Top Things to do in Pico
What to do and see in Pico, Azores: The Best Tours
Discover the best top things to do in Pico, Portugal including Full-Day Guided Tour in Pico Island , Wine Tour, Pico Overnight Climb, Whale and dolphin watching in Pico Island , Banana Trip, a Full day tour at Pico with Round Trip from Faial island, Wine & Food Tour, Climb Pico Mountain with round trip from Faial island, Pico Mountain - Group> 4, Night Climb to Pico Mountain in Small Groups, Whale and dolphin watching in Pico Island - half day.
Restaurants in Pico
1. Full-Day Guided Tour in Pico Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Join us on this fantastic adventure on Pico Island, discover stunning landscapes in their purest state of preservation, with its flora and fauna. Explore the largest volcanic cave, with amazing geological formations and walk the longest lava tube in Portugal. All this in an unforgettable journey into the history of a people, their culture and gastronomy.
Inclusions: Regional Lunch, Insurances, Photo of the tour, Tickets to entrance in a one of the two turistic atractions - Gruta das Torres or casa dos vulcões.
Exclusions: Pick up/Drop Off
Reviewed By Debra T
Perfect day and very relaxed tour. The uniqueness of the craftsmanship was very much a regional, local experience. We were welcomed into the businesses that were a true extension of their homes. This tour was very personalized and not a cookie cutter tour. If you go Pico, this tour is a must!
2. Wine Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Take a trip back in time, discover the old winemaking traditions, that still remain in place today and make it an obvious choice for UWH designation. Walk through its vineyards and taste their exclusive wines.
Inclusions: Regional Lunch, Wine tasting, Insurances
Exclusions: Pick up/drop off
Reviewed By gainsboroughgirl
An incredible day with a fantastic guide- Lucia was enthusiastically infectious as she took us round Pico. It was not the best of days up on the mountain, but then we also saw the changes which brings its own beauty- and plenty of animals who she knew so well. We had expected a dry, volcanic landscape and were bowled over with the diversity of this island. We had a beautiful lunch with Pico wine. Although the jeep had broken down and we went in a van, I don't think we missed anything too major because of it. Lucia was a careful driver. The lava cave was a first for us. My only regret is that I forgot the 20 euros in my purse was for the pick up at sao roque so I had no tip money for her. A day of surprises, much joy and lasting memories. Thank you Lucia.
3. Pico Overnight Climb
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
If you are looking for magic, then you’ve found the right place. PICO me UP can guide you there. Let's Go, the mountain is calling.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Ricardo L
I VERY STRONLY recommend Manuel from Pico Me Up, who was a precious help on my way down the Pico mountain. I made the mistake of relying solely on the information from Casa da Montanha (the mountain visitor center). There I was told that the trail was well marked (it most definitely is not) and that anyone can do it on their own. On the two visits I paid the center (one of which solely to get info and plan the climb, the other for the climb itself), I was never told about the existence of mountain guides, or was I ever advised to hire one. Their advice centered only on some equipment (namely batons, trekking shoes, cereal bars and 1,5L of water - which btw is not nearly enough if you are a six foot two - 1,91m - male). As mentioned the trail isn't well marked. First, there isn't really a “trail”, but just some vertical markers, sometimes very far apart. Moreover, there are both new markers (the ones you should follow), and some old ones, that at times point to different directions. So, for the most part you end up relying on following other people, trusting that there is a guide among them that actually knows the way. But what happens when there isn't anyone around, or the ones there don't have a mountain guide leading them? Well, most likely what happened to me: First on my way up, somehow I missed markers 3, 4 and 5. This happened because you can't really see those markers from the previous ones (even though it was a clear blue sky summer morning) and there isn't a trail to speak of. In between those markers I almost fell through a crevice that was covered by vegetation (luckily I pressed it with my baton and not my foot). And still on my way up, on several occasions I would pick a route (or follow someone there), just to see a group with a guide quickly overtaking us over another, much smoother and reliable route 50m to the side. Second, on my way down from the crater, I found two different official "trails". Unfortunately, after attempting to go through what I believe is the descending trail, I got lost (i.e. I couldn't see any more markers indicating the way forward). So I was forced to climb back up to the junction and take the same route I used on the original way up. The problem is that this "trail" is mostly made up of loose rock and with a steep gradient. So this inevitably led me to not only spend a lot more time and energy, but also to the inevitable hard fall, badly injuring my lower back as I fell on one of those rocks. Third, if my experience description so far isn't enough to convince you to hire a guide, let me share what happened after that fall. Near marker 31, with the day slipping away (by now I was limping my way down), I was fortunate to meet Manuel from Pico Me Up. He was taking a group up to sleep at the crater (again, they were taking a better route on the other side of the ridge and we only saw each other well after they had passed me). Manuel came down to check on me, gave me valuable advice and lent me a head lamp as I only had a handheld torch and night was two hours away. It is relevant to stress that the visitor center didn't recommend to take any sort of light – their advice was limited to the shoes, batons, 1,5L of water and some cereal bars – fortunately I played on the safe side and not only took the handheld torch, but also 4,5L of water, plenty of energy food, thermal sweater, windbreaker jacket, gloves, balaclava, small power-bank (for the cellphone), extra batteries for the torch, etc. All of this would prove crucial in the following six and half hours, as night fell, weather dramatically and quickly changed (very thick fog, very strong winds – I could barely stand up even with the batons help; horizontal