Top Things to Do on Pico Island: The Complete Guide
Pico Island punches well above its weight as a travel destination. Despite being one of the smaller islands in the Azores, it packs an extraordinary range of experiences into its volcanic landscape — from towering mountain summits to ancient lava caves, UNESCO vineyards, and some of the best cetacean watching in the world. Here is a guide to the very best things to do on Pico Island.
Climbing Mount Pico is the undisputed highlight for many visitors. At 2,351 metres, it is the highest point in Portugal and one of the most rewarding climbs in the entire Atlantic. The ascent from the mountain house typically takes three to four hours, passing through heathland, cloud forest, and bare volcanic rock before emerging above the clouds. The crater at the top — and the tiny summit pinnacle of Piquinho — offer views across six islands on a clear day. The experience is challenging but accessible for fit walkers, and the memory of standing above the clouds lasts a lifetime.
Whale watching and swimming with dolphins are world-class here. The deep ocean trench that runs close to the island's coast creates ideal conditions for sperm whales, which are resident year-round. Blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, and various dolphin species are also regularly spotted. Trips depart from the harbour at Lajes do Pico with expert marine biologists as guides. Between May and October, it is also possible to swim with wild dolphins — a genuinely extraordinary encounter in crystal-clear Atlantic waters.
The UNESCO Vineyard Landscape of Pico is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The ancient "currais" — thousands of small black lava-stone enclosures built to shelter individual vines from the Atlantic wind and sea spray — spread across the western coast of the island in a vast, intricate patchwork. Walking the designated trails through this landscape, especially in the early morning or at golden hour, is profoundly atmospheric. Wine tastings at local cooperatives complete the experience.
Gruta das Torres is one of the longest and most impressive lava tubes in the world. Stretching for over five kilometres, it was formed by flowing lava some 15,000 years ago, leaving behind an underground corridor of dramatic formations, arches, and volcanic features. Guided tours take visitors through a substantial portion of the cave, illuminating its geological history and remarkable scale.
The natural swimming pools — known locally as "poças" — are among Pico's most loved features. Carved naturally into the coastal volcanic rock and filled by the sea, they offer sheltered, calm swimming spots that are perfect for families and those who prefer calmer water to the open ocean. Some pools have changing facilities and small café bars nearby.
Food and wine tasting on Pico deserves an afternoon of its own. The island's cooperative wineries produce Verdelho, Arinto, and red varieties that are deeply tied to local identity. Pair a tasting session with a meal at one of Pico's seafront restaurants: fresh tuna, lapas (limpets grilled with garlic and butter), and Azorean beef are unmissable. Stargazing rounds out the day magnificently — with virtually no light pollution on Pico's coast, the night sky is staggering in its clarity and depth.
Our property in Criação Velha is the ideal base for all of these adventures. Set within the UNESCO vineyard landscape itself, minutes from the coast, and with a personal assistant available to arrange any activity or excursion, it puts you at the heart of everything Pico has to offer.