A Trip to the Azores: A Summary
Sao Miguel, The Azores, (ISO 400, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/80 s)
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**This post is the 7th of a 7-post series discussing what to see in this part of the Azores (You can check out the other parts in the list below, separated by each specific island/city.**
The Azores islands are one of two autonomous regions of Portugal (the other being Madeira), located roughly 1000 miles from mainland Portugal. It is a 9-island archipelago that are split into three groups: Eastern (São Miguel, Santa Maria), Central (Terceira, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa), and Western (Corvo, Flores). Their discovery dates back to the 14th century and were named ‘açor’, meaning Goshawk, which was a common bird known in that time. Each island is accessible either by plane or by ferry. For those who love nature and a bit of adventure, the Azores are an absolute must see. You can see all my Azores islands related blog posts below:
Ponta Delgada (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island)
São Miguel Island (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: São Miguel Island)
Horta (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Horta on Faial Island)
Faial Island (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Faial Island)
Madalena (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Madalena on Pico Island)
Pico Island (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Pico Island)
Summary (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: A Summary)
In this blog post, I will cover all the islands of the Azores. A Google Map of the places I will talk about can be seen at the end of this article.
How to get to the Azores
Depending on your point of origin, there are five Azorean islands you can fly into:
São Miguel - Ponta Delgada - João Paulo II Airport - Airport Code: PDL
Santa Maria - Santa Maria Airport - Airport Code: SMA
Terceira - Lajes Airport - Airport Code: TER
Faial - Horta Airport - Airport Code: HOR
Pico - Pico Airport - Airport Code: PIX
However, you will find the most common departures to São Miguel as it is considered the ‘main island’ of the Azores.
How to travel between the Azores islands
There are two ways to travel between the Azores islands once you arrive:
By ferry using Atlantico-line
By air using Sata Air Azores
Depending on the time of year and how much time you want to save on your trip, certain travel options will be more desirable. For example, when we went in non-peak season, around March, some of the ferry routes were not being serviced between different island groups, therefore we had to resort to taking internal flights.
Taking a ferry between the Azores Islands
I have attached an older ferry map from Atlanticoline showing their routes. As you can see from first glance, the lines indicated in yellow, which take you to different Azorean island groups, is only seasonal, usually reserved for the summer months with peak tourism.
If you find yourself in the trio island group of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge (Central Azores), you can find frequent ferry times everyday, nearly year round (blue and green lines). Also bear in mind that Pico Island has TWO points of ferry departures, one at Madalena and the other at São Roque. The ferry stops for Faial and São Jorge are called, Horta and Velas, respectively.
You can also find a connecting ferry route between Corvo and Flores in the Western group (red line).
When it came to booking our tickets, we reserved them online 2 days before our departure to guarantee our spots. I would recommend doing this even more in advance if you come during the late spring/summer months. This was especially important since we had a rental car with us, since car space is often limited and not all ferries are capable of carrying cars (Atlantico line will show you which departures are car accessible).
If you plan to rent your car to take between islands with the ferry, here is how you register it with Atlantico Line when you book your tickets: Add the extra on the vehicle trip on the travel page; 1- Identify the vehicle category; 2- In booking data: 2.1 Identify the responsible passenger; 2.2 For the brand, you must select “Rental Vehicle” 3 - Fill in the license plate with"0" followed by the driver's citizen card number or passport As soon as get the correct information from the Rental agency, you should contact Atlânticoline in order to transmit the vehicle data (Make, Model, and Registration). Please take notice that unidentified license numbers with not be allowed to board the ship.
Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in for the ferry. You have to print out your confirmation and exchange it for ferry tickets.
Taking a flight between the Azores Islands
If you are going in low season and the ferry times are not convenient for your stay, you can always island hop by booking flights with Sata Air Azores. You can access all Azorean islands from the others. Here is a general guide on where you can go and from where:
Inter-Island Flight Routes:
São Miguel: Direct flights available from São Miguel to Santa Maria, Terceira, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, and Flores.
