Pico Island, the youngest island of the nine Azorean Islands is 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 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 Mount Pico
Most people come to Pico for one purpose, to climb Mount Pico. 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.
Make sure you check out my guide to hiking Mount Pico to help you plan your trip.
Visit the wineries/do a tasting
The wineries of Pico are unique 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 rock. 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.
Then (with a reservation – you cannot just walk in) you can head over to Pico Wines for a tasting of some of these incredible vintages.
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 an opportunity 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 island is a great way to explore.
Check out the lava formations in Porto Cachorro
Just behind the airport is Porto Cachorro, a small, traditional village with very narrow cobblestone streets and stone houses situated next to the sea. At right where the land meets the sea are some of the most impressive lava cliffs (Arcos do Cachorro) on the island.
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
This lava tube is the largest 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 stop over while island hopping to see how each island is unique and is the perfect partner to a visit to Sao Jorge.
