Where to stay in Pico

Best hotels and villas in PICO

A trip to Pico is like entering a small miniature world built over the centuries by whalers, farmers and fishermen. The island is a place of many contrasts, from canyons, ancient volcanoes, the taste of sweet, fully ripe figs and juicy grapes, to breathtaking panoramas and cute little villages overlooking the sea. It almost seems the mountain rises out of the ocean to touch the sky. You have to see this up close!

We have created an exquisite selection of special hotels and vacation homes in Pico for you.

Would you like to make yourself comfortable in a small cottage? Are you looking for a luxury hotel in nature? Or do you long for peace and quiet in a bed & breakfast? We surely have the right place for you!

Activities in Pico

The island is a natural paradise and offers countless different activities. With 2,351 m height, the Montanho do Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal and offers great, as well as challenging hiking trails. With a little luck on clear sight, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Azores from there.

On the island there are several volcanic mountains to climb, but also the possibility to discover a volcano from a different perspective: the Gruta das Torres, is a 5 km long lava tube, which has something magical!

Pico is a paradise for stargazers, as there is little light pollution, which also makes Mount Pico a great viewpoint for stargazing. A highlight of the island is its good location for whale watching. In fact, the island is known as a center of attraction for many different species of whales and many tours depart from the island to observe whales and dolphins. The whale museum in Lajes do Pico is worth a visit too.

Apart from that, also the wine museum at Madalena should be on the to do list. The island of Pico is known for its wine growing, which has a long tradition. Since 2004, the wine-growing area in the west of the island has even been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wine tasting and a walk through the picturesque vineyards, nestled in black lava rocks, is a mandatory visit.

Pico has many natural pools along the coast that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Some of the most famous are Poça das Mujas, Poça da Pedra and Poça do Cais. At the same time, there is a lot to do in terms of scuba diving, hiking and cycling. On top of that, the island of Pico is an excellent starting point for island hopping – in the immediate vicinity is the island of São Jorge* and Faial**, which together with Pico form an island triangle.

The Azores are also known for their fresh seafood and local specialties such as Azorean cheese and wine – best enjoyed all together.

Best hotels and villas in PICO

History of Pico

For centuries, the island existed on the edge of the world – this beauty of untouched nature and time-honored tradition can be felt in many places on Pico.

After the introduction of cattle breeding in the first half of the 15th century, settlers arrived from northern Portugal. Soon after, Pico's first town, Lajes, was founded, followed by São Roque in 1542. After initially being limited to the cultivation of wheat, viticulture and fishing were soon added. American whalers began hunting the sperm whale in the late 18th century, which for many years was one of Pico's most important sources of income. Today, the island is experiencing an economic boom with the expansion of port facilities and the recent construction of the airport.

Best hotels and villas in PICO