Santa Maria: Direct flights from Santa Maria to São Miguel Island.
Terceira: Direct flights from Terceira to Pico, Faial, São Jorge Island, Flores Island, Graciosa, and São Miguel Island.
Faial: Direct flights from Faial to Flores, Corvo, Terceira, and São Miguel.
São Jorge: Direct flights from São Jorge to Terceira, and São Miguel.
Flores: Direct flights from Flores to Corvo, Terceira, Faial, and São Miguel.
Graciosa: Direct flights from Graciosa to Terceira.
Corvo: Direct flights from Corvo to Flores and Faial.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes, including the Azores, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).
Check out my drone video of the Azores below!
Azores - Eastern Group Islands - São Miguel, Santa Maria
Santa Maria Island
Santa Maria is considered the oldest island in the Azores, but is one of the most heavily eroded. Situated south of São Miguel, it is known for its beaches and dry weather. Unofficially, the island was discovered in 1427 by navigator Diogo de Silves while on his way to Madeira.
Praia Formosa - Located in the southern part of the island, it is one of the nicest beaches in all of the Azores with its crystal clear, shallow waters.
Forte de São Brás - A 17th century fortress located on the southern cliffs of Vila do Porto.
Cascata da Baía do Raposo - Waterfall that is fed by Ribeira do Engenho, standing 80 meters tall, and considered a Protected Landscape Area of Barreiro da Faneca.
Pico Alto - This mountain peak is the highest on the island, standing at 586 meters. You can get amazing views of the island from here.
Ponta do Castelo - This area is lush with vegetation native to the Azores and offer refuge for many habitats. It is on the Southeast of the island consisting of partially submerged sea caves, shallow bay, and well cultivated fields.
Farol de Gonçalo Velho (Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse) - This lighthouse is located at Ponta do Castelo. It started operation in 1927 and was renamed to its current one in 1930.
São Miguel Island
São Miguel (Ilha Verde) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Green Island", it is the largest and most populated island in the Azores . The geography and biome of the island make it an amazing place to visit. Great places to check out include Sete Cidades, Mosteiros, Povoação, Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo, and Ponta Delgada.
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
(Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island)
Translating to ‘Thin Cape"‘, Ponta Delgada is the largest city within the Azores, located on São Miguel island, and is composed of the parishes of São Pedro, São Sebastião, and São José. The famous Portuguese chronicler Father Gaspar Frutuoso wrote about the origins of the Ponta Delgada name: ‘This city of Ponta Delgada is named for its situation located along volcanic lands, thin and not too considerable like on other islands, that lead to the sea, and where later, was constructed the chapel of Santa Clara (Saint Clare of Assisi), which was named the Santa Clara point.’ It has been populated since 1444.
Jardim Botânico José do Canto - Named after José do Canto, a known botanist and nature lover in the Azores, this botanical garden has some trees that are centuries old. There is a 5 euro fee to enter and the whole experience is so Zen-like.
Plantação de Ananás dos Açores (Azores Pineapple Plantation) - This pineapple plantation allows you to see the entire pineapple growth process from first planting, to the final product. You can order yourself a simple pineapple, have pineapple ice cream, even a pineapple liquor shot.
Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião - The Church of San Sebastian is located in the city center of Ponta Delgada and perhaps one of the most famous on the island. It was build sometime between the years of 1531 and 1547 and built in the Manueline and Baroque style.
Forte de São Brás - The Fort São Brás was designed by Tomaso Benedetti and is situated along the coastline of Ponta Delgada. The angles and polygons involved in the construction was used to maximize the safety of the fort if it ever came to be attacked. Its origins date all the way back to 1552.
Torre Sineira - The Torre Sineira is a bell tower, built in 1724, which gives you a great 360 degree view atop Ponta Delgada…well at least 30 meters up.
A Tasca Restaurant - This restaurant is highly rated and one of the more authentic places in Ponta Delgada. The menu was full of freshly caught seafood and the overall vibe of the place was extremely friendly.
