A Trip to the Azores: Madalena on Pico Island
Madalena, Pico, the Azores (ISO 400, 70 mm, f/4.5, 1/1600 s)
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**This post is the 6th 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. Everything is also summarized in another post here.**
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.
In this blog post, I will cover the town of Madalena on the island of Pico. A Google Map of these places I will talk about can be seen at the end of this article. 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)
Check out my drone video of Pico Island in the Azores below!
Madalena
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.
Getting to Madalena, Pico Island
You can fly to Pico Island from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel with Sata Air Azores which may or may not include a layover. Furthermore, if you’re already in one of the central Azorean islands of Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, or Graciosa, you can reach Pico by ferry with Atlantico-Line. Different ferry routes will be abundant depending on the time of year. The ferry into Pico will drop you off right in Madalena after a 25 minute journey across the channel (if coming from Faial).
Calma do Mar
I don’t write about accommodations much in these posts unless I feel like I should. 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! I wish we stayed longer to take advantage of it. It’s also a 1 min walk to the coastline.
Faial Straight, Pico, the Azores (ISO 400, 105 mm, f/4.5, 1/2500 s)
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
Areia Funda is known for its beautiful turquoise waters and this calm beach is very popular for swimming (obviously). 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.
Areia Funda, Pico, the Azores (ISO 400, 47 mm, f/4.5, 1/1600 s)
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. All wine lovers, come one, come all.
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.
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).
Madalena, Pico, the Azores (ISO 400, 24 mm, f/4.5, 1/1000 s)
Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena (Church of Santa Maria Madalena)
This church dominates the very small skyline of Madalena and can thus be seen on approach while taking the ferry from Faial. It 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, Pico, the Azores (ISO 400, 105 mm, f/4.5, 1/1600 s)
Madalena Islets (Ilhéus da Madalena)
Just out into the sea, there are the Madalena islets. I really enjoy very cool rock formations, especially ones derived from volcanic rock. 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.
These islets were formed from a submarine volcano that had been eroded over time by seismic activity and the water. They are both over 50 meters in height and are made mainly of palagonite tuff (not important, just some rocky material). They serve as a great backdrop to your Madalena photos!
Crição Velha
If you venture just a little bit south of Madalena, you will come up a vintner type landscape called 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 and if you have a drone like me, an awesome landscape for some aerial photography.
If you intend on heading to Madalena, do yourself a favor and rent a car. You can use Madalena as a home point and take a tour around the entire island of Pico and even climb the volcano if you have the time/energy. You can see this entire town in just an hour or two but I would recommend staying there the night to take in the chill vibe.
If you’re keen on seeing more of Portugal, plan your trips by checking out my blog posts below:
