Pico Island – Complete guide to visiting Azores's most picturesque island

We spent just over 24 hours on Pico Island, and all I can say is: what an adventureThe second-largest island in the Azores, home to the highest point in Portugal, was the most unique and intriguing part of our week-long itinerary in the Azores.

So, if you're unsure whether Pico Island is worth including in your Azores itinerary, don't hesitate — it's absolutely amazing!

Pico Island is the youngest island in the Azores archipelago, at around 300,000 years old, which is nothing in geological terms. As soon as I landed, I sensed there was something special about this place:the landscape, the soil, the vegetation — it felt as if my flight had crossed a time-space portal, transporting me to a land sculpted by magical beings.

Being so young, the island's soil still vividly reflects its volcanic origins. Everything is strikingly black, contrasting with the deep blue of the sea and the white of the ever-present clouds. The few buildings on the island are constructed from this volcanic rock, giving its villages a distinct and rustic charm.

Now, let's dive into our complete guide to Pico Island, the most picturesque island in Portugal!

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Pico Mountain, the highest point in Portugal

If, like me, you always thought Serra da Estrela was the highest point in Portugal, you were mistaken 😂

The highest point in Portugal is actually Pico Mountain, located on Pico Island 🗻, standing at 2,351 meters above sea level. In contrast, Torre Mountain in Serra da Estrela is the highest point on mainland Portugal and the second highest in the country, at 1,993 meters above sea level.

They say that on a clear day, Pico — a volcano whose last activity was in the eighteenth century — stands majestically with its perfectly conical shape, dominating the island's landscape and visible from all the islands in Azores central group. But the weather gods didn’t quite cooperate with us on this trip, and Pico Mountain remained a mystery to me, only existing in my imagination. I left Pico Island the same way I arrived — without having seen the mountain. Not a glimpse, not even the base, not even a mirage of Pico.

So, manage your expectations: Pico is almost always shrouded in clouds, and clear days when it’s fully visible are rare. I’m not trying to jinx anyone’s trip, but I also can’t pretend everything is always picture-perfect, because any experienced traveler knows that if there’s one thing we can’t control, it’s nature.

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What to do on Pico Island, in Portugal

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Trekking to the top of Pico Mountain

In my naivety, I had pictured myself at the highest point in Portugal on a day with clear blue skies, a pleasant breeze in my hair, celebrating yet another milestone in the life of an adventurous traveler. But, of course, my knee had other ideas, reason took over, and the lack of time played the final card. The ascent to Pico was promptly discarded.

However, if you have an adventurous spirit and enjoy a challenge, I highly recommend it. The trek to the summit of Pico is strenuous but doesn't require specific skills. With an experienced guide, plenty of energy, and a good knee, anyone can reach the top.

When planning the trip, I contacted the operators who organize the climb to Pico. There is the daytime trek that starts early in the morning and returns in the late afternoon. The walk begins at 1,200 meters altitude, the highest point accessible by car. From there to the summit, it’s estimated to take six to eight hours. The operators also informed me that it’s possible to do a night trek, starting the climb in the afternoon, camping at the summit, and descending in the morning. Besides the sunset, just imagine the starry sky that can be seen from up there (clouds allowing, of course)! Night trekking is considered difficult, as everyone has to carry their own camping equipment (there are no porters).

If you’re planning to climb Pico, set aside at least two full days on the island, or three if you really want to ensure the climb, as the tour can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions.

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Discover the vineyards of Pico Island and taste their delicious wines

Beyond its famous mountain, Pico Island is renowned for its wine production 🍇🍷— and we had the pleasure of exploring this delightful aspect of the island!

On volcanic soil, the vines are cultivated in small corrals made of volcanic stones. These structures protect the plants and their fruit from wind and salt spray, while also creating a microclimate that prevents temperatures from dropping too much at night. This unique combination of factors gives the wines distinct characteristics, with notes of salt, lava, ash, and more, along with a special flavor that reflects the incredible stories of resilience and determination of the local residents and winemakers. The result is light, delicious, and intriguing wines.

We sampled quite a few (in fact, several) from almost every local producer. We enjoyed an excellent tasting at the Azores Wine Company and visited the Vine Culture Landscape Interpretation Center and the Pico Island Wine Cooperative — though this one, unfortunately, outside of tour and tasting hours. The small and free Wine Museum is also worth a visit, offering a stunning view of the omnipresent Pico Mountain on a clear day.

Having a rental car made it easier to explore the island and visit the wineries, but you can also opt for a full-day tour of Pico's wineries, which has the added advantage of allowing you to drink without worrying about driving. Another option is to take a tour that combines a complete island exploration with strategic stops at the wineries.

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History of grape cultivation and wine production on Pico Island

Grape cultivation and wine production on Pico Island in the Azores dates back to the fifteenth century, when the first Portuguese settlers introduced viticulture to the region. The island’s volcanic soil, combined with its temperate climate and proximity to the sea, created ideal conditions for growing grapes, particularly the Verdelho variety.

