Discover Pico Island on a Stunning Hiking Sightseeing Tour

If you’re a wine enthusiast curious about why Pico’s wine culture is so extraordinary that its landscape earned UNESCO World Heritage status, join us on this immersive “all about wine” tour. Your adventure begins with a pickup in Madalena, followed by a stroll through the enchanting vineyards of Criação Velha. Here, you’ll not only witness the unique beauty of Pico’s wine-growing landscape but also gain insight into the incredible effort and craftsmanship behind its creation. The tour goes beyond the vineyards to explore the island’s rich wine heritage, including its traditional adegas (wine cellars). Step into one of these seemingly abandoned yet historically significant spaces and savor a glass of local table wine while enjoying stunning ocean views. Next, we’ll visit the regional wine laboratory, where you’ll learn about the physical and chemical composition of wine and participate in a professional tasting led by a winemaking engineer. Please note that this visit depends on the laboratory’s availability. If it’s not possible, we’ll instead explore the fascinating Wine Museum and its impressive garden of dragon trees, a perfect alternative to deepen your understanding of Pico’s wine legacy. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll head to São Roque on the North Coast. Along the way, we’ll pass through historic wine production sites like Cachorro and Lajido, where you’ll discover remnants of Pico’s golden wine age, which flourished for over 200 years. From small ports and tidal wells to old distilleries, each stop tells a story of the island’s winemaking past. The tour concludes on a high note with a visit to a local producer’s adega, where you’ll taste Pico’s finest wines, including the renowned “liquorous” white wine—a strong, flavorful wine that once brought great economic prosperity to the island. Depending on availability, we’ll visit either Czar or Buraca cellars, both of which offer an authentic and memorable wine-tasting experience. This tour is a celebration of Pico’s wine culture, blending history, tradition, and the island’s natural beauty into an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply curious about Pico’s unique heritage, this experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art and passion behind Azorean winemaking.

This trail offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, taking you to the heart of Pico’s historic wine-producing region. Lajido, one of the island’s oldest wine production areas, is a living testament to Pico’s golden age of winemaking. With its well-preserved adegas (wine cellars), charming manor houses, and remnants of the island’s wine legacy, Lajido feels like an open-air museum, rich with history and culture. Your adventure begins with a pickup in Madalena, setting the stage for an enlightening exploration of Pico’s wine traditions. The trail winds through the UNESCO-listed vineyards, where the unique stone-walled currais protect the vines from the ocean winds. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense vegetation, lush pastures, and ancient stone paths marked by the grooves of ox carts—a reminder of the island’s agricultural heritage. Once in Lajido, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the traditional Pico wine, a true reflection of the island’s winemaking prowess. Pico’s original wines are white, known for their high alcohol content and distinctive flavor profile. These “liquorous” wines are crafted from three noble grape varieties: Verdelho, Azorean Arinto, and Pico’s Terrantez, with Verdelho being the most widely used. Thanks to the island’s volcanic soil and the unique layout of its vineyards, the grapes develop a high sugar content, resulting in wines with balanced acidity and a pronounced minerality. Winemaking on Pico dates back to the 15th century, shortly after the first settlers arrived. This cultural hike not only immerses you in the island’s natural beauty but also deepens your appreciation for its centuries-old wine traditions. After the hike and a delightful wine tasting, we’ll return to Madalena, where the tour concludes. Join us for this unforgettable journey through Pico’s wine heritage, where history, nature, and flavor come together to create a truly unique experience. Whether you’re a wine lover or a history enthusiast, this trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the soul of Pico Island.

Nestled in the mystical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is a sanctuary for marine life, serving as a permanent home or migratory route for more than a third of the world’s whale and dolphin species. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, where science and emotion intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. The Azores is arguably one of the best places on Earth to observe these magnificent animals, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. Your journey begins with a check-in, followed by a briefing from our team of marine biologists. They’ll share fascinating insights about the species you might encounter, the history of whale watching in the Azores, and the importance of respecting these incredible animals in their natural environment. Once aboard the boat, set sail into the open ocean, keeping an eye out for the breathtaking coastal landscapes that make the Azores so special. As you venture further, prepare to be captivated by awe-inspiring moments that feel almost surreal. Time seems to stand still as whales and dolphins appear, showcasing their grace and power in the wild. This 3-hour experience is more than just a tour—it’s a chance to witness the magic of nature up close, creating memories that will stay with you forever.

This hiking adventure takes you along one of Pico Island’s most diverse and scenic trails, offering a fascinating blend of natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural heritage. The journey begins in the Mistério da Prainha Natural Reserve, where you’ll be surrounded by rolling pastures on one side and lush endemic vegetation on the other, interspersed with striking geological formations. The trail culminates at Baía de Canas, a historic area where Verdelho wine was once produced, showcasing the island’s rich winemaking traditions. The trail, known as the “Caminho dos Burros,” was once a linear donkey path connecting the northern and southern parts of Pico Island. Spanning 9.5 kilometers, this hike takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete and offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s volcanic past and vibrant ecosystems. Your adventure begins in the central highlands near Caminho das Lagoas, at an altitude of about 830 meters, and gradually descends toward the North Coast. Along the way, you’ll traverse landscapes shaped by the historic 1562-64 volcanic eruption—the longest eruption in Azorean history after settlement. Pass by ancient volcanic cones, open pastures, and dense forests, while learning about the island’s unique flora and fauna from your knowledgeable guide. After a scenic picnic lunch in the serene Prainha Forest Park, the trail continues through dense vegetation and abandoned vineyards, leading you to the picturesque Baía das Canas. Here, you’ll have the chance to cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the perfect way to conclude this unforgettable day. This hike is more than just a physical journey—it’s an exploration of Pico’s natural and cultural heritage, offering a deeper connection to the island’s landscapes and history. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this trail promises an enriching and memorable experience.

Pico Island’s central plateau is a treasure trove of natural wonders, home to over 200 volcanic cones, serene lakes, and rare biotopes that showcase the island’s incredible biodiversity. This remote and untouched area is a haven for endemic flora and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands. On this full-day adventure, you’ll immerse yourself in Pico’s volcanic origins and experience the island’s raw, natural beauty at its finest. Your journey begins with a pickup in Madalena, where we’ll set off to explore Pico’s “mysteries.” Along the way, you’ll visit enchanting lakes, scenic viewpoints, and iconic landmarks like Pico da Urze, a volcanic cone that offers a stunning panorama of Mount Pico. We’ll also explore the volcanic complex in the island’s eastern part, where the dramatic landscapes tell the story of Pico’s fiery past. After a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by nature, the adventure continues with a visit to Gruta das Torres, Portugal’s longest lava tube. Stretching 5,150 meters (3.2 miles), this incredible cave was formed around 1,500 years ago during an eruption from Cabeço Bravo. Equipped with helmets and flashlights, you’ll join a guided tour through the lava tube, where you’ll marvel at fascinating geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, side benches, and lava balls. This one-hour exploration offers a rare glimpse into the island’s volcanic history and the forces that shaped it. As the day comes to an end, we’ll return you to Madalena, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Pico’s natural wonders. From volcanic landscapes and serene lakes to the awe-inspiring Gruta das Torres, this full-day adventure is a perfect blend of exploration, education, and breathtaking beauty.

(Hotel check-out should be done by 11h00). The day is free to explore on your own. Transfer back to the airport is not included. Hotel Caravelas Office, 3 R Cons Terra Ribeiro, 9950-329, Madalena, Azores, Portugal