Pico island, land of contrasts

Welcome to Pico Island!

Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Madalena, a charming coastal town where you will settle in for the next five nights.

The lively capital of the island, Madalena faces Faial Island, just 8 kilometers away and clearly visible on a clear day. It also lies at the heart of Pico’s famous vineyard landscape, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a unique patchwork of vines planted between black basalt walls, a testament to ancestral know-how deeply connected to the island’s volcanic soil.

Check in your accommodation for 5 nights. 

TRANSFER TIME : 10 min

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option

Drive south towards Lajes do Pico, a village with a unique charm, almost at the edge of the world.

Once the bustling hub of whaling until the early 1980s, this small coastal town has preserved the memory of its maritime past. A visit to the Whalers’ Museum immerses you in the world of those men who braved the ocean in fragile boats.

Today, Lajes has become one of the island’s best spots for whale and dolphin watching, a living testimony to Pico’s deep connection with the giants of the sea.

We suggest a gentle walk up to the heights of the village. The trail leads to the Vigia, a former whale lookout point offering a stunning panorama over the ocean.

The return path takes you through the countryside, winding past farms and between black lava stone walls that mark the pastures of dairy cows, an emblematic feature of Pico’s rural landscape.

At the end of the afternoon, why not enjoy a well-deserved break in Lajes’ natural swimming pools? It’s the perfect opportunity to cool off in crystal-clear waters, lulled by the waves of the Atlantic.

HIKING TIME : 3h 

DISTANCE : 6 km

ASCENT : 250 m 

DESCENT : 250 m 

TRANSFER TIME : around 1h 

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option

Rising to 2,351 meters, Mount Pico proudly dominates the Azores archipelago and catches the eye from every corner of the island.

Today, we invite you to get closer to this basalt giant-or even attempt its ascent if you are feeling adventurous! This demanding hike requires a minimum level of fitness, proper gear, and sturdy hiking boots. If you wish, we can put you in touch with a local guide to ensure a safe climb.

The volcano is part of the Montanha do Pico Natural Reserve, which regulates access to the site and will provide you with all the necessary information before setting out.

You have two options:

• A short approach walk to Furna do Abrigo, perfect for discovering the volcanic landscapes without too much effort (about 1 km - 45 minutes round trip).

• The full ascent to the summit, reserved for experienced hikers. The route covers about 3.8 km one way, with an elevation gain of 1,150 meters. Expect around 3 hours of climbing, and more for the descent, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.

HIKING TIME : 2h to 7h depending on selected option

DISTANCE : 2 to 8 km

ASCENT : 200 to 1,150 m 

DESCENT : 200 to 1,150 m 

TRANSFER TIME : around 40 min

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option

Get ready for a rare and unforgettable experience, in the heart of a breathtaking natural sanctuary.

Set out alongside passionate naturalist guides and marine biologists, true experts of the local wildlife.

Out on the open sea, far from the bustle of everyday life, you will have the chance to watch whales and dolphins moving freely in their natural environment. Every encounter is unique, every sighting a moment of wonder.

TRANSFER TIME : around 1h

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option

The story of Pico is written to the rhythm of vineyards, sun, and black stone. Wine is part of the island’s soul, and even today, during the harvest, the aroma of bagaço-the spirit distilled in traditional stills-fills the air, blending tradition and celebration.

Your day begins in Madalena, exploring the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes, before heading towards the small coastal hamlet of Calhau.

Along the way, take a refreshing break at the natural pools of Criação Velha, nestled between basalt rocks and the endless ocean.

Throughout the walk, you will discover a landscape shaped by both human hands and volcanic forces: miles of black lava stone walls, painstakingly built to protect the vines from Atlantic winds and sea spray. This unique craftsmanship reflects the ingenuity of Pico’s winemakers, who have tamed a harsh land to produce an exceptional wine: verdelho, with its delicate and mineral aromas.

The day continues with a visit to the Wine Museum, housed in a former annex of a Carmelite convent.

HIKING TIME : 4h30

DISTANCE : 15 km

ASCENT : 220 m  

DESCENT : 220 m 

TRANSFER TIME : no transfer

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option

Drive to the airport. Return your rental car at the airport and catch your return flight.

TRANSFER TIME : 10 min