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The Azores Travel Guide
With its rich cultural heritage and delicious local cuisine, the Azores is a must-visit destination.
The Azores archipelago is a remote Atlantic paradise known for its raw, unspoiled nature, volcanic landscapes, and commitment to sustainable travel. Located roughly 850 miles west of mainland Portugal, this group of nine unique islands offers a rare blend of adventure, culture, and tranquillity, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and intrepid travellers.
The islands are a geological hotspot situated at the junction of three tectonic plates, resulting in dramatic scenery that includes deep crater lakes, steaming hot springs, and towering volcanoes. Beyond the stunning landscapes, you'll discover a rich cultural tapestry, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites, a unique winemaking culture, and Europe's only commercial tea plantations.
Summary
1. Overview
7. Find Flights
9. Thing to do and to See
10. Where to stay in the Azores
11. Must try food
12.What to Pack
12.Azores Travel Blog Post
About the 9 Azores Islands
The Azores, an archipelago of nine islands, are categorized into three groups: the eastern group includes São Miguel and Santa Maria, the central group comprises Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial, while the western group consists of Flores and Corvo. In addition to the international airports in Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada, and Angra do Heroísmo, regional airline TAP Air Portugal operates flights to the islands, and ferry services connect them as well. Even the indifferent traveler will be moved by the stunning sapphire blue and emerald green lakes, lush prairies, volcanic cones and craters, vibrant hydrangeas and azaleas, 15th-century churches, and grand manor houses. This legendary archipelago, with its poetically named islands, enjoys mild temperatures year-round (ranging from 14°C to 22°C or 57°F to 71°F) and provides a tranquil refuge for its 250,000 residents, where the concepts of “stress” and “pollution” are virtually unheard of. Numerous tales of the archipelago’s beauty abound, including one shared by a holidaymaker. A foreign couple was quietly admiring the Caldeira das Sete Cidades when their six-year-old son interrupted, asking, “Is this God’s home?”
Pico
Faial
Terceira
Graciosa
Sao Jorge
Pico Island, also known as the “Mountain Island,” is a stunning and underrated gem in the Azores
Faial Island, often called the “Blue Island,known for its unique hydrangeas, which color the landscape in vibrant blues,.
Terceira Island offers a captivating mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences
Known as the “White Island,” this nickname reflects its striking landscapes and the names of iconic spots like Pedras Brancas
Known for its dramatic landscapes and rugged coastlines
Corvo,
Corvo is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural significance .
Flores
The island gets its name from the abundance of wildflowers, especially hydrangeas
Sao Miguel
São Miguel, known as “The Green Islanda place where every moment is an opportunity for discovery.”
Santa Maria
Santa Maria, often called “The Yellow Island,”offers a mosaic of yellow fields, white-washed houses, and golden sandy beaches.
Useful Facts about the Azores
Airport
São Miguel Sao Miguel do Oeste (SQX).
Capital
Ponta Delgada
Time Difference
GMT -1
Int.Dial Code
+351
Visa Requiered
No
Languages
Portuguese
Population
250,000
Currency
Euro
Voltage
220V, 50 Hz
Credit Card
Credit Cards,ATM, Travellers Cheques
Why Visit the Azores
The Azores, a remote Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and unique culture. It is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic, uncrowded getaway with a variety of outdoor activities and distinctive local experiences.
Key Reasons to Visit the Azores
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Breathtaking Nature and Landscapes: Each of the nine islands boasts unique and stunning scenery, from the iconic twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades on São Miguel to the moon-like volcanic desert of Capelinhos on Faial. The islands are covered in lush vegetation and, in the summer, an abundance of blue hydrangeas that line the roads, earning Faial its "Blue Island" nickname.
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Volcanic Wonders and Hot Springs: The Azores sit on a tectonic plate boundary, resulting in fascinating geothermal activity you can experience firsthand. You can soak in natural, iron-rich thermal pools at locations like
Terra Nostra Park and Caldeira Velha on São Miguel, or see the unique phenomenon of food (the traditional Cozido das Furnas stew) being slow-cooked in underground volcanic steam vents. On Terceira, you can explore the
Algar do Carvão, an ancient volcanic cave.
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Whale and Dolphin Watching: The waters surrounding the islands are a major sanctuary and one of the world's best spots for observing marine life. Over 20 species of cetaceans can be spotted, including resident sperm whales and migrating blue whales, with a high success rate on boat tours.