Jardim Antero de Quental - This garden is close to the city center and honors Antero de Quental, who was a Portuguese poet born in 1942 in Ponta Delgada.
Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas - The Jesuit College Church can be found in the historical center of Ponta Delgada. It is part of the College of São Miguel (Colégio de São Miguel) and houses sacred art. It’s origins date all the way back to 1592, but has been rebuilt and renovated over the years.
What to see on São Miguel Island
(Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: São Miguel Island)
Vila Franca do Campo - A town east of Ponta Delgada, founded in the middle of the 15th century but was victim to yet another terrible earthquake in 1522, which decimated the town. The town is known for its Queijadas da Vila do Morgado. These sweet pastry treats that are known throughout all the Azores, but are best eaten when in Vila Franca do Campo. That’s because this restaurant bakes them fresh in their own little factory behind the counter.
Vila Franca Islet - The Vila Franca Islet (Ilhéu de Vila Franca) is the uninhabited island just off the coast of Vila Franca do Campo. It is a protected nature research but remains a popular place for swimming. Red Bull has even used it as a stop during its Cliff Diving World Series Circuit.
Cascata da Ribeira Quente - The Azores don’t have as many waterfalls as Iceland but there are definitely some around if you know where to look. The waterfall of Ribeira Quente stands 25 meters tall and can be found on the road taking you towards the town of the same name.
Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias - The Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias (Translated to ‘Church of Our Lady of the Victories’) is a small chapel located on the Lagos das Furnas (Lake Furnas). It was erected by José do Canto, the man who also has his own botanical garden in the city of Ponta Delgada. He built it in honor of his wife who had passed.
Furnas - Furnas is located within the province of Povoação and is one of the largest parishes on the island. It is known for its hot springs due to the active trachytic volcanoes in its vicinity (colloquially named the Volcanic Complex of Furnas).
Parque Terra Nostra - The Terra Nostra Park is a development in Furnas that serves as a thermal spa and and resort. It is a botanical garden, with a large variety of different exotic vegetative species. The garden dates back to 1780. The park has been expanded over the years and includes a variety of gardens featuring varieties of endemic plants, ferns, ginkgo trees, cedar, poplar, oak, azaleas, and rhododendrons to name a few. There is also a swimming pool, heated geothermally, that patrons can use.
Povoação - This town is located on the southeastern coast of São Miguel. I first heard about it when I saw its distinctive pier photographed by a drone, showcasing its large ‘X’ shaped concrete blocks that function as a barrier to the ocean waves. It was thought that this village was the first settlement on São Miguel in 1427.
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego - The Ponta do Sossego viewpoint is a spot where you can check out the northeastern part of São Miguel. What is pretty cool about this spot is its landscaping; decorated with flowering plants and typical flora of Macaronesia.
Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada - This is another viewpoint located in the Northeast of São Miguel. From here you can see places like Ponta da Marquesa and Fajã do Lombo Gordo.
Farol do Arnel (Arnel Lighthouse) - This lighthouse is located at the tip of the Arnel and first started operation in 1876. Fast forward to present day and it is still functioning as intended after a number of improvements and enhancements. It is known for its distinctive bright red/orange top, located above the rocky coastline.
Gorreana Tea Plantation - This tea plantation has been a family run business since 1883. It is located in the Central northern part of São Miguel. It is in fact Europe’s oldest tea factory (140 years old) and has experienced a series of enhancements to maintain its ability to manufacture, even through economic hardships.
Miradouro da Covilhã - This is another viewpoint on the northern coast of São Miguel. Though not particularly popular it is distinct with its square shaped wooden pillars. Here we found a picnic area and a pretty great view of the sea.
Ponta da Costa - This spot was a former fishing port as one can see from the flat rocky terrain that extends right out into the water. From the parking area above, you can take a walk down a winding walkway, leading you down to the rocky coastline below. The landscape is very much volcanic with black, sharp rocks jutting out of the ocean water.
