Pico Island is part of the central group of nine Azores Islands and is the youngest and second largest island in the Azores archipelago and one of the most unique places on earth. With evidence of recent volcanic activity and a thriving Azorean culture, this island is a must visit on any trip to the Azores.
These are my top 5 things to do while visiting Pico (aside from eating amazing food). For the practical side of visiting island of Pico, make sure you check out my guide to visiting Pico, for everything from how to get there, to where to eat and where to stay.
Climb Portugal’s Highest Mountain – Mount Pico
Most people come to Pico for one purpose, to climb Mount Pico and stand on the highest point on the island. The highest peak in Portugal and the third tallest volcano in the Atlantic, who wouldn’t want to conquer this mountain?
This climb, however, is not for everyone. It does require fitness and some experience. I have hiked a lot but the trek down on loose volcanic rock, high winds and socked into a cloud that was nothing but mist was a huge challenge. And I fell a few times as a result. You will want to choose a clear day, or as near to one as possible to get spectacular views from the top of the mountain.
You will start your trek from Casa da Montanha (mountain house) and follow markers the whole way to the top. For more, check out my complete guide to hiking Mount Pico to help you plan your trip.
Visit the wineries/do a tasting
The vineyards of Pico provide a unique experience and the landscape of Pico’s vineyard culture is a UNESCO world heritage site. Grapes shouldn’t grow here but somehow they do. It seems that the grapes like to be beaten up a bit.
Being such a new island the soil is not as fertile as other more established places, it’s mostly volcanic rocks. You can see the remnants of the lava fields along the edges of the ocean where it abuts the vineyards. But the people of Pico created elaborate rock walls that trap the heat inside where one to two plants can grow.
The result is incredibly delicious wine. There is a hiking trail (Vinhas da Criação Velha) that winds through the vineyards on the outskirts of Madalena and is a great way to see this incredible feat of agriculture up close. If you want a little more information a small red windmill makes for a wine museum in the heart of the vineyards and for a small fee you can go in and chat the with staff member and have a quick look around and get a photo from the top of the windmill of the vines below.
During the summer months (the winter if you just want to do a wine tasting, you will likely not see the facility in full production during the wet season), one of the best things to see is how wine production occurs and follow that up with some wine tasting (with a reservation – you cannot just walk in).
Drive the entire island
Pico is small and there is a road that follows the entire outer circumference. It takes about 3 hours to drive the entire island and is the best way to see some of the small towns and stop for lunch and take in the views of the ocean.
There are lots of stops you could make along the way, including the dogs face at Porto Cachorro (see below) or one of the hiking trails in the center of the island.
If your looking for an easy day, or a day of rest from hiking, driving the most beautiful roads on the island is a great option and the easiest way to really appreciate what Pico has to offer.
Check out the lava formations in Porto Cachorro
Just behind the airport, in São Roque, is Porto Cachorro, a small, traditional village with very narrow cobblestone streets and stone houses situated next to the sea. Right where the land meets the sea are some of the most impressive lava cliffs (Arcos do Cachorro) on the island and one of the best places to visit while on Pico. This place can be visited any time of the year but the best time is during the drier season, because the rocks can become even more slippery.
The area has walking paths that wind within the lava formations where you can watch the power of the sea come rushing in as well as the famous image of a dogs face. There is parking and also some of the nicest public washrooms I have ever seen.
Visit Gruta das Torres (Lava Cave)
There are lava tubes and then there is the largest lava tube in Portugal and one of the top things to do while visiting Pico. I unfortunately did not get the opportunity to visit this site due to them being booked up while visiting.
However, it is a top thing to do. You will be taken on a guided tour of the lava tube and walk approximately 400m into the tube. It’s something you can do on a rainy day (which happens often thanks to Mount Pico creating it’s own weather).
You definitely need a reservation and I would recommend you book it in advance of travelling to the island, not once you arrive. They only take a certain number of people a day, so slots fill up fast. So, if you know you want to check it out, book it well ahead of time.
For more information you can head over to the Visit Azores website.
Concluding Thoughts
Pico has many unique experiences to offer that can be seen in 3-4 days.
It’s the perfect place to visit while island hopping to see how each island is unique and is the perfect partner to a visit to São Jorge.
Heading to the Azores? Make sure to grab a copy of my guidebook The Azores: A guide for hikers.
