São Miguel & Pico: Fly & Drive

Welcome to the Azores! Begin your adventure by conveniently picking up your rental car at let the fun start.

Suggestion for the day:

• Take a stroll around Madalena’s historical cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at one of the several seaside restaurants. Madalena is known for its picturesque harbor, framed by the iconic silhouette of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal.
• In the late afternoon, make your way to Cella Bar for an unforgettable front-row sunset experience. Nestled along the rugged coastline, Cella Bar offers a unique architectural design, with its striking white structure seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape

Suggestion for the day (explore Pico Island)

• Visit Gruta das Torres: Gruta das Torres is a significant geological formation formed by the cooling of underground magma flows. Its unique drainage pattern is evidenced by multiple layers on the cave walls, lateral benches, and cornices. Gruta das Torres is one of 17 caves on Pico Island recognized for its natural heritage, with the potential for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
• Get Lost in the Beauty of Vinhas da Criação Velha: Explore the historic vineyards of Criação Velha on Pico Island, where centuries-old traditions meet stunning volcanic landscapes. These meticulously crafted vineyards, nestled amidst rugged terrain and volcanic soil, produce exceptional wines renowned for their unique terroir. Experience the rich heritage of winemaking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you stroll through the picturesque rows of vines, soaking in the beauty and history of Pico's viticulture.
• Pico Wine Museum: The Museu do Vinho is situated in a former winery and Carmelite convent near Madalena's city center. This museum showcases the island's wine-making history, displaying traditional wineries, barrels, and tools used for wine production.

Suggestion for the day:

• Day Trip to Faial Island (a short ferry trip away): Nicknamed the “Blue Island” for its abundance of blue hydrangeas that cover the island like a heavenly floral blanket in the summer months, Faial Island is also the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores, which took place along the coast of Capelinhos village in 1957 and almost completely buried the nearby lighthouse. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the eruption, a dire situation that prompted the Azorean Refugee Act to be signed in 1958 by JFK, authorizing the emigration of those affected. Simply put: The Capelinhos volcano left behind one of the most emblematic landscapes in the whole world.

The ferry trip between the islands is budget-friendly, costing under 10€.