Cascata das Lombadas - The Lombadas Waterfall is located near Ribeira Grande in the Lombadas valley, as obviously the name would suggest. From São Miguel, it takes about 45 minutes to reach the valley of Lombadas, via road Vale das Lombadas. The road itself is not in terrible condition, but parts of it are covered in vegetation so take caution, especially while raining (which it was while we were driving).
Aqueduto do Carvão - On our way to Sete Cidades, we stumbled upon these aqueducts, which were visible from the roadway. These were originally instructed to supply water from the high points of Canário and Empadades to low lying parishes like Santa Clara.
Sete Cidades - Meaning ‘Seven cities’, this is a village but also a 3 mile across volcanic crater located in the western part of São Miguel. The entire area is 110 square kilometers and is composed of a number of lakes and a few large calderas of varying diameter. Two of these crater lakes, in portuguese called ‘Lagoas das Sete Cidades’, are referred to by the respective water colors (Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde). There are a few trails you can take around this area, accessing different viewpoints of Sete Cidades. Two of the best ones are:
Miradouro da Boca do Inferno - Walking through the area, you will go through a lush forest for about 15 minutes, until you will take a few stairs up to a viewpoint overlooking the landscape. If you venture further along this path, you will then reach the end of the trail with the famed panoramic viewpoint that everyone is seeking to find. If the weather is terrible, you will not see a thing…sadly.
Miradouro da Vista do Rei - There are parking areas along the side of the road that you can park at and explore the surroundings. What is remarkable in this area is the now Abandoned Monte Palace hotel. You can access this hotel and make your way to the rooftop for the best, unimpeded views of the lakes and calderas nearby.
Abandoned Monte Palace Hotel - As mentioned above, this abandoned hotel is located at the Miradouro da Vista do Rei. It was one of the first luxury hotels in the Azores, built back in 1989, but was shuttered some years later due to a lack of interest. Since then, it was lied abandoned but you could never access it for the first 20 years.
Mosteiros - The parish is small with a population of 1100. It was settled back in 1480 as a fishing ground. The name Mosteiros means ‘monastery’ in Portuguese, inspired by the church-like shape of its largest islet in the sea. The village features as church dating back to the 17th century and called Our Lady of the Conception.
Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado - This viewpoint is just a 10 minute drive south of Mosteiros. It is one of the high points on the island with excellent views of the São Miguel coastline. From here you can see Ponta da Ferraria, the islets of Mosteiros , Lomba Grande and Lomba da Fonte, and the town of Várzea.
A Porta do Diabo - The Gate of Hell as this translates to is located south of the miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado on the Southwestern part of São Miguel. The area is littered with volcanic rock formations that are hammered by the sea waves. If you walk around a bit, you will find an archway of volcanic rock, and the sea spilling underneath it.
Farol da Ferraria - This lighthouse is located at Ponta da Ferraria, and is about 14 feet tall. It is the largest lighthouse in the Azores, however it is not the oldest; that honor belongs to the Farol da Arnel (Arnel lighthouse). Even though it is 111 years old, it is considered one of the best preserved.
Azores - Central Group Islands - Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge
Faial Island
Faial (Ilha Azul) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Blue Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. The island's geography is remarkable with notable sites to see such as the Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo, the Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos, and the town of Horta.
Horta (Faial Island)
(Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Horta on Faial Island)
Horta is the largest city on the island of Faial, which is one of the five central islands of the Azores, and home to half of the island’s residents. It is situated on the eastern side of Faial and faces the island of Pico. In fact, you can get an amazing view of the Pico volcano from most points in Horta.
The town was ‘starting’ by a Flemish nobleman named Josse Van Huerter in 1467 who came through Faial on an expedition, landing at Horta Bay. From there, he built a small chapel which served as the focal point of the community. The name ‘Horta’ is thought to come from his surname. Nonetheless, ‘Horta’ also means ‘orchard’ in Portuguese, which could also be the origin of the town’s name.
