, manor houses, wine-cellars, distilleries, warehouses and ports in tiny hamlets sprang up around them. This culture has survived and thrives to this day. Visit during the wine harvest in September for festivals with song, dance, wine and home-style food.
Vineyard Culture Landscape Interpretation Centre
This museum in Lajido, near the airport, provides a good introduction to this unique World Heritage Site.
It highlights the unique geological and climatic conditions that contribute to the island’s distinctive wines and traditional techniques and tools used in Pico’s vineyards.
The techniques include the building of stone walls using local basalt (lava) rocks to create the vineyard plots, or currais. There are two main areas where these currais are easy to see, Lajido de Santa Luzia, (where the interpretation centre is located) and Lajido da Criação Velha on the western coast. Locally the term“lajido” refers to lava fields. Tours are also available to see the alambiques (distilleries), wine cellars, and the “rola-pipas” (the stone ramps used to roll wine barrels to the sea).
We spent about 20 minutes learning about the vineyard system at the interpretation centre. The Pico Wine Museum in Madalena presents details on wine making and wine production on Pico.
Pico Wine Museum
The Museu do Vinho is great for people interested in the art of making wine. It presents the story of wine production on the island, from the industry’s beginnings to the present day, and includes details of the island’s different grape varieties,
The property was used by the Carmelite friars of Horta on Faial Island as a summer residence as early as the 17th century. They tended the vineyards and made wine on site.
There are beautiful dragon trees, several at least 100 years old. Walk the boardwalk to the red gazebo for a beautiful view of the vineyard and the sea. We spent around 30 minutes in the museum and the grounds.
Pico Wine Tasting
A wine tasting is a must when you visit Pico Island! Sample local Pico wines and learn more about the island’s wine culture at these 3 places.
- Pico Wines Cooperative
This cooperative, known as Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico (CVIP), is a collective of winemakers dedicated to preserving the island’s unique winemaking traditions. Established in 1949, it plays a crucial role in promoting and marketing the renowned Pico wines, particularly the distinctive Verdelho grape variety. - Azores Wine Company
This winery, founded in 2001 produces high quality wines. Try wines produced from Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, and Sercial grapes in their tasting room overlooking the vineyard. - Cella Bar
Located on the coast just outside Madalena, this renowned establishment is known for its traditional Azorean cuisine and wine. The bar boasts an extensive wine list including selections from the renowned Pico Wines cooperative in a stunning setting.
The Vineyards of Criacao Velha
The Lajido da Criação Velha region, on the west side of the island, showcases the vineyards and their enclosed currais structures.
The Azores walking trail Criação Velha Vineyard Trail, PR05 PIC, is a great route through the vineyards and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The wines created from these vines are distinctive and flavourful, a reflection of the unique terroir and the hard work of the people who tend these vineyards.
The trail can be driven or walked. We drove, starting at Porto do Calhau in Monte.
This area originally had several large estates. Each had wine production and warehousing facilities near the port and vast vineyards of basalt-walled currais. Two tidal wells provided fresh water for the people and the distillery operations. At the end of the 19th century, several small wineries appeared in the area. Today the small port is used by local fisherman.
The trail and road follows the coastline north passing seaside walls and vineyards to Pocinho Bay. The lovely, little, public park has a natural swimming area, picnic tables and toilets. The trail continues to follow the road as it bends inland and uphill.
Turn left at the first road and keep left at the next two intersections to travel around Cabeço do Pé do Monte. Enjoy the vineyards with their “boxes” created by stone walls built of local rocks piled by hand. These boxed vineyards create unique microclimates to protect the grapes from sea salt and wind.
When the road reaches the coast again, there is a natural swimming spot, Piscinas Naturais da Criação Velha, with a small bar selling food and drink. Continue along the coast’s black volcanic rock.
At the intersection of the main road and Canada do Monte, drivers continue straight to a parking area just west of the red windmill in the distance. Those on foot, walk the path until it meets another road and turn left.
Walk to the red Moinho do Frade visible in the distance. We drove to the windmill, but as there was no parking, you are best to leave the car and walk in.
Moinho Do Frade
Climb the ladder to the top of this beautiful, red windmill for panoramic views of the vineyards.
The Friar’s Mill was built in the 18th century to mill grain. Restored in the 2000s, it is one of the best examples of traditional windmills in the region.
From the windmill, continue north along the coast past many impressive rock formations. The trail ends at the small cove of Porto da Areia Larga. It was once an alternative port to Madalena but now is only used by local fisherman.
