The Essence of Pico

The first day will be dedicated to arriving at the black island of the Azores, Pico. Upon arrival at the airport, your transfer service will be waiting to take you to your hotel. This initial moment is designed to ensure a comfortable and relaxed arrival, allowing you to start your stay in the best possible way and immediately enjoy the tranquility and hospitality characteristic of the island.

Discovering Pico Island from the sea on a kayaking adventure is a truly memorable experience that brings together nature, history, and the thrill of exploring the coastline. This route starts at the picturesque Porto da Areia Larga and ends at the Pocinho bathing area, revealing a completely unique perspective of the island’s cultural and geological landscape.

As you paddle through the Atlantic waters, you will navigate close to the famous Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The route passes by the emblematic vineyards of Criação Velha, allowing you to observe up close the impressive black basalt formations sculpted by volcanic activity over the centuries.

The scenery stands out for its incredible contrast between the deep blue of the ocean, the dark lava fields, and the traditional stone walls that protect the vines, all while keeping magnificent views of the neighboring island of Faial on the horizon.

The route ends at Baía do Pocinho, the ideal moment to stop and explore the small islet located nearby. It is the perfect spot to take a swim, relax, and soak in all the natural beauty before finishing the tour in style.

Between the black of the volcanic rock and the green of the vineyards, Pico Island unfolds on this guided tour. The first stop takes you straight to the heart of the Vineyard Culture Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can admire traditional wine cellars, picturesque tidal wells, and ancient lava formations that bear witness to human resilience in the face of a volcanic environment.

The itinerary continues toward the Planalto Central, where you can admire the stunning Lagoa do Capitão, a natural sanctuary nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano. As you descend toward the south coast, there will be a lunch break overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the village of Lajes do Pico.

The second part of the day is dedicated to the island’s fascinating whaling past, with a visit to the Whalers’ Museum and the boathouse where the traditional whaling boats are preserved that reveal the traditions that have shaped the local identity over generations. On the way back to Madalena, the route visits the São João Forest Park, marked by vestiges of recent volcanic activity, before stopping at Moinho do Frade. Built among centuries-old stone walls that have protected the vineyards for over 300 years, this traditional windmill offers you one of the most striking landscapes on Pico Island.

Seeing cetaceans in their natural habitat is an incredible experience, but having the opportunity to swim alongside dolphins makes your experience even richer and more unforgettable. And it’s on Pico Island that you can do this wonderful activity.