The city is small and walkable, and can thus be seen in just half a day. What I personally appreciated most from this city was its very chill vibe compared to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island.
Mercado Municipal da Horta - One of the main markets in Horta. There are plenty of vendors selling a variety of goods, choirs from other Azorean islands singing Portuguese songs and playing instruments, prominent chefs preparing cuisine for all the patrons, and one of the best burger places in all the Azores (Called Ah! Boca Santa).
Horta Pier - A must see place! You will see hundreds of murals, left by visitors passing through. The artistry of some of these murals is so impressive that they must have brought their own artistic materials with them for just this purpose.
Jardim Florêncio Terra - This park, named after Florêncio Terra, is found just outside the Mercado Municipal da Horta. The ornate decor of the park benches and central gazebo and the well manicured grounds make this spot a great place to settle down for a bit.
Miradouro da Lira - This viewpoint is atop a small hill/mountain that gives a great aerial view of Horta. It is easily walkable and the perfect spot to catch great views of Mt. Pico nearby, and sunset/sunrise views of Horta.
Forte de Nossa Senhora da Guia - The origins of this fortress date back centuries. Situated over Horta Bay on a point called Monte da Guia, this fort served to defend Faial against pirate attacks. The fort is also referred to as Fort da Guia, Fort da Greta, and Castelo da Greta.
What to see on Faial Island
(Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Faial Island)
Ponta do Morro - This rock formation is located in the Castelo Branco perish. It is a small nature reserve about 16 hectares in size and the Morro de Castelo Branco stands 149 meters tall. The area is also immensely popular as a habitat for birds with protected status such as the Shearwater (Calonectris borealis ), the Berry Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri baroli), and the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo).
Capelinhos Peninsula - This has to be one of my favorite places in all of the Azores. The Capelinhos (meaning ‘Little Cape’) peninsula was formed by lava flows from a series of volcanos along a fault line where the last volcano, dubbed the Capelinhos volcano (Vulcao dos Capelinhos), erupted in 1957. Also, Capelinhos is part of a large volcano complex called Capelo and is considered the westernmost point of Europe as the western islands of the Azores are part of the North American Plate.
Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos - The Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos (Farol da Ponta dos Capelinhos) is a defunct lighthouse located in the Capelinhos peninsula. A number of shipwrecks were recorded at the end of the 1800s which prompted the need to build such a structure
Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo - The name of this caldera translates to ‘fat mound’. It is the highest point on Faial island standing at 1,043 meters. There is also a 8 km long hiking path that takes you around the outside perimeter of the caldera. You are exposed the entire time so it is only recommended in good weather and/or if you have the necessary gear to stay protected. You can also check out the lake in the middle of the caldera.
Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição - Meaning ‘Viewpoint to Our Lady of Conception’, the miradouro is situated just north of Horta. It is easier if you have a car to reach this point but it can also be reached by walking.
Igreja de São Mateus - The Church of São Mateus is an abandoned church in Ribeirinha, just norta of Horta. The church was built back in 1934 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1998 which caused extensive damage. The area is mostly closed off that but doesn’t stop you from still getting a few shots of the interior and exterior facades.
Pico Island
Pico (Ilha Preta) is just one of the islands that make up the Azores Islands, formally owned by Portugal. Known as the "Black Island", it is one of three islands that make up the central Azores islands. Formed about 300,000 years ago, it is known for its volcanic history and its emerging wine industry. Places to check out include São Mateus, Madalena, Lajes do Pico, and Lagoa do Capitão.
Madalena (Pico Island)
(Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Madalena on Pico Island)
Madalena is located in the island of Pico at the foot of the Pico stratovolcano. Made up of six parishes, it is home to about 6,000 people. Chronologically, Madalena and Pico island in general was settled a bit later than the other Central Azorean islands, where only small animal herds and workers were sent to the island originally. Madalena itslef is quite small but very quiet and relaxed.
