This island of wine, cheese and peace has neat, whitewashed towns, clean streets and sidewalks and a remote volcanic countryside filled with grazing cows and vineyards. The ever-present volcanic peak slips in and out of the clouds on visits to Lajes, a tiny seaside whaling village of black volcanic homes whitewashed in patterns. Today, Pico is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pico represents life on a grand scale, from the mountain that rises from the sea to form the island, to the epic struggle between whaling boats and the powerful sperm whale to the efforts of local men who built houses from black lava and cultivated vineyards and fields in volcanic soil.
Pico is its own small world that was built throughout the centuries by whalers, farmers and fishermen. Your holiday here will be full of contrasts, from the barren edges of an old volcano to vineyards of figs and grapes and from vast panoramas to cozy villages perched above the sea.
Getting To and Around Pico Island
SATA, the regional airline, flies daily to Pico, departing from the airports of Ponta Delgada in São Miguel and Lajes in Terceira. There is also a ferry that connects Pico to the islands of Faial and Sao Jorge (This ferry route is also known as “the triangle”). Transportation options include car rentals, taxis and public bus. The bus line travels to and from the main towns and places of interest on the island, including stops in Madalena, in front of the Whalers’ Museum in Lajes do Pico and in front of the old fishing port in Sao Roque.
Places to Stay
Aldeia da Fonte Hotel – Aldeia da Fonte is a charming hotel perched above the sea with the splendorous Pico Mountain as a backdrop. Conceived to be a bastion of truly sustainable ecological tourism, the property was based on traditional local architecture using the natural materials of the region, such as volcanic rock. The surrounding gardens are elegant and carefully maintained (most of the original flora has been preserved) creating a serene locale. Aldeia da Fonte is located by the sea in the south of Pico Island, 5 minutes by car from Lajes do Pico, the traditional whaling village of the Azores.
Pocinho Bay – Boutique Hotel – Located on the volcanic rocky coast on a small bay facing Faial, this former hamlet has recently been converted into a high quality, stylish retreat. This is an ideal place for a special occasion with its chic style. The owner has designed and decorated the original stone cottages beautifully with gorgeous gilded framed mirrors and antique paintings set against the interior volcanic stone walls. There are tranquil areas to relax everywhere from the extensive 12 acres of land and gardens to the hammocks on the terrace overlooking the bay.
Hotel Caravelas – This hotel is located in the heart of Madalena on Pico Island and is close to the beach with a view of the island of Faial. The Hotel Caravelas is 110 yards from the port and a short drive to the island’s airport. Experience exquisite dining at the stylish restaurant that serves a wide choice of excellent dishes. The hotel’s cozy bar is the perfect place for you to relax with exotic drinks. The hotel also features a swimming pool and meeting room.
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Highlights
Climb Pico Mountain – Considered one of the world’s most beautiful volcanos, Pico is the highest point in the Portuguese territory. Climbing the volcano is a challenge even for those who are in good physical condition and climbers must be accompanied by a qualified guide. The peak offers a spectacular view of the other islands in the central group of the archipelago.
Museu dos Baleeiros – Situated in Lajes do Pico, this whaling museum displays whale bones and teeth as well as various instruments used by the whaling industry. There is also a whaler’s canoe packed with gear and the first boat with an engine ever used.
Pico Vineyards – The distinctive Pico vineyards are a maze of stone walls which add a unique aspect to the island’s landscape. The product of these grapevines is the famous wine known as ‘Verdelho do Pico’. This is a superb aperitif sold in nearly every shop and restaurant. If laid end to end, the lava stones that combine to create the miles and miles of stone wall surrounding Pico’s vineyards would go around the world more than once.
Sperm Whale Encounter
Whale Watching – In the Atlantic, Pico is the meeting point of the Cetaceans. The rich food-chain attracts several whale species all year round. Sperm whales are present at all times and 24 different types of whales including baleen whales and blue whales are present at various times of the year.
Swimming with Dolphins – As a result of dolphins constantly swimming and diving along side the whale watching boats, the local companies have recently started tours that allow participants to swim with dolphins in the wild. Tour participants can swim and observe five different types of dolphins.
Food & Drink
There are many cafes in the area and all of them offer good food for reasonable prices. Great fish, amazing beef and excellent shellfish are at the heart of many delicious meals on the island of Pico. Delicacies that are worth a try include the famous fish soup known as “caldos de peixe,” a hearty meat dish called “mohla de carne” and octopus chowder. Served either in the beginning of or at the end of each meal, Pico cheese goes well with bread or homemade maize cake.
Pico wines are wonderful and have a long tradition. The aperitifs, white and red table wines, “vinho de cheiro” and angelica can all be tasted at the local restaurants.
Hocus Pocus – The Hocus Pocus Restaurant is located at the Aldeia da Fonte Hotel, but has been acquiring an identity of its own by welcoming external customers thus giving hotel guests of all nationalities an opportunity to mingle with the locals. Its exquisite and creative cuisine, matched by its high quality service, has earned Hocus Pocus the reputation as one of the the best restaurants on the island.
Restaurante O Ancoradouro – Located at the Esplanade in Madalena where waves crash and the salty air refreshes the spirit, Restaurante O Ancoradouro is a great place to try the local cheese and sip Pico wine.
Culture & Festivities
In Sao Roque do Pico, festivities that attract visitors to the island take place during the last week of July and include concerts, cultural events and exhibitions.
In Lajes do Pico, Whalers’ Week takes place during the last week of August. It is celebrated in honor of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes and has a strong religious component. Throughout the week, Lajes is visited by hundreds of people that come to watch and participate in concerts, whalers’ boat races, exhibitions and other cultural events.
Madalena pays homage to its patron saint on June 22 with great events. The religious activities, concerts and other cultural events mean a great deal to Madalena. In November, the Feast of Vineyards and Wine takes place in Madalena.