rain and steep drop in temperature). When I got to marker 16 visibility was reduced to a few dozen meters. Needless to say, the next marker wasn’t visible, there were cliffs all around (as someone I met on the way up said, this was more of rock climbing than a trail) and again I had no idea of the path. This was the moment I decided to activate the emergency GPS (you get one at the visitor center) and call for help/advice. I was connected to the firefighters (the visitor center was closed by now), who, after learning I was already on marker 16, told me I was very close to the visitor center and that the “trail” should now be visible, even if the marker 15 wasn’t (again, there is no trail to speak of, at this stage you are walking on very steep lava flows, which all look the same, especially under very limited visibility) and urged me to continue on my way down and call again if something serious happened (I’m guessing if I fall down a precipice, as has happened with others on this mountain in the past). Finally, there was a brief opening in the weather, and with the handheld torch I could (barely) see the next marker and hence the general direction to take. Long story short it took me another three and half hours to get to the visitor center. I got lost and had to climb back to the previous marker multiple times (e.g. one time I was going through what I believed to be the “trail” to just find the next marker to my side, with a deep ravine in-between). After I shared this experience with some friends, all the ones from the Azores (the locals) told me I was crazy to go up without a guide. That weather changes in a snap and that several people without a guide have died or got seriously injured after getting lost on that mountain (a quick check on google news confirms this). Moreover, I also learned of similar personal stories to mine. For example, one of them, a few years back, after being at the visitor center, changed her mind and decided to climb without a guide. On the way down the weather turned, she and her partner got lost, had to stay two nights up on the mountain, ran out of water, the GPS didn’t work and, worst of all, although it was clear that they hadn’t checked out and returned the GPS at the visitor center, help was never called. I hope that this long testimony (the experience was much longer), helps to convince you to hire a guide (I strongly recommend Manuel from Pico Me Up, as clearly he is very knowledgeable about the Pico mountain, which he has climbed more than 100 times). It is a very small extra cost vs what you would pay for the entrance fee at the visitor center and is by itself more than compensated by the equipment Pico Me Up provides (batons, head lamp, etc.), not to mention the knowledge about the mountain, the right routes, what to do and the helping hand if something happens.
4. Whale and dolphin watching in Pico Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Futurismo Pico Azores Adventures offer experiences that can be both educational and fun. The success rate on cetacean sighting is 98%.
Inclusions: Life jacket, Marine biologist or nature guide aboard, Pre-tour briefing
Exclusions: Pickup and drop off
Reviewed By xdelphinex
We can highly recommend a whale watching tour with futurismo (in Pico) as we were with a small group on a ‘little’ zodiac. The tour on the zodiac was allready so much fun but we could also approach the dolphins and some whales on a non agressive and nearby way. Our guide Maria (marine biologist) had much knowledge and was so respectful towards the animals. We had a good feeling about the tour and were really lucky on what we saw that day. Thank you for the lovely experience.
5. Banana Trip, a Full day tour at Pico with Round Trip from Faial island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Banana Trip is a full day cultural tour in Pico island. Usually, we focus on the South coast of Pico island. We will learn about the wine culture and the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards landscape. And we will better understand the importance of the Azores Whaling culture, by visiting a few heritage sites, like the Whaling Museum. A traditional lunch is included at Lajes village. In between, we will appreciate several natural tide pools and visit the interior of the island, Pico Central Plateau. We call it Banana Trip, because the final goal is to visit our own banana plantation. To check and see if there’s a ripe bunch of bananas, ready to harvest. The Banana Trip is a private cultural tour in Pico island that offers an exclusive experience. The price includes all expenses from Faial island and back.
Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, Ferry tickets, Certified local guide
Exclusions: Snacks, Bottled water
Reviewed By claudiasusanap2021
We did an half day tour in Faial with Pedro Escobar! It was a wonderful trip with so much information about nature and the island features! Faial is a lovely island with diversity and unique spots. I would highly recommend this trip and Our Island team. Pedro is a great guide and we can see he puts his heart and passion in what he does.
6. Wine & Food Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Take this unique opportunity to discover the azorean cuisine. Experience the best food in Azores on this full day gastronomy and wine tour through Pico island, the main island of the Azores wines. Delight yourself whit an unique and delicious food and wine, while learning about the local traditions, culture and gastronomy, through an amazing landscape, world heritage since 2004. Have a taste of the Azores and...expect the unexpected! Min. 2 people for Tour
Inclusions: Regional lunch, Insurances, Wine and food tasting, Photo of the tour, Cheese tasting, Liqueur tasting
Exclusions: Pick up
Reviewed By gainsboroughgirl
An incredible day with a fantastic guide- Lucia was enthusiastically infectious as she took us round Pico. It was not the best of days up on the mountain, but then we also saw the changes which brings its own beauty- and plenty of animals who she knew so well. We had expected a dry, volcanic landscape and were bowled over with the diversity of this island. We had a beautiful lunch with Pico wine. Although the jeep had broken down and we went in a van, I don't think we missed anything too major because of it. Lucia was a careful driver. The lava cave was a first for us. My only regret is that I forgot the 20 euros in my purse was for the pick up at sao roque so I had no tip money for her. A day of surprises, much joy and lasting memories. Thank you Lucia.