Calma do Mar - We had a pretty great experience at Calma do Mar guesthouse. It is a short walk from the Madalena ferry terminal (about 15 mins) and features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and modern rooms. What I really loved was the kitchen (so we could prepare our own meals) and the amazing spread for breakfast!
Consuelheiro Terra Pinheiro and Ouvidor Medeiros - These picturesque streets are found in the city center. For those who like street photography in charming places, this is where you go!
Areia Funda - This calm beach is very popular for swimming. Sometimes the waves from the Faial channel can be quite choppy so this beach gives you excellent respite from that. There are also some natural pools in the area created by volcanic rocks that offer some protection from the sea.
Museu do Vinho (Wine Museum) - The history of wine in Pico is extensive and you can even see the remnants of the industry on the southern part of the island. So it is perhaps not surprising that Madalena boasts a wine museum, paying homage to the industry.
Jardim dos Maroiços - Jardim dos Maroiços is a garden area with a tennis court, climbing wall, and skating area and is located near the village in the Areia Funda hamlet.
Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena (Church of Santa Maria Madalena) - This church dates back to the 17th century and is the largest church on Pico island. Its most distinguishing features have to be its hexagonal-shaped spires and 19th century clock.
Madalena Islets (Ilhéus da Madalena) - These two islets can be seen anywhere from the Madalena coastline and feature Ilhéu Deitado and Ilhéu em Pé, which stands for ‘Lying Down’ Islet and ‘Standing Up’ Islet, respectively. They are both over 50 meters in height and are made mainly of palagonite tuff.
What to see on Pico Island
(Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Pico Island)
Moinho Do Frade - There are a few windmills like this in the Azores but this one seems to be special. You can’t miss it with its bright red base and is standing on a volcanic stone foundation before entering the old vineyards, just south of Madalena.
Crição Velha - This area is a model for what the entire south of Pico looked like before its wine industry was shuttered. Think of black volcanic rocks stacked together to make rectangular fields, which contain grape vines. And now imagine this setup extended for miles and miles. This is what is left in the present day. It’s a pretty cool region to explore.
Farol de São Mateus (São Mateus Lighthouse) - This lighthouse is located between São Caetano and São Mateus. It is actually solar powered and sits on such an incredible landscape. I took the drone up to the sky to catch some top down views and I was just floored with what I saw. The red clay landscape, the green-yellow foliage, the black lava rock, and the blue ocean waves make for such a dramatic photo. This has to be one of my favorite from all the Azores.
Lajes - Lajes do Pico is a town on the southern coast of Pico Island. It is quite small, home to roughly 4000 people. We decided to stop here to find a nice cafe to recharge our batteries at (metaphorically). The coasted landscape looked wild with tall grasses and volcanic rocks peppering the coastline. I especially enjoyed the bright colored mill that stands out among the muted colors of the surrounding nature.
Farol da Ponta da Iha - Translated to ‘Tip of the island’, this lighthouse was first built in 1942 and first operated in 1946 and standing about 29 meters high. It is a restricted area with other/potentially military installations also located here so the grounds themselves are off limits. You can still park just outside the perimeter (which we did) and walked out towards the water on the heavily volcanic landscape.
Sao Roque - São Roque do Pico is a village on the northern side of Pico island. A town of just 3,000 people, it was quite spread out and vast compared to Lajes do Pico on the other side of the island. The orange/red colored windmill is what brought our attention to this spot, along with the need for another driving pause. We were also searching for some natural pools to swim in but the tide proved to be too high and thus the water was too rough for us to really enjoy taking a dip.
Mount Pico - You can see Mt Pico all the way from the neighboring islands of Faial and Sao Jorge. It is classified as a stratovolcano and is the highest mountain in Portugal, standing at 2,351 meters. The crater on top of the volcano is approximately 500 meters wide and 30 meters deep. The crater also possesses a small volcanic cone which rises 70 meters above the crater, making it the tallest point of Mt. Pico. The entire area is designated as a nature reserve.