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Outdoor Adventures: The archipelago is a paradise for adventure travel, offering endless opportunities for hiking along diverse trails, canyoning, mountain biking, and scuba diving. You can also climb Mount Pico, Portugal's highest peak, on Pico Island for a challenging hike and panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
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Unique Culture and Cuisine: The islands have a distinct culture, with local traditions like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyard landscape of Pico, where vines are grown in small, black basalt stone enclosures called currais. The local cuisine emphasises fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including renowned Azorean cheese and the unique cozido stew. São Miguel is also home to Europe's only commercial tea plantations, Gorreana and Porto Formoso.
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Authenticity and Lack of Crowds: The Azores have largely avoided mass tourism development, offering a tranquil and authentic travel experience. This commitment to sustainable tourism means uncrowded sights and a gentle pace of life, allowing for a more immersive and relaxing holiday.
Best Time To visit the Azores
The best time to visit the Azores depends on your interests, as each season offers unique experiences. Generally, the period from April to September offers the best balance of fair weather and availability of activities.
Peak Season (June to August)
This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for general tourism, water sports, and festivals.
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Weather: Warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The sea is at its warmest, reaching around 24°C (75°F) in August and September.
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Activities: Perfect for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and boat tours, as seas are typically calm. It is also the main time for local festivals and events.
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Crowds & Price: This is the busiest time of year, with higher prices for flights and accommodation, so booking well in advance is essential.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May and September-October)
These periods offer a good compromise with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
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Weather: Milder temperatures and a higher chance of rain than the peak summer, but still many sunny days.
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Activities: Excellent for hiking and enjoying the lush, green landscapes and blooming flowers (especially hydrangeas in May/June). April and May are the prime months for spotting migratory blue and fin whales.
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Crowds & Price: Fewer tourists and the possibility of finding better deals on travel and lodging compared to high summer.
Off-Season (November to March)
Winter months are the quietest and most budget-friendly time to visit the islands.
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Weather: Mild but can be wet and windy, with temperatures around 11°C to 17°C (52°F to 63°F).
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Activities: Best for enjoying the numerous volcanic hot springs and thermal baths in places like Furnas, which are especially relaxing in the cooler air. It is also a good time for birdwatching and experiencing authentic local culture without the crowds.
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Crowds & Price: The fewest tourists and the best prices can be found during this time, though some restaurants and services may have reduced hours or close.
How to Get to the Azores
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To get to the Azores, you'll fly into Ponta Delgada (PDL) on São Miguel Island, usually connecting through Lisbon or Porto, with direct flights available seasonally from North America (Boston, NYC, Toronto) and some European cities (London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt). Azores Airlines (SATA) is the main carrier, offering flights and inter-island connections, but you can also find ferries between islands seasonally, though flying is best for long distances.
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From Europe
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Portugal: The primary gateway, with frequent connections to all islands via TAP Air Portugal and SATA.
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UK/Ireland: Direct flights to Ponta Delgada (PDL) from London (Ryanair, easyJet) and sometimes other cities.
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Spain/France/Germany/Italy: Most flights connect through Lisbon or Porto, though some direct options (like from Barcelona) exist.
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From North America (USA & Canada)
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Seasonal Direct Flights: Expect non-stop options from cities like Boston, New York, and Toronto to Ponta Delgada (PDL) during peak seasons (spring/summer).
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Connections: Most routes will involve a connection in Lisbon or another major European hub.
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Key Airlines
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Azores Airlines (SATA): Primary airline for inter-island travel and connections to the mainland/North America.
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TAP Air Portugal: Excellent connections from major global hubs.
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Budget Carriers: Ryanair and easyJet offer seasonal routes from Europe.
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From São Miguel or Terceira, regular SATA Air Açores flights or seasonal ferries connect the rest of the archipelago.
Island Hopping in the Azores with Air Açores
Island hopping in the Azores is the ultimate way to experience the nine unique volcanic islands, offering diverse landscapes from São Miguel's crater lakes (Sete Cidades) and Furnas hot springs to Pico's volcanic peak (Portugal's highest), Faial's lunar landscapes, and São Jorge's dramatic cliffs (Fajãs), accessible by internal flights and ferries, making it ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and whale watchers seeking geothermal wonders, UNESCO vineyards, and lush trails.