Hiking Mount Pico
At 2351 metres, Mount Pico is the tallest mountain in Portugal. The youngest volcano in the Azores, it is still considered active. The round crater at the top is about 700 metres around and only 30 metres deep with some fumeroles. Its last eruption was in 1720.
A climb to the Piquinho, or the top, is a challenging bucket-list hike for many visitors to the Azores.
How hard is it to climb Mount Pico?
The Mount Pico climb is difficult. You should be reasonably fit to attempt to climb Pico. The trail is above the tree-line and over and around sharp lava rocks.
From the trailhead to the top, the elevation change is 1150 metres and the total distance 3.8 kilometres. In other words, for every 3 metres travelled forward, you must climb almost 1 metre in elevation. Indeed, a very strenuous hike.
How long does it take to climb Mount Pico?
According to the official Mount Pico website, most hikers take 3 to 4 hours to climb up to the summit. They also take another 3 to 4 hours to return (descend) back down to the bottom.
Do I need a Guide? If you are an experienced hiker, you should have no problem, and a guide is not necessary. To help you stay on the trail, there are 47 trail markers directing you to the summit.
What is the best time of year to climb Mount Pico?
Mount Pico is technically open daily all year. The best time of year to climb is in the summer and shoulder months.
We do not recommend visiting Mount Pico during the winter months. Winter is the Azores rainy season and there is often snow at the summit. When there is snow on the trail, you will not be allowed to climb to the top without shoe crampons. Be sure to check weather conditions via the Mount Pico webcam and the Mount Pico weather forecast before going.
Our mistake was visiting in the month of November! When we arrived at the mountain it was raining quite hard. There was also snow on the summit, with a wind chill temperature of -5 °C. Not ideal conditions for a hike (and we had no crampons).
We opted for a shorter hike instead.
A “Short” Mount Pico Hike
We wanted to experience the beauty of Mount Pico, but we knew we couldn’t go all the way to the summit with the weather conditions.
A great option is to hike only a portion of the trail. The “shorter” hike to the Furna Abrigo (located near Trail Marker #2) is the perfect introduction to the mountain. The ascent to the cave is only about 160 metres vertically (over a trail distance of 600 metres) up the mountain. We found the small cave an interesting place to explore and enjoyed a snack break in the sheltered area. The total time from the trailhead to the cave and back to the bottom (including time to explore) is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
We extended our hike a little further, hiking to Trail Marker #7 (approximately one-third of the way up the mountain). We decided to turn back due to pouring rain and time considerations. Safely back in the parking lot, our total hike time was 2 hours 30 minutes.
Mountain House – The Trail Start
Checking in at Mountain House (Casa da Montanha) is mandatory to start your climb.
There are restrictions regarding the number of people allowed on the mountain at any given time. Booking in advance is highly recommended. Visit the Mount Pico Reservation website for advanced booking.
Mountain House amenities include washrooms, lockers and a snack shop. A short film introducing Mount Pico and its ecosystems runs in a small theatre area.
Before leaving the building to begin your climb, you must sign a waiver and receive a GPS tracker. The tracker is in case of an emergency on the mountain where there is no cellular service. I asked how often they needed to rescue climbers. The attendant told us that within the last year, they had performed only 18 emergency rescues out of a total of 22,000 climbs.
Gruta das Torres Cave
The Gruta das Torres, or Tower Cave is a lava tube, roughly 1500 years old. The first scientific exploration of the cave was in 1990 and it opened to the public in 2005.
UPDATE April 2026: Tours into the cave are currently CLOSED due safety reasons. A crack was discovered in the cave ceiling and experts are working to secure that section of the cave. The Visitor Centre remains OPEN. A film is available explaining the cave and tour guides are also available with more information about the cave.
While the official Gruta das Torres website notes the suspension of cave visits on the “Opening Times” page, it doesn’t have updates on the anticipated reopening. AvrexTravel will continue to monitor and update this article as we receive new information.
Tours explore a 450-metre section of the 5-kilometre cave, the longest lava tube known in Portugal. Our guide expertly pointed out the various geological formations.
The cave has unique stalactites and stalagmites made of solidified lava along with the calcium carbonate versions, typical in cave environments. The guide also noted formations called lava benches, lava balls and ropy lava flows.
The tour is about 1-hour long. Flashlights and hard hats are provided. The cave is wet so sandals are discouraged.
To visit another lava-tube cave, drive to nearby Furna do Frei Matias.