Hiking Mt. Pico
Climbing Mt. Pico is not for the faint of hearted. It is composed of Two mountains, one is Pico which is the volcano, and the other is Piquinho, which is the extra mountain inside the crater. If you so desire to conquer both of these, here is some useful information you can use to prepare for your hike:
It costs €20 to climb Pico, an extra 1-2€ to climb Piquinho by day. It costs €30 to climb at night. This fee includes a GPS tracker.
It takes about 7 hours to complete the hike in total (about 1,050 meters in elevation) with a third of people not being able to do it. Imagine taking the stairs for hours each way, that’s what it’s like.
The Climb starts at Casa da Montanha. Take the EN3 road to get there.
You don’t HAVE to have a guide, but there are certain benefits with having one:
Guaranteed entrance since only 200 people allowed on the mountain at one time and guids get priority.
Good to have in case of bad weather conditions since the unnumbered markers may not be visible on ascent.
Transport to Casa da Montanha if you have not rented a car.
General knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area.
What to Pack for hiking Mt. Pico
Layers: Jacket, sweater, leggings/shorts, hat.
Climbing sticks: These are not required I would say but it makes the hike much easier, especially towards the end. Your guide also provides them.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
Water: For obvious reasons. Bring at least 2 liters.
Small to Medium backpack: nothing too large that will be a burden on the hike.
Food: sandwiches, nuts, fruit, etc.
Graciosa Island
Graciosa island, translating to ‘graceful’ or ‘enchanting’ in portuguese, is also called the White Island. It is the northernmost island of the Azores Central Group islands. The island is volcanic in nature, containing a massive 1 mile wide caldera to the southeast. No first sighting of the island has been documented however it is believed that Graciosa was explored by Portuguese sailors in the 15th century. It has been known that that livestock was settled on the island in 1440. The island is divided into four geographical zones: Caldeira Massif, Serra das Fontes, Serra Dormida/Serra Branca Volcanic Complexes, and the Santa Cruz Platform. Some notable places to check out in Graciosa include:
Porto Afonso - This is a fishing port with high cliffs and fascinating volcanic features.
Furna do Enxofre - This is a must see. It’s a lava cave located on the southeast portion of the Caldeira da Ilha Graciosa. It has a dome shaped roof which is considered unique in volcanic landforms.
Farol do Carapacho / Farol da Ponta da Restinga - The Lighthouse of Ponta do Carapacho, also known as Lighthouse of Ponta da Restinga, is located in the southeast of Graciosa and was inaugurated in 1956. It is situated 191 meters above sea level within the Special Conservation Area of Ilhéu de Baixo and Ponta da Restinga.
Caldeirinha - Also known as the Pico da Caldeirinha, this peak shows the remains of a volcanic crater. The cool thing about this place are the sweeping views, especially of the other Central Azorean islands from the summit.
Terceira Island
Terceira is an island that we flew into on our way to Faial. It is one of the larger Azorean islands with about 53,000 people. The oldest Azorean city is located there, called Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nautical charts show that the island was first discovered in 1325, however this has yet to be proven as there are many mentions of Terceira amongst a group of other islands between different historians. The island is circular is size, and contains a large volcanic crater in its center, flanked by a square patchwork of plush green spaces, separated by walls of volcanic rock to make for such a stunning geography. Some notable places to check out in Terceira include:
Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado - This viewpoint is located on the Ponta do Queimado promontory. It overlooks a huge seaside cliff and is near the Serreta Lighthouse.
Forte de Greta - The Fort of Greta is located on the Bay of Mós and was constructed back in 1580. This was defensive in nature as pirates were known to attack these areas at the time.
Piscina Natural do Refugo - This is a natural swimming pool that is accessible by stairs with modern amenities like a bar and changing room. Like most natural pools in the Azores, the water is constantly replenished by the sea.
Pico Dona Joana - This is a volcanic cone of basalt stone. The base itself is nearly 500 meters in diameter and is hallowed out on the southwest portion of the crater.