Streamlined Inter-Island Travel: Azores Islands Ferry Service
Ferry service in the Azores is an efficient way to travel between islands within the same geographic group, especially the central "triangle" islands of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge. However, there are no year-round ferries connecting all nine islands or between the different island groups. The sole operator is Atlânticoline.
Key Information on Azores Ferry Travel
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Operator: The only company providing inter-island ferry services is Atlânticoline.
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Coverage: Ferries connect islands within the central group (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, Graciosa) and the western group (Flores and Corvo).
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Limitations: There are no regular ferry services between the eastern group (São Miguel and Santa Maria) and any other islands, nor between different island groups (eastern, central, and western). For these longer distances, flights with SATA Azores Airlines are the recommended mode of transport.
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Seasonality:
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Year-round routes operate frequently between the closely located islands of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge (Blue and Green lines), and between Flores and Corvo (Pink line).
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Seasonal routes (Orange, Purple, and White lines) run primarily during the summer months (typically June to September) and connect a broader range of islands within the central group.
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Booking and Logistics:
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Tickets can be purchased online via the Atlânticoline website or at ferry terminals. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for vehicles, as space is limited.
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Ferries can transport both foot passengers and vehicles on certain routes.
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Ferry schedules are subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions, particularly outside of summer.
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Popular Year-Round Ferry Routes
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Faial (Horta) ↔ Pico (Madalena): This is the most frequent and shortest route, taking about 30 minutes. It is a very popular connection, often used by commuters, and offers great views of both islands.
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Faial/Pico
↔ São Jorge (Velas): The Green line connects these three islands, with the full journey taking around 2.5 hours.
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: The Pink line connects the two westernmost islands daily.
Search Here for Flights and Stays
How to Get Around the Azores
To get around the Azores, renting a car is highly recommended for freedom on each island, as public transport is limited, though buses serve main routes affordably. For island hopping, use Azores Airlines for short flights or Atlantico Line ferries, but be aware of weather-dependent schedules. Taxis are available but pricey for longer trips, while walking and cycling are great for exploring specific areas.
On Individual Islands (São Miguel, Terceira, etc.)
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Car Rental: The best option for flexibility to reach remote spots, explore at your own pace, and navigate varied terrain. Book well in advance, especially in summer.
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Public Buses: Inexpensive and cover most islands (except Corvo), but run on local schedules, making them slower for tourists.
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Taxis: Convenient for airport transfers or shorter trips (e.g., Ponta Delgada to Furnas), but expensive for long distances. Uber/rideshares aren't reliable.
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Walking/Hiking: Excellent for experiencing the islands' natural beauty up close on designated trails.
Between Islands (Island Hopping)
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Flights: Azores Airlines (SATA) offers quick inter-island flights.
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Ferries: Atlântico Line provides services, particularly robust in the central group (Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira). Services to the eastern and western islands vary by season.
Key Tips
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Flexibility: Renting a car offers the most flexibility to adapt to the weather and explore hidden gems.
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Book Ahead: Secure rental cars and flights/ferries, especially during peak season.
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Local Experience: Use buses and taxis for short hops, and enjoy walking to soak in the scenery.
Best Things to Do & Essential Highlights
The Azores archipelago offers a wide array of activities and natural wonders, from volcanic craters and hot springs to rich history and marine life. Essential highlights and the best things to do across the islands include:
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Natural Wonders & Landscapes
The islands are famous for their stunning volcanic landscapes and lush greenery.
Sete Cidades
(São Miguel Island): Visit the iconic twin crater lakes, one blue (Lagoa Azu) and one green (Lagoa Verde), best viewed from the Miradouro da Vista do Rei or the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno viewpoints. The area offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities.
Lagoa do Fog Explore the secluded "Lake of Fire a protected nature reserve offering breathtaking views from viewpoints like Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa
.Mount Pico
Challenge yourself to climb Portugal's highest peak for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The hike is strenuous but rewarding.
Capelinhos
Walk across the unique, barren, lunar-like landscape created by the island's most recent volcanic eruption in 1957-58 and visit the underground interpretation center.
Caldeira
Hike the rim of the impressive, lush green central crater of the island's volcano.
Geothermal Experiences & Relaxation
The Azores' volcanic nature provides unique opportunities for relaxation and natural spas.