Furna do Frei Matias Cave
This cave is not on many tourist checklists. We were curious about a small sign on the road pointing toward a farmer’s field. The cave’s location was not obvious from the road.
At the top of a small hill, we found an opening into the cave. The opening was created when the roof of the lava tube collapsed. Lush vegetation fills the open area where we entered and climbed down to the bottom.
We walked into the dark tunnel of the lava tube for about 200 metres toward light. We popped out above ground at the end of the tunnel. Our exploration was a fun, tiny adventure.
Driving Around Pico Island
A drive around the island of Pico is definitely worthwhile, offering breathtaking scenery and stunning coastal views.
Car rentals are available at the airport and in Madalena. While a drive around the whole island can be done in just a few hours, we recommend slowing down and exploring all the island has to offer.
Our drive starts in Madalena and circles the island clockwise, back to Madalena. We visit Pico’s main towns, Madalena, São Roque and Lajes do Pico, and the charming villages and worthwhile sights in between.
Madalena
The largest town on Pico Island, Madalena is surrounded by beautiful vineyards with opportunities for wine tasting both in and around town. With several great restaurant and accommodation options, Madalena is a great base for your stay on Pico Island.
Admittedly, there aren’t a lot of “touristy” activities in town. Be sure to check out the Igreja de Santa María Madalena (Santa Maria Madalena Church) located near the Madalena Ferry Terminal. The church, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of fisherman and Madalena, is the island’s largest church. Built in the 17th century, its interior is decorated with intricate carvings, gilded woodwork and beautiful azulejo tiles.
Prior to the 17th century, Europeans were intrigued by blue and white Chinese porcelain but the ingredient to make it did not exist in Europe. By the 17th century, the Dutch figured it out and the Portuguese ordered Dutch tiles to decorate their buildings. Eventually the Portuguese manufactured their own tiles. These blue and white ceramic tiles, called azulejo, are a popular decoration in Portugal and its former colonies around the world.
If visiting in July, Madalena comes alive with the Festas da Madalena celebrating their patron Saint Mary Magdalene. There are concerts and lots of activities but many local services and shops will be closed.
Driving northeast from Madalena to São Roque, several small villages are worthy stops.
Cachorro
The village of Cachorro is located between the airport and the island’s north coast.
The Arcos do Cachorro, literally translated as the dog arches, are right in the village. Some of the rock formations created by the lava and erosion by wave action resemble a dog’s head. A particularly popular one is on the left as you are approaching the area. We missed it completely so be on the alert to see it.
Walk the paved walkways, from the parking area, over some of the arches to the edge of the rocky coastline. Feel the power of the waves. Enjoy the view of the Atlantic and neighbouring Faial and São Jorge islands. The footing can be very slippery. When wave heights are particularly high, access may be closed for safety reasons.
Lajido
The tiny village has two excellent museums. As mentioned above, the village is the home of the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Interpretation Centre. It explains the early vineyard structures, tools and practices which led to the area becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours of the local area are available.
Casa dos Vulcões (Volcanoes’ House) offers a fascinating, interactive look at the volcanic history of the Azores. The centre’s star is a state-of-the-art seismic simulator, which uses 3D technology to let you feel the power of an eruption firsthand. This is a 30-to-45-minute, guided experience with limited capacity. We suggest stopping here first to booking your time slot and then visiting the Interpretation Centre next door.
Everywhere along this coast, lava from ancient volcanic eruptions has cooled into black, jagged, artistic rock formations.
Santa Luzia
The 17th/18th-century Ermida de São Mateus da Costa is just before the coastal road turns south back to the main road. The church is built from blocks of basalt, a number of which have been decorated with intricate carving. The J.F.S.Luzia Cabrito Picnic Park is across the road and there is lots of parking.
Back on ER1, the main road, the Igreja de Santa Luzia is beside another pretty park with a gazebo.
Santo Antonio
Stop for a browse and a wine tasting at Adega “A Buraca” Wine Store and Museum. The museum showcases traditional tools and farming equipment.
Enjoy the pretty area around the Church of Santo Antonio overlooking the sea.
We’ve reached Pico’s second largest town, officially called São Roque do Pico.
Sao Roque
São Roque is a small coastal town on the island’s north shore, traditionally linked to wine production and whaling. With its ferry terminal providing links to the neighbouring islands of Faial and São Jorge, São Roque often serves as a practical base for exploring Pico. The local tourist office in the centre of town offers helpful orientation to the area.