Vineyards were established on rocky terrain, protected by stone walls known as “corrals,” which shielded the vines from strong winds and sea salinity. These traditional cultivation methods are unique and have contributed to the recognition of Pico wine for its quality and distinctive character.

In the 18th century, Verdelho do Pico wine gained international acclaim and was exported to several countries. However, production significantly declined due to the phylloxera plague and widespread emigration. In recent decades, there has been a revival of viticulture on the island, with efforts to restore traditional methods and promote Pico wine as a high-quality product. In 2004, the vineyard landscape of Pico Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring the cultural and historical significance of viticulture on the island.

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Stroll around the island and enjoy the landscape

Pico Island is one of those places best enjoyed at your own pace, with your own car, stopping whenever and wherever you please, savoring every moment in this scenic and unique environment.

A road encircles the island, covering just over one hundred km. While it’s a bit challenging, it’s manageable to complete in a day, including various stops along the way. That’s exactly what we did: even with the weather not fully cooperating, we managed to drive around the entire island in just a few hours.

Since the road is circular, you can start from any point. We began our journey at the airport, where we picked up our rental car as soon as our flight landed early in the morning. From there, our first stop was the village of Lajido, which, in my opinion, is the most charming and aesthetically beautiful village on the island.

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Lajido

Lajido is a tiny village where all the houses along its three narrow streets are built from black volcanic stones, with white mortar and red doors and windows. The waves crashing against the rocks, combined with the clouds encircling Pico Mountain, created a scene straight out of a fantasy movie as we arrived on the island.

Here, you’ll find the Centro de Interpretação da Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha - Vineyard Culture Landscape Interpretation Center, a small museum about the history of grape cultivation on Pico Island. It’s free to enter, and I highly recommend a visit.

We also visited the Casa dos Vulcões - House of Volcanoes, an interactive museum that explores the geological formation of the nine islands that make up the Azores. It offers plenty of interesting information, including a short film in an interactive dome and a simulator of an earthquake that occurred in the 1980s in the region. The €5 entrance fee is well worth it.

We then continued toward Madalena, driving along the coastal road, and made a stop at the Azores Wine Company — without further delay, as we were eager to explore what had drawn us to Pico: the wineries! After learning about the history of Pico wine and enjoying a tasting, we headed to the village of Madalena.

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Madalena

Madalena is the largest village on the island and where we stayed at the Porto Velho Boutique Hostel.

The Igreja Matriz is worth a few minutes of your time, especially to admire the volcanic rocks used in its structure.

In Madalena, you’ll also find the Pico Island Wine Cooperative. It’s a good idea to check the times of the guided tour in advance to get the most out of your visit. We also tried to visit the Pico cheese factory, but unfortunately, it was closed — a real shame since we had been recommended to try the local cheese, which has been produced there for almost a century.

There are several mills scattered across the island. As you leave Madalena heading south toward Lajes do Pico, you’ll come across Moinho do Frade, Moinho do Monte, Moinho de São João, and others. I recommend stopping by at least one to learn about their history and the role they played over time.

As expected, Pico Island is dotted with a series of viewpoints: Miradouro da Terra Alta, Miradouro da Pontinha, Miradouro da Prainha, Miradouro da Ponta da Ilha. Whether the weather is good or bad, it’s worth stopping and taking in the view, which is incredible. And honestly, who can deny that cloudy days, like the one we had, add a certain mysterious charm to the landscape?

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Lajes do Pico

Lajes do Pico is one of the largest villages in the southern region of Pico Island, making it an excellent spot to stop for a coffee or even lunch. The natural pools in Lajes offer a stunning view, and depending on the tide, you might even enjoy a swim.

In Lajes, you’ll also find the Museu dos Baleeiros - Whaling Museum, which is dedicated to the whaling industry that was, for a long time, the most important economic activity on the island.

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Ponta da Ilha

We drove to the easternmost tip of the island, to the Miradouro e Farol da Ponta da Ilha, but, to our absolute misfortune, we couldn’t see anything. Not only was the weather terrible, but a sea storm was brewing, with gigantic waves. We thought it best to leave quickly before the sea claimed our car.

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Santo Amaro and São Roque do Pico

From Ponta da Ilha, we headed back toward Madalena along the north side of Pico Island, passing through Santo Amaro, Prainha, and São Roque do Pico.

But by this point in the day, the weather was really not on our side. Crazy winds shook our car, the rain was relentless, and the sea was so rough that it made me wonder why people insist on living on this island. With that, we decided it was time to end our tour of Pico Island, stop for a good lunch, and rest.

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Cetacean sighting

One of the most thrilling activities on Pico Island is taking a boat trip to watch cetaceans, commonly known as whales and dolphins. The Azores are globally recognized as one of the best places to observe these animals in their natural habitat. The deep, nutrient-rich waters around the islands, created by ocean currents, make this region a true marine sanctuary.

