Travel Guide of Pico Island in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers

Pico Island, is an island in the Central Group of the Portuguese Azores. The landscape features an eponymous volcano, Ponta do Pico, which is the highest mountain in Portugal, the Azores, and the highest elevation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

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Pictures and Stories of Pico Island from Influencers

2 pictures of Pico Island from Joao Branco, Giuseppe Bandiera, and other travelers

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How to visit Pico Island ?

Why traveling there?

Pico Island, located in the Azores archipelago of Portugal, is a nature lover's paradise. The island is home to the highest peak in Portugal, Mount Pico, which offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. Pico Island is also known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyards, volcanic landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. The island's picturesque villages, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination.

How to get there?

The most common way to reach Pico Island is by flying into Horta Airport on Faial Island and then taking a ferry to Pico Island. There are direct flights to Horta Airport from Lisbon and other Azorean islands such as São Miguel and Terceira. The ferry ride from Faial Island to Pico Island takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, Pico Island has a small airport (PIX) with flights from other Azorean islands, but these flights are less frequent.

What to book in advance?

It is recommended to book accommodation and car rentals in advance, as Pico Island is a popular destination and options can be limited during peak season. If you plan to hike Mount Pico or participate in other guided activities, such as whale watching or wine tasting tours, it's a good idea to book these experiences in advance as well to secure your spot.

What are the costs?

Pico Island is generally an affordable destination. Accommodation prices vary depending on the type and location, but you can expect to pay around €50-€150 per night for a double room. Meals at local restaurants range from €10-€20 per person. Car rentals are around €30-€50 per day. Guided activities, such as hiking Mount Pico and whale watching, can cost between €40-€80 per person.

What are the best things to do?

1. Hike Mount Pico: The main attraction on Pico Island is hiking Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal. The hike takes around 6-8 hours round trip and offers stunning views of the surrounding islands.
2. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyards: The unique volcanic vineyards of Pico Island are a must-see, and you can even sample some local wines.
3. Visit the Gruta das Torres lava tube: This impressive lava tube is one of the longest in the world and offers a fascinating insight into the island's volcanic history.
4. Whale watching: Pico Island is a prime location for spotting various species of whales and dolphins, especially between April and October.

Where to eat?

1. Ancoradouro: Located in the village of São Roque, Ancoradouro offers delicious fresh seafood and traditional Azorean dishes.
2. Cella Bar: This unique bar and restaurant in Madalena serves excellent tapas-style dishes and local wines, with stunning ocean views.
3. Tasca do Petrol: A cozy eatery in Lajes do Pico, Tasca do Petrol offers flavorful Azorean cuisine and a warm atmosphere.

Where to stay?

1. Aldeia da Fonte: A beautiful eco-friendly hotel nestled in a lush landscape, offering cozy rooms and stunning ocean views.
2. Pocinhobay: A luxurious boutique guesthouse located in the picturesque village of Prainha, featuring modern amenities and a serene atmosphere.
3. Adegas do Pico: A collection of traditional stone cottages in various locations around the island, offering a unique and authentic stay.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience, visit the abandoned whaling village of Calheta de Nesquim. This village offers a glimpse into the island's past, with its old whaling factory, traditional houses, and stunning coastal views. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the coastal trails, explore the village's history, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this hidden gem.

The Best Things to Do and Visit around Pico Island

Disover the best Instagram Spots around Pico Island here

1 - Ilha do Pico

Pico Island, is an island in the Central Group of the Portuguese Azores. The landscape features an eponymous volcano, Ponta do Pico, which is the highest mountain in Portugal, the Azores, and the highest elevation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

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2 - Mount Pico

   6 km away

Mount Pico is a currently quiescent stratovolcano located on Pico Island, in the mid-Atlantic archipelago of the Azores. It is the highest mountain in Portugal, at 2,351 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest Atlantic mountains; it is more than twice the elevation of any other peak in the Azores.

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3 - Wildlife Experiences in Pico

   9 km away

Witness the world's largest marine animals on this whale watching trip from Pico Island. Bringing nature to life, the Azores are considered one of the best places in the world to see ocean giants like sperm whales and blue whales. A marine rese...

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4 - Azores

   28 km away

The Azores, officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores, is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal. It is an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean, about 1,360 km west of continental Portugal, about 1,500 km west of Lisbon, in continental Portugal, about 1,500 km northwest of Morocco, and about 2,500 km southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.

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5 - Horta, Azores

   28 km away

Horta is a municipality and city in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores encompassing the island of Faial. The population in 2011 was 15,038 in an area of 173.06 square kilometres The city of Horta itself has a population of about 7,000.

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6 - Whale Watching in Pico

   9 km away

Witness the world's largest marine animals on this whale watching tour from Pico Island. Bringing nature to life, the Azores are considered one of the best places in the world for cetacen wtaching like sperm whales and blue whales. A marine res...

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7 - Faial

   36 km away

Faial Island, also known in English as Fayal, is a Portuguese island of the Central Group of the Azores. The Capelinhos Volcano, the westernmost point of the island, might as well be the westernmost point of Europe, if the Monchique Islet, near Flores Island, is considered part of North America, for it sits on the North American Plate.

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8 - Kayaking / Canoeing in Ilha do Pico

   9 km away

Come on a kayak tour along the coast of Pico Island in the Azores! The Portuguese archipelago of the Azores is made up of 9 islands. You've probably heard of São Miguel, the largest island and the capital of the Azores. However, its neighbouri...

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9 - Hiking in Ilha do Pico

   9 km away

Ready to climb Pico Mountain with a guide, the highest mountain in Portugal? Portugal's highest mountain is located in the volcanic archipelago of the Azores, on the island of Pico, the second largest after the capital São Miguel. It is Pico M...

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10 - Stand Up Paddling in Pico

   19 km away

Stand up paddle along the magnificent cliffs in Cais de Madalena, in Pico. Your journey begins at the enchanting Cais de Madalena, the perfect starting point to discover the untouched landscapes of Pico Island. This three-hour stand up paddle excursi...

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