Forte do Zimbreiro - Also referred to as ‘Reduto da Ponta de São Diogo’, it is located on the Monte Brasil peninsula. It is integrated with the Fortress of São João Baptista.
Miradouro do Pico do Facho - This viewpoint honors the virgin Mary and functioned as a bonfire, otherwise known as a ‘facho’. These bonfires functioned as lighthouses back in the day and also as messaging platforms between different municipalities.
Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara - This is a great viewpoint of the Terceira Natural Park, a part of the Santa Barbara Mastiff with great views of the other central Azores islands.
São Jorge Island
São Jorge is also located in the central island group of the Azores, known for its peculiar shape, being long and slender. It is about 15 kms away from Pico island and forms the ‘Triangle Group’ of islands along with Faial and Pico. You will find that there are plenty of ferries offering transport among the three. Back in the 14th centuary, it was maps from the Genovese and Catalan which labeled this long slender island as São Jorge. The island was formed by successive fissure eruptions. Some notable places to check out in São Jorge include:
Miradouro do Pico da Velha - This viewpoint offers a view of the other Azores islands, especially Pico and Faial, not to mentioned the landscape within the parish of Rosais.
Serra do Topo - This is a great place to hike, starting here and ending up at Faja dos Cubres with a stop at the Caldeira do Santo Cristo. The scenery, wildlife, and views were stunning.
Miradouro das Pedras Brancas - Located in the western part of São Jorge, you get great views of the Fajã de São João Valley. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Pico.
Cascata do Cruzal - This waterfall is located in the Cruzal municipality.
Faja de João Dias - This small settlement was mostly destroyed in an earthquake in 1980, but most of the buildings have been rebuilt into modern vacation homes. The area wasn’t accessible by car until 2009.
Azores - Western Group Islands - Corvo, Flores
Corvo Island
Corvo island, translating to the ‘Island of the Crow’, is the smallest and northernmost in the Azorean archipelago. This is definitely obvious through its population of just 384 people. It also resides on the North American plate, theoretically making it the westernmost landmass on that plate, along with Flores. Maps developed by the Medici family in 1351 show Corvo amidst the other islands in the Azores. Some notable places to check out in Corvo include:
Miradouro Caldeirão - This viewpoint is located in the north of the island with great views of a lagoon below as well as of the mountain and the coastline.
Miradouro Cabeça do Indio - The Cabeça do Indio Viewpoint also has great views of the ocean and is very tranquil in nature.
Miradouro do Morro dos Homens - Another viewpoint showing off the beauty of Corvo Island, near the central volcano.
Miradouro do Portão - This miradouro is located at a high altitude, showing such great visibility of the entire Corvo island, as well as Flores nearby.
Flores Island
Flores is referred to as Ilha Amarelo Torrado, or the ‘Yellow/Auburn Island’. It is known for having an abundance of flowers, which gives way to the name Flores in Portuguese. This fact also makes it quite a popular destination for most tourists, despite its remoteness. The island was discovered in 1452 by Diogo de Teive and his son, by which he was awarded a sugar monopoly on the island of Madeira. Some notable places to check out in Flores include:
Gruta do Galo - This underwater cave can only be seen by boat and is about 50 meters long and 25 meters wide.
Miradouro do Ilhéu dos Abrões - This viewpoint is right next to the Gruta da Galo and gives amazing panoramic views of the landscape and ocean.
Miradouro da Quebrada dos Fanais - You can only access this viewpoint by foot as motor transport is not allowed. Another great gem of checking out the Flores landscape.
Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau - This waterfall is located in Fajã Grande and is about 90 meters tall. The amount of water flowing from this waterfall can range during the summer months to also just a mist. You can also swim in the lagoon below.
Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro - This is the main attraction of Flores Island and the Azoreas as a whole. Here you will be surrounded by lush vegetation and variety of waterfalls big and small, leading down into a lagoon below. This is a place not to miss!
Miradouro Lagoas Rasa e Funda - One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Flores giving views of the Caldeira Rasa and Caldeira Funda.