The 18th-century Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara is just north of the main road on Rua João Bento de Lima. The exterior is impressive. As it now operates as hostel accommodation, entry is limited to residents.
The town’s main attraction is the Whaling Industry Museum, just south of the ferry terminal.
Whaling Industry Museum
The Museu da Indústria Baleeira, in a former factory, provides a unique look at the processing side of the whaling industry. It operated from 1946 to 1984, when whaling stopped in the Azores. See the boilers, furnaces, machinery and other equipment used to process the entire sperm whale (blubber, meat, bones and livers) into oil, flour, fertilizers and vitamins. There is a brief introduction to local whaling through a number of (sometimes grisly) photographs, several scale models of whaling vessels and the massive jaw bones of a sperm whale.
Outside the museum, the statue Homenagem aos Baleeiros is a tribute to the whalers and meant to reminds us of the tough, dangerous life of the whalers.
Just west of town, along the coastal road, visit the lovely, red windmill of Avenida do Mar. Enjoy a walk along the coastline.
You have two options at the traffic circle just west side of the windmill to reach Lajes do Pico on the south shore.
- Take the first exit out of the traffic circle, following Highway EN2, up over the central volcanic ridge. This is a curvy, paved highway through beautiful countryside; or
- Follow ER1 south and explore the eastern part of Pico.
This drive around the eastern tip of Pico to the town of Lajes do Pico follows the main ER1 highway. Without stops, it takes about an hour along the coast. We’ve chosen several beautiful spots to stop at along the way.
Eastern Pico Island
The Miradouro São Miguel Arcanjo, about 3 kilometres south of the traffic circle at the top of the hill, has a stunning view of the shoreline and São Roque in the distance.
The Miradouro da Terra Alta viewpoint, another 17 kilometres southeast and over 400 metres above the ocean, offers a stellar view of São Jorge Island on the horizon.
Continue driving to Manhenha, the village on the eastern tip of Pico, about 7 minutes off the main highway. The Ponta da Iha Lighthouse sits on the tip of the island. Its tower stands 19 metres high. It began operating in 1946 but the road connecting it to Manhenha wasn’t built until 1959. While primarily an active naval station, the lighthouse traditionally welcomes visitors on Wednesday afternoons (typically 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM in summer). If you are visiting on another day, the site is still worth a stop to see the unusual U-shaped architecture and the dramatic volcanic coastline of the island’s easternmost point.
The town of Calheta de Nesquim was once a booming whaling community with the island’s first whale-processing factory. Visit the beautiful 19th-century Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião Mother Church. The PRC11 Calheta do Nesquim walking trail circles the town stopping at several scenic lookouts and a popular natural swimming area, Poça das Mujas.
Continue to the town of Lajes do Pico.
The 9 Kilometre Highway (EN3)
The EN3 runs between Madalena and the EN2. Its eastern section, known as the 9 Kilometre Highway is the straightest section of road in the Azores, and perhaps all of Portugal. This picturesque highway is the best option to get to Mount Pico from either São Roque or Lajes do Pico.
Make a quick detour of about 2 kilometres on the 9 Kilometre Highway to Lagoa do Capitão (Capitão Lagoon). This shallow lagoon, with a maximum depth of 4.5 metres, is an important source of fresh water. Migrating birds often stop here. A volcanic ridge, roughly 30 kilometres long, runs from the lagoon to Ponta da Ilha on the east end of the island. About 190 tiny volcanic cones are found along it. This is the starting point for the PR13 Lagoa do Capitão walking trail to São Roque. The view of Mount Pico is often impressive from here.
Lajes do Pico
Lajes do Pico is one of the island’s oldest settlements, set along the south coast and long associated with the Azores’ whaling history. Today, it has a quieter atmosphere, with a small harbour, coastal views and a strong sense of local tradition.
The harbour is one of the main departure points for Pico’s whale watching tours. There’s lots of parking here.
Enjoy a walk around the compact town. Begin at the south end of the waterfront with the pretty Lajes Mill (Moinho das Lajes). Continue east to the Ermida de São Pedro. This chapel was built by first people to arrive on the island in the mid-15th century.
Walk north into downtown Lajes. The big church in the middle of town, Igreja da Santíssima Trindade, fronts on a triangular square. It is named after a local man who climbed military ranks and worked to ensure his home town was properly recognized. See the small monument to General Francisco de Lacerda Machado. Explore the downtown shops. Any of the side streets to the left return to the waterfront.
