{"id":55292,"date":"2021-09-29T06:00:05","date_gmt":"2021-09-29T13:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=55292"},"modified":"2025-08-22T03:28:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T10:28:06","slug":"pico-azores-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/pico-azores-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PICO, AZORES ISLANDS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pico Island is located in the Azores<\/a>, a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, often considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you are looking for a getaway filled with unspoiled nature and vegetation, volcanos, lava stone landscapes, coastline views, and exquisite vineyards, Pico is the place to go. <\/p>\n

In this guide, we share everything you need to know about visiting this stunning island, including how to get there and the best things to do. <\/p>\n

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Getting To Pico<\/h2>\n

The best way to reach Pico is by plane (most international flights arrive in Sao Miguel or Terceira islands from there you can take a short regional flight) or travel by ferry if you are travelling from another island in the Azores. <\/span><\/p>\n

Landing in Pico was one of the most incredible flights I have had in my life. I fell in love with this island when I saw the stunning views of the Pico mountain and the lava fields from my plane window seat.<\/p>\n

Getting Around Pico Island<\/h2>\n

When in Pico, the easiest way to explore the island is by driving, so I advise you to rent a car at the airport for the duration of your stay. Pico is a small island, but it has so much to offer visitors. I recommend staying for at least four days or five days.<\/p>\n

If you don’t have time to spend four or five days on the island you can see the highlights of Pico on a guided one day tour<\/a>. This small group day tour includes an experienced guide who will share information and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a visit to Whaler’s Museum in Vila das Lajes and wine tasting. <\/p>\n

Where To Stay On Pico Island<\/h2>\n

There are some hotels in Pico and several local accommodation options. I recommend booking in advance to find the best option for your needs, location desires, and budget. I stayed in Aldeia da Fonte<\/a>, a nature hotel near Lajes do Pico with beautiful cliff views of the sea and typical volcanic houses.<\/p>\n

Other more luxury options are 35th Atlantic View<\/a> and Pocinho Bay.<\/p>\n

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Best Things To Do In Pico<\/h2>\n

1) Pico Mountain<\/h3>\n

The most iconic place on the island is Pico mountain (which means Peak in Portuguese). <\/span>With an altitude of 2350m, it is the highest mountain in Portugal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Many visitors come to the island to climb Pico. You can climb it with or without a guide, but hiring a certified guide or joining one of the local tour companies is recommended because the hike to the top can be pretty steep and challenging.<\/p>\n

To start your Pico climbing adventure, you have to check-in at Casa da Montanha<\/a>, located at an altitude of 1200m. There is also excellent coffee at Casa da Montanha<\/a> with beautiful views of the surrounding nature to enjoy while you drink your coffee.<\/p>\n

Even if you don’t climb the mountain, you’ll still be rewarded with great views of Pico on a clear day.<\/p>\n

One of the best views of Pico mountain is from the middle of EN2 Road, crossing the heart of the island from S\u00e3o Roque to Lajes do Pico. Usually, this road doesn’t have much traffic, so you can find a place to stop the car to take a stunning picture of Pico.<\/p>\n

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2) Pico Wine Museum<\/h3>\n

Pico is well known for its vineyards but only because they are pretty unique, planted in the fertile volcanic soils of the island, with the basalt stone walls to protect them. Pico vineyards have been considered a UNESCO- listed World Heritage Site<\/a> since 2004.<\/p>\n

Just a few kilometres away from Madalena, you will find the Wine Museum. It is a great place <\/span>to learn more about the viticulture industry and the history of Pico. The museum is located in a vineyard and has a beautiful red footbridge with one of the best viewpoints on the island. To finalise your visit to the museum, take part in some wine tasting and take a walk in the garden with a dragoon tree.<\/p>\n

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Tour: Pico Wine Tour\/UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/h4>\n

Why not take an organized wine tour that will take you through local villages where you will see spectacular houses made of volcanic stones?! On this small group tour, you will visit local vineyards and wineries, learn about the Pico wine culture. <\/p>\n

Tour Includes:<\/p>\n