Tourist Information: Pico Island, Azores

Pico Island is one of nine islands in the Mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago. Settled by the Portuguese, the islands have long been a stopping point for trans-Atlantic voyages. Pico is the second largest of the islands and boasts Portugal's highest peak: Pico Alto, a volcanic mountain reaching 7,713 feet (2,351m).

When to Go

The most pleasant time to visit the Azores is during the summer months. The islands have a moderate, maritime temperature year round with temperatures ranging in the 50s and 60s in the winter and averaging in the 70s during the summer. It is warmest between July and September. Rainy season in the islands takes place between November and March, although during any month the weather can turn rainy within a matter of minutes.

How to Get There

Most tourists to the Azores fly into Ponta Delgada or Terceira. From there you can book a connecting flight through Azorean airline SATA or take a ferry. The largest ferry company is Atlantico Line. Ferry schedules vary by season and are much more frequent during the summer. If you are only planning to visit Pico, flying into Terceira would be more convenient since Terceira is much closer to Pico than Ponta Delgada is.

Where to Stay

Many travelers opt to stay in Madelena, a port city with easy access to the neighboring island of Faial. The only full-service hotel in the town is Hotel Caravelas; it has 50 guest rooms and 17 apartments. Tourism hasn't been developed much on Pico, so other options include apartments, guest houses and rooms in private homes. You can get a current listing of accommodation options through the Azores Tourism Association or at any Tourist Information office throughout the islands. There is one at the Madelena port that can provide you with a printed copy of rooms and apartments on the island.

On the higher end of the market, there are several rustic vacation homes available for lease in Prainha, a rural village on the island. You can get contact information for the vacation rentals here.

What to Do

Pico is best for travelers who enjoy the outdoors. You can hike to the summit of Pico Alto, take a dolphin or whale-watching tour, bike from town to town, and eat at small, neighborhood restaurants. You won't find much nightlife, any theme parks or any 'activities' other than relaxing. Part of Pico's vineyards have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can easily spend an afternoon meandering through fields cordoned off with black volcanic rock. If you have only a day or two and want to drive around the whole island, the best way to do so is to rent a car in Madelena.

References & Resources:

Amateur Hikers: Highest Peaks in Portugal

Azores.com: Pico Island

UNESCO: Landscapes of Pico Island Vineyards

Pico Sport: Dolphin Watching

Azores Tourism

SATA (Azorean Airline)