During the last week of August, Lajes do Pico holds the Semana dos Baleeiros, a religious and music festival. It honours the patron saint of whalers, Our Lady of Lourdes, and the town’s whaling history.
Three 19th century boathouses house the Whalers’ Museum, the town’s main attraction.
Whalers’ Museum
At the Museu dos Baleeiros, learn the history of whaling, one of Pico and the Azore’s most important, historic activities. The artifacts on display include tools and equipment used in the hunt; carved and engraved art made from whale teeth and bone called scrimshaw and several full-size, whaling boats. The museum discusses the bravery and daily lives of the whalers.
We were especially impressed by the scrimshaw art created on the large, whale jaw bones. The museum opened in 1988 in three boat houses built in the 19th century.
On the way out of Lajes do Pico to the north, just off the ER1 highway, the Centre for Arts and Marine Sciences is in another former whale-processing factory. The Centro de Artes e de Ciências do Mar hosts artistic and cultural events promoting the study and appreciation of marine life and local culture. Multimedia exhibitions discuss the factory and the biology and ecology of whales.
Across the street is a reconstruction of the Fort of Santa Catarina, the island’s only example of military architecture. It was built in 1792 to protect against possible invasion by Napoleon’s armies, which never came.
Villages of Sao Joao, Sao Mateus, Monte and Criacao Velha
São João is located just west of Lajes do Pico. This small, quiet village was the perfect base for our 3-night stay on Pico Island. The area was nicknamed “land of windmills” as there were once 7 operating windmills. The eastern boundary of the village is marked by the Ponta Rasa Mill, one of two remaining windmills. At the western end of the village, the Sao Joao Forest Park (Parque Florestal e Recreio de São João Pequenino) has a children’s playground and picnic area in a treed area.
Just past the village of São Mateus, we stopped at Miradouro da Pontinha viewpoint for a quick photo of the rugged shoreline.
The village of Monte has two worthy stops. Check out the beautiful interior of the Capela do Espírito Santo do Monte and the windmill, the Moinho do Monte.
If you haven’t hiked or driven Criação Velha’s Vineyard Trail, we highly recommend it as a perfect way to return to Madalena. Start at Porto do Calhau and drive along the coast to the pretty Moinho Do Frade windmill, surrounded by vineyards.
Before finishing the drive to Madalena, stop at Maroiços do Pico, the ‘Pyramids of Pico’. Some scientists suggested that these large, pyramid-shaped, structures were over 1000 years old, pre-dating European arrival on Pico. However, locals say that these pyramids were likely created 250 to 300 years ago and over several generations. The cultivation of food was vital for islanders’ survival so the abundant rocks were cleared from any available land into piles. Over time, as the piles grew higher, they were shaped into these stable structures.
Pico Island Beaches and Natural Pool Areas
Although there are no traditional sandy beaches on Pico, the island does offer many bathing and natural swimming areas. The natural swimming areas are pools created by the rocks at the shore which are filled by seawater.
The best time to enjoy a swim on Pico Island is in the summer months from June to September.
These are the top 10 swimming areas on Pico, Azores:
| Name | Nearest Town | Description |
| Furnas de Santo António | Santo António | Some call this the best natural swimming area on Pico Island. |
| Piscina Santo Antonio | Santo António | For those that don’t want to jump in the ocean, the swimming pool is beside the natural pools. |
| Madalena Municipal Swimming Pool | Madalena | Large man-made outdoor pool with natural pools as well. |
| Piscinas naturais da Areia Funda | Madalena | Natural swimming area with concrete terrace near the harbour. |
| Piscina Naturais da São Roque | São Roque | Natural swimming area with concrete terrace. |
| Zona Balnear do Cachorro | Cachorro | Natural swimming area near the Arcos do Cachorro. Enjoy the lava rock formations. |
| Piscina Naturais da Lajes do Pico | Lajes do Pico | Natural swimming area with clear waters. Large concrete terrace. |
| Praia do Canto da Areia | Prainha | The only sandy beach (black sand) on the island. |
| Poça das Mujas | Calheta de Nesquim | Very popular natural swimming area. Perfect clear waters. |
| Piscinas naturais da Criação Velha | Criação Velha | Sheltered natural swimming area with a snack bar in the summer. Great place to enjoy the sunset. |
Click on our interactive map for all the swimming areas.
Whale Watching on Pico Island
The waters off the town of Lajes do Pico, once a historic whaling hub, are among the richest whale watching grounds in the Azores, and these two tours give you a front-row seat.