During the tour, you’re most likely to spot common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and striped dolphins. In addition to these, whales also make an appearance, with the majestic blue whale — the largest creature to ever roam the planet — and the impressive sperm whale, known for its acrobatics, being the highlights.

Since the Azores are on the migration route for several species, the chances of sightings are always good, though they vary throughout the year. And the best part? Tour operators follow strict guidelines to ensure that all activities are conducted in a safe and sustainable manner, with respect for the animals.

This was one experience I was absolutely determined to have in the Azores, but due to logistical reasons — we had, as I mentioned, onlu 24 hours on Pico Island — we decided to do it on Terceira Island, where we stayed for nearly three days. However, the conditions on Pico Island are said to be just as favorable, so it’s simply a matter of deciding which island fits best into your Azores itinerary. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear day, it must be incredible to see whales and dolphins with Pico Mountain in the background.

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How to get to Pico Island

Pico Island is part of the Central Group of islands in the Azores and can be accessed by boat or plane.

There are year-round boat connections between Pico and Faial, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. Additionally, there is boat service connecting Pico to other islands in the Central Group for most of the year, as detailed in my post about the complete 7-day itinerary through the Azores.

However, if you’re coming from another Portuguese island besides Faial, the most convenient and quickest way to reach Pico Island is by plane, with flights operated by SATA.

Pico Island was the second Azorean island we visited during our week there. We took two inter-island flights: one from São Miguel to Pico Island and another from Pico to Terceira Island.

For details on how to search for inter-island flights and plan your itinerary around the Azores, check out my post on our our one-week itinerary through the Azores.

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Where to stay on Pico Island

The best place to stay on Pico Island is the village of Madalena, the island’s largest "city," where you’ll find the most options for accommodation, dining, and services.

We stayed at Porto Velho Boutique Hostel, located right in the heart of the village, almost directly across from the Main Church and the Maritime Terminal (where boats to and from Faial depart). The room was clean, with a friendly minimalist decor and a side view of the pier—great value for the money.

Other options I considered on Pico Island included Hotel Caravelas, a larger hotel with a swimming pool and other amenities. However, I opted against it as it seemed a bit impersonal and cold. There was also Villa da Madalena , a traditional, no-frills hotel that appeared very friendly and offered good value. Lastly, I looked at Pico Terramar & SPA, which is in a higher price range but offers a modern design and is just a short walk from the center.

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Where to eat on Pico Island

During our one day on the island, we managed to have two meals: lunch and breakfast, along with a perfect wine tasting with accompaniments. Everything was delicious and offered great value.

Lunch was particularly memorable. We chose O Cinco, a restaurant we found on Google that had good reviews and was open at 4 pm — the time we decided to wrap up our day of sightseeing due to the storm that had hit the island.

Upon entering, I was a bit skeptical about the menu, which featured everything from burgers and kebabs to octopus à lagareiro. It seemed like an eclectic mix for such a remote village, but hunger prevailed, and since we were in the Azores, we decided to try the local specialty. We ordered Polvo a Lagareira (octopus in the fireplace) and a Arroz de Polvo (octopus rice). These were among the most divine dishes we had during our entire trip through Portugal, which included a a week in the Azores and another in Douro. I still dream about them!

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Another highly recommended spot on Pico Island is Cella Bar, known for its futuristic design, making it a great place for a late afternoon drink. It was on our list, but as I’ve mentioned, the weather was so bad — rain, wind, and cold — that we had to skip it. I hope you have better luck with the weather, as it seems like a remarkable place.

The next day, we enjoyed breakfast at Padaria Andrade with the locals and children on their way to school. The coffee was excellent, the sweets were wonderful, and the service was friendly. It’s one of those places where you really feel like you’re living like a local.

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How to get around Pico Island

Although the island's tourist infrastructure is excellent, with many guided tour options, the best way to explore Pico Island is by having your own wheels.

We rented a car through the platform Rent Cars, with the rental company Europcar. We picked up the car at the airport as soon as we landed. There was a short queue, consisting mostly of people from our flight, but picking up the vehicle was smooth. While my travel partner waited in line, I took the opportunity to visit the nearby tourist information kiosk, where I grabbed a paper map of the island (yes, they still exist!) and got tips on how to make the most of our 24 hours on Pico Island.

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Complete map of our trip through the Azores

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Here is our detailed one-week itinerary through the Azores, including Pico Island, on Google MyMaps. Just click and save it to your Google account. When you plan your next trip to the Azores, you'll know exactly where to start 😉

In this post, I explain how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips. It’s a fantastic tool for saving places, calculating routes and distances, and organizing your trip overall. I highly recommend it!

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How to use this map: Click the tab in the upper left corner to access various layers, including points of interest and routes. You can toggle these layers by selecting the checkboxes. For more details on specific points of interest, click the corresponding icons on the map.

To save this map to your Google Maps account: Click the star icon next to the map title. To access it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, tap the menu button, go to “My Places”, select “Maps” and you will find this map listed among your saved maps.

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