Soak in Hot Springs (São Miguel Island): Immerse yourself in the iron-rich, warm mineral waters of Terra Nostra Park's large thermal pool in Furnas or the series of smaller, more intimate pools at Poça da Dona Beija. Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre also offers beautiful, lush hot springs with a waterfall.
Witness Fumaroles: See the bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers in the town of Furnas, where locals cook traditional stews using the geothermal heat. Swim in Natural Pools: Take a dip in the ocean-fed, natural lava rock pools found along the coast, such as the ones at Ponta da Ferraria (which are warmed by thermal vents) or the picturesque pools in Biscoitos on Terceira Island.
Adventure & Wildlife
The islands are a hub for outdoor activities and marine observation.
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Whale and Dolphin Watching: Embark on a boat tour from islands like São Miguel or Pico to see the diverse marine life, which includes sperm whales, blue whales (in spring), and several dolphin species year-round. Biologist-led tours offer educational insights.
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Canyoning and Hiking: Explore the numerous hiking trails and canyons across the islands.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park is a great spot on São Miguel for canyoning down waterfalls and zip-lining, suitable even for beginners.
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Kayaking and Snorkelling: The perfectly circular, submerged volcanic crater at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
offers excellent conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking in calm, clear waters.
Culture & Cuisine
Experience the local culture and unique culinary traditions.
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Visit Europe's Only Commercial Tea Plantation: Tour the historic Gorreana Tea Factory on São Miguel, walk through the emerald green fields, and enjoy a free tea tasting.
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Explore Historic Cities: Wander the charming, cobbled streets of Angra do Heroísmoon Terceira Island, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Renaissance architecture and colourful buildings.
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Feast on Cozido das Furnas: Try the unique traditional stew of meats and vegetables that is slow-cooked in a pot underground using natural volcanic heat.
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Sample Local Wine and Cheese: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-protected vineyard culture on Pico Island, where grapes grow in small, basalt-walled plots (currais), and taste the local wines and famous Queijo São Jorge cheese.
Where to Stay in the azores
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Choose your base depending on itinerary and island. In São Miguel (the main hub), options range from luxury hotels to rural guesthouses.
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Recommended accommodations include:
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Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico (Ponta Delgada)
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DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa Azores
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Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada
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Azoris Faial Garden – Resort Hotel (Horta, Faial)
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Book early, especially in peak season, as rooms and rental cars can be scarce.
Search here for stays
Gastronomy Highlights
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The gastronomy of the Azores is a hearty "peasant cuisine" shaped by its volcanic landscape and Atlantic isolation. The food is characterised by simple, intense flavours, with heavy use of hot peppers and spices like cumin and allspice.
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Iconic Dishes
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Cozido das Furnas: A signature stew of São Miguel made with various meats (pork, beef, chicken) and vegetables. It is slow-cooked for hours underground using natural volcanic steam.
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Lapas (Limpets): A local seafood staple typically grilled in their shells with butter, garlic, and red pepper (pimenta da terra), then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
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Alcatra: Traditionally from Terceira, this is a slow-cooked pot roast made with beef (or fish), red wine, onions, garlic, and spices, served in a large unglazed clay pot.
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Polvo Guisado (Octopus Stew): Octopus is common across the islands, often slow-cooked in a rich sauce of wine and spices or served à lagareiro (roasted with potatoes and plenty of olive oil).
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Bacalhau (Salt Cod): An essential staple with numerous preparations, including Bacalhau com Natas (baked with cream and potatoes).
Cheese and Dairy
The Azores produce about 50% of Portugal's cheese.
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Queijo de São Jorge: A sharp, semi-hard, spicy cheese aged for 3 to 24 months. It has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
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Queijo do Pico: A softer, pungent, more buttery cheese from the island of Pico.
Baked Goods and Fruits
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Bolo Lêvedo: A slightly sweet, English-muffin-like flatbread from Furnas, São Miguel. It is versatile and often served as a burger bun or simply with butter.
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Dona Amélia Cakes: Spiced cupcakes from Terceira, originally created for a royal visit in 1901.
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Azorean Pineapple: Grown in traditional glasshouses on São Miguel, these small pineapples take up to two years to mature and are prized for their intense sweetness and lack of acidity.
Local Beverages
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Wine: The island of Pico is famous for its UNESCO-protected volcanic vineyards, producing crisp, mineral-forward whites and fortified wines like Verdelho.
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Tea: The Azores (specifically São Miguel) host the only industrial tea plantations in Europe, such as
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Gorreana and Porto Formoso
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Kima: A popular local soda made with passion fruit.