April through the summer to October is considered the main “season”. Different species are in the waters of the Azores depending on the time of year. Humpback whales are common in the summer. Sperm whales, Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins are in Azorean waters year-round so there is always something to see.
The two, most popular, whale watching tours are conducted by:
- Futurismo Azores Adventures – This tour includes a marine biologist who expertly points out and discusses all of the marine wildlife around Pico Island.
- Aqua Açores – A great whale and dolphin watching tour that gets close to the marine wildlife on board their zodiac boat.
Pico Azores Restaurants
These are 10 of the most popular restaurants in Pico’s main towns.
| Restaurant Name | Town | Known For |
| Cella Bar | Madalena | Enjoy local Pico wines with your meal at this stunning oceanside location. |
| O Petisca | Madalena | Great Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Try the octopus. |
| O Ancoradouro | Madalena | Renowned for its seafood dishes and ocean views. |
| O Cinco | Madalena | Huge variety of dishes. 100% Azorean. |
| Bar Clube Naval | São Roque | Great bar and food on the waterfront. |
| Restaurante “C Bistrô” | São Roque | Charming and quiet bistro. Great for lunch. |
| Casa Âncora | São Roque | Modern and sophisticated seafood |
| Fonte Tavern | Lajes do Pico | Known for its outside patio and delicious food. |
| Restaurante Ritinha | Lajes do Pico | Local seafood specialties in a welcoming atmosphere. |
| Pastelaria Aromas E Sabores | Lajes do Pico | A charming restaurant/bakery with delightful pastries |
Pico Island Hotels
Looking for accommodation on Pico Island?
Check out these great options.
- Miradouro da Papalva Guest House – We stayed here! This is a beautiful property in the town of São João. Enjoy their amazing breakfast!
- Baia da Barca – Superb apartments with panoramic sea views located in tiny bay on the ocean in Madalena.
Here are other great hotels on Pico Island Azores.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Pico Island Azores
What is Pico Island known for?
Pico is known for its history of wine making and the whaling industry. Walk the old stone-walled vineyards and sample great Pico wines. Two excellent museums on this small island are dedicated to explaining the history of the whaling industry, boat making and whale processing.
Many visitors also come to Pico Island for the challenge of climbing Mount Pico, the tallest mountain in Portugal.
How many days do you need on Pico Island?
We recommend three days on Pico Island to enjoy all the island has to offer. At a minimum, spend two days to experience Pico’s highlights.
Best time to visit Pico Island, Azores?
The best time to visit Pico (and any of the Azores islands) is from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant. Winters are fairly mild but, unfortunately, are quite rainy. For a winter visit, be sure to pack your raincoat.
We visited during shoulder season, in the month of November, and found the weather warm but windy during our stay. It rained at least once a day.
How to get to Pico Island, Azores
By Air:
Most people arrive on Pico by air. Direct flights from São Miguel Island (40 minutes), from Terceira Island (30 minutes) and from Lisbon (2 hours 45 mintues) are available on Azores Airlines. The Pico Airport is just outside the main town of Madalena.
By Ferry:
Atlânticoline operates daily ferries between the islands of Pico, Faial and São Jorge. The sailing time between São Roque (Pico) and Velas (São Jorge) is 50 minutes. The sailing time between Madalena (Pico) and Horta (Faial) is 30 minutes.
See the Atlânticoline timetable page for Pico Island ferry schedules.
How to get around Pico Island
Public buses on Pico Island are operated by Cristiano Limitada but schedules are limited. There are two bus routes: Madalena to São Roque and Madalena to Lajes do Pico. For more information, check the Pico Island public bus timetable.
Taxi services are also available on Pico Island.
Since bus and taxi options are somewhat limited on Pico, we believe having your own vehicle is a better option.
Where can I rent a car on Pico Island?
We recommend renting a car while visiting Pico Island. This gives you the freedom to discover the island’s many attractions. Car rentals are available at both the Pico Airport and in nearby Madalena.
Explore Our Complete Azores Island Hopping Guide
Discover our series of detailed guides to help you plan your perfect multi-island adventure:
Part 1: São Miguel Island – Hot springs, crater lakes, and lush green landscapes
Part 2: Terceira Island – UNESCO’s Angra do Heroísmo and rich Azorean history
Part 3: Pico Island – Portugal’s highest peak and world-class vineyards. (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 4: Faial Island – The Blue Island of hydrangeas and volcanic caldera
Part 5: São Jorge Island – Dramatic cliffs, fajãs, and Artisan Cheeses
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