The hotel is located in Madalena with an excellent location opposite the ferry terminal. It features modern décor and comfortable rooms facing Faial Island. It has a large garden with a swimming pool, a gym, and massage services.
The best travel hiking agency in Europe
Pico island, land of contrasts
Hiking from coastal vineyards to the summit of Mount Pico
Set off to discover Pico Island, in the heart of the Azores, while staying in Madalena, a charming coastal town surrounded by vineyards listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Behind the wheel of your rental car, you will embark on a journey combining hiking, cultural immersion, and marine exploration.
From Lajes do Pico, a former whaling stronghold, to the ascent of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, each day will bring you breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable encounters. Head out to sea to observe whales and dolphins, then walk through the black basalt vineyards all the way to the Wine Museum.
Highlights
- Hike Mount Pico (2,351 m) , highest peak of Portugal
- Exploring Pico island from Madalena : hikes, cultural visits, and whale watching
- Choose between 2 types of hotels
6 days
/ 5 nights
from 1 310 $
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Single-center
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 1 April to 15 November
Day by day program
Day 1 : Pico Airport - Arrival in Madalena
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
Day 2 : Head South - Drive to Lajes do Pico
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
Day 3 : Hike to Mount Pico - the highest peak of Portugal (2,351 m)
Did you know the highest peak in Portugal is right here on
Pico island ?
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:
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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).
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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
Day 4 : Whale watching
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
Day 5 : Hike through the old vines of Pico
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
Day 6 : Departure
Drive to the airport. Return your rental car at the airport and catch your return flight.
TRANSFER TIME : 10 min
The price includes
Travel documents
Accommodation in rooms with breakfast included
Rental car from Day 1 to Day 6 (see details unde"Internal Transfers")
Whale-watching boat ecursion
Organization and booking fees
Tourist taxes
The price doesn't include
Travel insurance, including optional coverage for the rental car
Round-trip air transport to and from Pico
Fuel
Possible parking fees
Entrance fees to sites and hiking trail access permits
Anything not listed under "included in the price"
Personalize your trip
Do you like this trip but would you like to add a few modifications? We can make you a tailor-made proposal.
Trip Notes
Level
Grade 2 - Easy:
From 100 to 400 m per day, with optional hikes reaching up to 1,150 m.
Accommodation
PREMIUM VERSION IN 4- STAR HOTEL
Hotel**** in Madalena :
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COMFORT VERSION IN 2- STAR HOTELS
Hotel** in Madalena :
The hotel is located in Madalena on the oceanfront. It has 12 rooms.
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Internal transfers
By rental vehicle
During your entire stay, you will drive a rental vehicle of category B or D depending on the number of people.
A package of 400€ is included in the trip price for the vehicle rental. Since rental prices fluctuate, if the cost at the time of booking is higher, the difference between the rental cost and the included package will be added as a supplement.
Car rental:
For 1 to 3 people: category B, e.g., Opel Corsa or equivalent.
For 4 to 5 people: category D, e.g., Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus, or equivalent.
Credit or debit card?
Regulations have changed, and rental companies now require a credit card rather than a debit card. This information is usually indicated on the front of your card. If you are unsure or it is not indicated, please check with your bank.
Conditions
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The driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driving license for a minimum of two years
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An international credit card in the driver’s name is mandatory (no Electron, Maestro, or Kyriel cards)
Included in the price:
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Unlimited mileage, local taxes, and registration fees
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Third-party liability insurance
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Tourist taxes
Not Included (payable locally):
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Fuel
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Optional insurance coverage
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Additional drivers
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GPS option
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Personal belongings must not be left in the vehicle; no reimbursement is provided for lost items
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Any fines (speeding, parking, etc.) will be sent to the address on the rental contract
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Drop-off fees if the vehicle is returned to a different agency (must be on the same island)
At Vehicle Pickup:
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Present the credit card and driver’s license of the main driver listed on the reservation, plus licenses for additional drivers (optional, paid locally)
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Ensure that all optional services or insurance coverages appear on the contract; request a French version if necessary
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Verify that no reserved options appear as additional charges
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Check the condition of the vehicle and note any existing damage on the contract
We strongly recommend reading the rental contract carefully. Signing the contract or initialing it for optional insurance authorizes the rental company to charge your credit card, with no reimbursement possible from the travel agency.
Management
No tour guide on this trip.
Hiking folder
Your hiking package includes:
- The itinerary sheet listing all accommodations and services
- Access to our digital app, which can be downloaded to your smartphone.
Welcome
- Arrival: Pico airport (PIX)
- Departure: Pico airport (PIX)
Note: You must provide us with your arrival times in Pico for the car rental reservation.
Regional flights to the main islands of the Azores are operated exclusively by the regional airline SATA : https://www.azoresairlines.pt
Dispersion
At Pico airport.
Individual equipment
Clothing
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf/ bandana
- t-shirts (avoid cotton, which dries slowly; choose short-sleeve breathable fabrics instead)
- 1 long-sleeve base layer or shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 pair of shorts or bermuda
- 1 pair of trekking pants
- 1 pair of comfortable pants for the evening
- 1 lightweight gore-tex-style jacket
- 1 rain poncho
- 1 waterproof overtrouser (optional)
- 1 swimsuit
- underwear
- hiking socks (avoid cotton "tennis-socks" - slow to dry and high risk of blisters)
- 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support (Vibram sole or equivalent)
- 1 pair of sandals or casualo shoes for the evening
Clothing should be adapted to the season of travel.
Equipment
- 1 pair of high-quality sunglasses
- 1 pair of telescopic trekking poles (optional, but useful for climbs, descents and uneven/ slippery terrain)
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1.5 liters)
- 1 headlamp (essential for tunnels)
- 1 pocket knife (must be placed in checked luggage)
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) for money and documents
- Toiletry kit (biodegradable products recommended)
- 1 quick-dry towel
- sunscreen and lip balm
- 1 airtight plastic box for your picnic, plus a cup and cutlery
Personal first aid kit
- Your usual medication
- Pain relief (paracetamol recommended)
- Elastic adhesive bandage (e.g. Elastoplast, 6 cm wide)
- Adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses
- "Second skin" blister pads (available in sports shops, pharmacies, parapharmacies)
- Mosquito repellent (optional)
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Trip to Pico island