What Should I Pack to Travel to the Azores?
Pack versatile layers, waterproof gear (jacket, extra socks), sturdy walking/hiking shoes, swimwear (for iron-rich pools that may stain), and essentials like a backpack, sunscreen, and camera, as the Azores climate means "four seasons in a day," requiring adaptability for rain, wind, sun, and varying temperatures year-round. Focus on comfort and practicality, but include a nicer outfit for evenings out.
Clothing
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Layers: T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, a fleece/cardigan, and a light jacket.
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Waterproofs: A waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood is crucial; bring an extra pair of socks for sudden showers.
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Bottoms: Hiking leggings/trousers, comfortable shorts, and perhaps jeans (though they dry slowly).
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Swimwear: At least one swimsuit (consider older ones for iron-rich thermal pools).
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Evening Wear: A casual dress or nicer outfit for dinners.
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Activewear: Athletic wear for hikes and runs.
Footwear
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Hiking Shoes: Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip are essential for trails.
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Sandals/Flip-flops: For relaxing or visiting pools.
Gear & Accessories
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Daypack: A lightweight backpack for hikes.
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Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sun hat, and reef-safe sunscreen.
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Electronics: Camera, chargers, and a power adapter if needed.
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Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
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Quick-Dry Towel: Useful for thermal baths.
Tips
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Weather: Be prepared for rapid changes; pack for all conditions.
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Stains: Thermal pool water can stain swimwear.
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Comfort: Prioritize comfort for exploring stunning landscapes.
Pico Island Travel Guide
Discover Pico, the mountain island
The Island of Pico, covering 448 km², is the second largest in the Azores and is home to Portugal's highest peak, Pico, which rises 2,351 meters above sea level. Known as the Mountain Island, Pico is of the "triangle islands," located furthest south in the central group of the archipelago, just 6 km from Faial. Its hot, dry and mineral-rich lava soil, arranged in a beautiful mosaic of black plots called "currais," have contributed to the successful of vines, particularly the Verdelho variety. Over, Pico's wine and brandy popularity both locally and internationally, with Verdelho achieving and even gracing the tables of Russian Tsars. The island's unique lava fields, referred to as "lajidos" or "cookie" by locals, form the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, with Lajido da Criação Velha andajido de Santa Luzia being prime examples.
Pico Island Map and Summary
When to Visit Pico Island
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
There are primarily two ways to reach Pico:
By or air.
Flights are available through SATA Acores and Azores Airlines, with SATA connecting Pico to Ponta Delgada and Terceira, Azores Airlines operates flights to and from Lisbon, usually with a layover.
Pico Airport (PIX), also known as Madalena Airport, is situated along the island's northwestern coast, between the capital and Santa Luzia. Located just 8 kilometers from Madena’s urban center, is easily accessible via the regional highway ER1. The airport offers regular connections to Lisbon through TAP Portugal and regional flights between the Azores islands, particularly to Terceira and Ponta Delgada, operated by SATA Air Açores.
By Ferry:
The Atlantico Line ferries offer several daily routes to other islands in archipelago, particularly to nearby São Jorge. It’s wise to check the schedules a month in advance, as they change throughout the year, with increased sailings in the summer.
The best option for daily ferries is the Green Route ferry that operates 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 Pico Island ferry times on the Atlânticoline website for full details.
How to get around
The best choice to get around Pico is undoubtedly to rent a car or scooter.
In this way you will be able to visit even the most hidden and less touristy corners of the island in total freedom, without having to always look at the clock to synchronise with public transport, which by the way are few and inconstant. In addition to the major car rental companies, Pico is home to several local companies such as Autatlantis, Ilha Verde and Eurocor, which often propose interesting offers. To avoid the risk of arriving on the island and not finding a car available, it is recommended to book in advance on the internet.
On the island there is also a bus service, but usually does not meet the needs of tourists, as in some places there are no stops.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.
Do not exclude, if you want to move for small stretches and not frequently, the use of cabs. -
Things to do in Pico
Pico offers an abundance of experiences. Rather than just scratching the surface explore every aspect of this island, from its stunning coastline to majestic mountains, fully appreciate its richness. You can easily visit the most sites by renting a car or opting cabs, private minibuses, or public. For a budget-friendly and efficient option, we recommend public transport.