7. Climb Pico Mountain with round trip from Faial island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We provide a private Pico Climb experience for travellers staying at Faial island. Our local guides are extremely knowledgeable and will make sure to ascent in an easy pace, in order for a comfortable and exciting mountaineering activity.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Ferry tickets, Pico Mountain Natural Park fee
Exclusions: Bring your own snacks, water, and sandwiches for lunch
Reviewed By claudiasusanap2021
We did an half day tour in Faial with Pedro Escobar! It was a wonderful trip with so much information about nature and the island features! Faial is a lovely island with diversity and unique spots. I would highly recommend this trip and Our Island team. Pedro is a great guide and we can see he puts his heart and passion in what he does.
8. Pico Mountain - Group> 4
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
If you have accepted the challenge of climbing Pico Mountain, congratulations! With us, the climb will be at your pace with a dedicated Guide. Calm down because we have all day just for you. Meeting at the "Mountain House", if you do not want "transfer included", it is time to check if we all have the proper equipment, protection, food, water and of course, the camera. Our guide will accompany you along a trail, much of it in very irregular volcanic rock, which will require some effort and care. . Reaching the summit, the effort is rewarded by breathtaking, breathtaking landscapes. First the crater, then the last stage: the Piquinho. This, with its 70 m high, will give more "fight" but inevitable to achieve the goal: 2351 m altitude, the highest point of the island of Pico, the Azores and Portugal. You will also see the 'fumaroles' that show the grandeur of the (dormant) volcano. Land Tours wishes you a good climb!
Inclusions: Accredited guide who can be a driver, Personal accident insurance, All Fees and Taxes, Mountain Entrance Fee
Exclusions:
Reviewed By daccjist
Jaime is an amazing tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable about everything Sao Jorge and knows all the popular spots as well as local gems. He has a wealth of information and contacts in the Azores. From the best coffee spots, shortcuts and adventure sports (land and water) - Jaime is your guide! Furthermore, He is very punctual and helpful. I was traveling during the holidays where most tourist sites are closed. My next stop was Pico and he reached out to a local contact who helped me with my next tour. He is very genuine. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you Jaime! Until next time!! P.S. He takes great pictures too!!
9. Night Climb to Pico Mountain in Small Groups
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
We take our work very seriously to protect and enhance our precious mountain. For our activity to follow responsible actions, it is very important to respect the official path. Our experienced and professional guides are Certified Guides of Pico Mountain and belong to AGMA - Association of Mountain Guides of the Azores. They will constantly monitor your well-being during the climb, watching your action and communicating with you. Our groups are small and of high quality material to guarantee the best use of this life experience.
Inclusions: Walking poles, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle, Pico Mountain Certified Guides
Exclusions: Snacks
Reviewed By SaraNordgren
Where to begin, from the start the Tripix team helped us with all prearrangement (food, water, clothes, transportation...). Matteo, our extremely experienced guide (500+ hikes to Pico Mountain) picked us up and drove us to the Mountain House. On the way he showed the weather forecast and what to expect, always good to manage expectations as the weather can be tricky. He arranged everything once there making our life’s very easy, specially at that time of the day. During the hike he explained the different parts, with names and difficulty, and managed our pace to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. He also know the mountain better than his living room so he went on the easiest parts, with short cuts ????. Not only that, he is also a very knowledgeable climber and we were lucky enough to get a 7 summit 101 class on our way back, making the time go by super fast. Just to top it off he spent the day taking videos and pictures that are just the perfect way to remember this day, and it takes that off your hands so you just have to enjoy the view. 100% recommended if you are planning to do this hike. He is all passion and knowledge, and managed to keep us smiling all the way. Ah by the way, if you do the hike with Matteo there is a surprise waiting for you on the top;)
10. Whale and dolphin watching in Pico Island - half day
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 6 reviews
Futurismo Azores Whale Watching can provide you an adventure in Pico Island. Join us for one experience that can be both educational and fun. Up to 28 different whales and dolphins have been sighted in Azores. On all our tours it’s almost guaranteed you will see cetaceans. Our whale and dolphin watching tours in Pico island are operated on a zodiac boat. The zodiac boats are more adventurous and smaller boats where you can experience more the ocean up close. Before the boat trip, our biologists give you a briefing to explain which cetacean species can be observed, safety measures aboard, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea as well as some historical facts.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Pre-tour briefing , Raincoat and pants if necessary, Life jacket , Marine biologist or nature guide aboard
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Reviewed By Catarina M
This is an absolute must do if you visit the island. Actually, even if you have whale whatched before or on other destinations, don't give this a pass. In our trip we say humpback whales jumping around. It was an impreasive experience. Great staff, extremely educational.
