Top 5 Hiking Trails to Explore in Pico Island, Azores
Pico Island, part of the stunning Azores archipelago, is a hiker's paradise boasting diverse landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty. From the towering heights of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, to serene coastal paths and lush forest trails, Pico offers an array of hiking adventures for enthusiasts of all levels. Our guide to the top hiking trails in Pico Island will help you uncover the best routes, complete with detailed descriptions, essential tips, and must-see highlights. Embark on your ultimate hiking journey and experience the breathtaking allure of Pico Island.
Discover the top hiking trails and guided tours in Pico Island, Azores. Click below to explore detailed trail guides, insider tips, and booking options for your next hiking experience!
Explore Pico Island Hiking Trails and Tours Now
1. Vinhas da Criação Velha - Pico PR05 PIC
This linear route connects the village of Candelária to Areia Larga in the municipality of Madalena. Recognized by BootsnAll in 2011 for its scenic and cultural diversity, this trail traverses the Protected Landscape for the Vine Culture, one of Pico Island's most iconic areas. The well-preserved vineyard walls and elements like "rola-pipas", "relheiras", shelter houses, wine cellars, and tide wells have earned this trail UNESCO World Heritage status since 2004.
Begin at Porto do Calhau, passing by a tide well near the coast. Continue along the road to Porto do Pocinho, with its tide well and picnic area. The trail circles a hill, offering views of the vineyards and the islets of Madalena. Follow the marked path near the coast, passing Laja das Rosas and entering the vineyard landscape. Note the "relheiras" and the Moinho do Frade windmill, restored in 2003/2004. Upon reaching the road, turn right to see a "rola-pipas." The trail continues by the sea, passing Solar dos Limas and Solar dos Salemas before ending near the Ancoradouro restaurant at Porto da Areia Larga.
- Category - Linear
- Difficulty - Easy
- Extension - 6.9 km
- Time average - 2h
Book a Hiking Tour to the Vineyards of Criação Velha, here!
2. Santana – Lajido - Pico PR10PIC
The trail begins at the regional road between the villages of Santana and São Vicente Ferreira. Before starting, visit the whale lookout by walking along the access lane on the left. Start your hike on a path between two houses. After 700 meters, turn right onto an asphalt road and descend towards Gasparal Bay amid orchards and vineyards.
At the bay, pass the tidal pool and walk to the right of the houses by the sea towards Ponta Negra. This path, lined with Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) and Azores heather (Erica azorica), turns into a shortcut over basaltic rocks.
After the houses of Cabrito, turn right towards the Ermida de São Mateus (St. Matthew’s Chapel). Continue through the village of Arcos to Lajido, ending near the Interpretation Centre for the UNESCO vineyards of Pico.
- Category - Linear
- Difficulty - Easy
- Extension - 8.7 km
- Time average - 2h30m
3. Lagoa do Capitão - Pico PR13PIC
This route begins in the central highlands near Estrada Transversal. Start on the asphalt road to Lagoa do Capitão (Captain’s Lake). Visit the lake, then take the dirt trail on the right, flanked by large Azores junipers (Juniperus brevifolia). After 3 km, the trail skirts Piquinho Summit with views of the north coast.
Return and continue down the gravel path for 400 meters, then turn right onto pasture land. Follow the markings into a shortcut with endemic vegetation. Descend a steep, cobbled slope. As the altitude decreases, the vegetation changes to Australian cheesewood. Exit the vegetation, turn right into a picnic area, then descend towards Cais do Pico to the Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara (St. Peter of Alcântara’s Convent), ending the route.
- Category - Linear
- Difficulty - Medium
- Extension - 9.3 km
- Time average - 3h
Book a hiking tour to the Lagoa do Capitão, here!
4. Calheta do Nesquim PRC11PIC
This small circular route on the south coast begins and ends in the harbor area, in front of the church of São Sebastião (1852), in Calheta do Nesquim, a village rich in Azorean whaling history. Visit the House of Whaling Boats, now a local museum of cultural interest.
Walk carefully along tarmac roads and follow the clockwise direction for the best views. Follow the marks parallel to the coastline to reach the harbor of Feteira, which offers access to natural swimming pools. The trail ascends through mixed vegetation, including the wood of Fetais. At the top, take the dirt road on the left to enjoy views over the village and towards Pedra Aguda and Cabeço do Silvado. In Cascalheira, the trail descends on a tarmac road and then a dirt road through a wood of Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum), leading to agricultural fields, pastures, and traditional small-scale vineyards.
Halfway down, you'll see a whale watching tower where you can rest and enjoy the view. Continue to the road, turn left, and arrive at Poça das Mujas, a small bathing area with the windmill of Morro do Cão (Murricão). Legend says a dog named Nesquim guided three castaways here with his barks, immortalized in the village's coat of arms.
- Category - Circular
- Difficulty - Medium
- Extension - 9 km
- Time average - 3h00
Discover the amazing hike trail o Calheta do Nesquim, here!
5. Caminho das Lagoas - Pico PR19PIC
This trail offers a captivating journey through the pristine interior of the island. Starting at Estrada Transversal, near the forest services' house, it winds its way to the parish of Ribeirinha.
Along the route, you will encounter several picturesque lakes, including Caiado, Lagoa Seca, Lagoas do Peixinho, and Lagoa do Paúl, as well as some high-altitude pastures.
The trail also passes through the Caveiro Nature Reserve, home to diverse flora such as mosses and rushes, holly, and Azores Juniper.
Fauna enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of the Western Azores Goldcrest, blackbirds, and woodcocks. On clear days, the trail offers stunning views of the islands of São Jorge and Terceira. However, it is advisable to avoid this trail on foggy days due to limited visibility.
- Category - Linear
- Difficulty - Easy
- Extension - 22.2 km
- Time average - 7h
BONUS: Climb the Highest Mountain in Portugal - Pico Mountain in the Azores Islands
Pico Mountain, also known as Mount Pico, is the highest peak in Portugal, rising to 2,351 meters (7,713 feet). This majestic stratovolcano provides an unparalleled adventure for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers. Reaching the summit rewards climbers with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the vast Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, the neighboring islands of Faial and São Jorge are visible.
While the hike is challenging due to its steep and rocky terrain, it remains accessible to fit and prepared hikers. The round trip typically takes 7-8 hours, varying with pace and weather conditions. Many climbers opt for an early ascent to witness the sunrise from the summit, adding a magical touch to the adventure. Alternatively, sunset hikes offer equally stunning views and the unique experience of descending under the stars.
You can book your climbing experience in Pico Mountain here:
- Climbing Pico mountain: Sunrise
- Climbing Pico mountain: Overnight
- Climbing Pico mountain: During the day
In conclusion, Pico Island in the Azores provides an unmatched hiking experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Plan your ultimate hiking adventure on Pico Island and immerse yourself in the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of this extraordinary destination.
Are you already in love with the Azores? Please take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!
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