Madalena, the main town and fishing port of Pico, is where ferries arrive from other islands, and you can catch sight of islets of Em Pé and Deitado in the surrounding waters. Don't miss Arcos do Cachorro, a striking formation of volcanic rock that resembles a of solidified lava sculptures.
Pico is home to fascinating museums, including the Museum, which showcases ancient whaling boats and offers interactive for all ages, and the Wine Museum, highlighting the unique vineyards of Pico, including grape varieties cultivation methods, and historical winemaking tools.
Happy Village is more than just a settlement; it's a philosophy of life featuring stone buildings crafted by through teamwork. Although still under construction, the friendly inhabitants welcome visitors to explore this unique project.
The island's volcanic character is evident around the capital,alena, particularly at Mount Pico, which offers breathtaking views. At its summit, you'll find a landscape rich in secondary volcanic features. Be sure to witness natural wonders during your visit.
La Gruta das Torres is another must-see: a remarkable lava cave formed by the cooling of underground magma, located near Criação Velha. Spanning over 5.2 kilometers, this is the longest lava cave in the Azores, with access managed by the mountaineering association "Os Montanheiros."
Lajes do Pico, the oldest inhabited area of the island, features six traditional villages: São João, Lajes, Ribeiras Calheta do Nesquim, Piedade, and Ribeirinha. The region retains a sense of history, with economic focused on tourism, cattle breeding, and dairy production, alongside a rich fishing tradition, particularly in tuna.
Lastly, Parque Forestalainha do Norte covers 15 hectares of land formed by basalt from the 1562 eruption. It boasts native vegetation and rivers that invite the most reluctant visitors to explore its many paths. You can also enjoy the scenic views and recreational amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
The beaches of Pico
Pico may not be the ideal island for those seeking sandy shores to in the sun. Instead of traditional beaches, you'll find small patches of sand or stone along the sea, where the waters are generally calmer
The primary swimming spots are located near the three towns: Lajes do Pico, Madalena, and São Roque do Pico.
Near Lajes, you can visit Baixa da Ribeirinha, Baia de Canas, and Ba das Lajes,
Madalena offers Areia Larga Areia Funda beaches.
In São Roque, you'll find resorts of Barca, Cabrito, and Arcos.
Due to the island's rugged terrain, many of these areas do not have direct sea access, but natural pools have formed that are perfect for children's bathing, serving as the swimming locations on the island.
Activities in Pico
During your visit to Pico Island, you'll have a variety of activities to choose from based on your location and itinerary. You explore independently or rely on local agencies, which itineraries online for your convenience.
For trekking and climbing, Pico Island features remarkable sites accessed some of its oldest paths, leading to peaks with stunning views. Take time to wander the interior in search of traditional villages; all trails are well-marked and for safe exploration.
Guided tours are also available, offering exploratory walks along the coastline
If you're interested in sea activities, Pico provides excellent opportunities for observing marine life, including whale, or, and dolphin, as well as the chance to swim with sharks.
Numerous diving schools cater to all experience levels, taking you to areas rich in marine.
Pico's unique lava soil and black stone support thriving vineyards. Participating in a farm tour will deepen your understanding of the island's wine production, exploring viticulture history and the distinct flavors and aromas of the wines. Local agencies offer half-day or full-day tours.
Lastly, Whalers’ Week is a significant socio-cultural event on Pico celebrating the island's devotion to Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, the patron of whalers. This week-long festival kicks off on the last of August, honoring ancient traditions.
Where to stay in Pico
The accommodation scene on Pico Island can be summed up by modern or rustic stone houses tucked into lush forests, dramatic mountainsides, or seaside spots with incredible views and peaceful surroundings. If you’re wondering where to stay on Pico Island, this is the vibe you can expect.
At Pico Terramar & Spa, you get to experience Pico Island at its most serene — tucked between the ocean and Mount Pico, in a spot that feels quiet and far away but still super connected.
The Aldeia das Adegas is located in the quiet and charming village of São Roque do Pico, on the north coast of Pico Island. Surrounded by lush vineyards, traditional basalt stone walls, and the Atlantic Ocean just minutes away, the neighborhood offers an authentic and peaceful Azorean atmosphere. The area is known for its proximity to UNESCO-listed vineyards, local wine cellars, and easy access to the island’s cultural and natural attractions, including hiking trails, lava fields, and the port for whale-watching tours.
AzoreS Travel Blog
