Just across the water from Faial, and easily reached by ferry, lies Pico, the highest point in Portugal. This rugged, mountainous island has a web-like network of black stone walls enclosing tiny fields and picturesque villages. Sunvil are able to pre-book full and half day island tours with an English speaking driver, which will enable you to derive maximum benefit from your visit.
Full day tour of Pico
Depart from Madalena to the village of Sao Roque on the north coast of Pico, visiting the black rocks of Cachorro en route. After a brief stop in the village take the mountain road (altitude 900m) towards Lajes do Pico. Lajes do Pico was, for many years, the centre of the whaling industry in the Azores. Continue on to the Whaler’s Museum (entrance fee not included) located on the harbour front and home to a fascinating exhibition about the industry. Return to Madalena stopping at ‘Verdelho’ wine cellar en route.
Price: £135 per taxi based on a maximum of 3 people.
Note:
Departures from Silveira, Lajes do Pico and Prainha also available. Please telephone us for details.
Half day tour of Faial from Pico
Depart from Madalena harbour, to Faial Island (30 minutes by boat). Depart from Horta via the mountain road towards Caldeira, the highest point on the island at 1,043 metres. Continue north to Capelinhos, the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores in 1957 and visit the museum, which details the evolution of the eruption. Return to Pico by boat.
Price: £104 per taxi based on a maximum of 3 people (excluding transfers to/from Madalena harbour).
Half day Whale & Dolphin Watching (Daily between 01 Apr - 14 Oct)
Whale & dolphin watching trips (excluding transfers) can be pre-booked on Pico. For departure from Lajes:
Prices: £34 per person (01Apr-03May & 28Sep - 14Oct)
£38 per person (04May-05Jul & 31Aug - 27Sep)
£42 per person (06Jul - 30Aug)
Notes:
• Special reductions of £5 per person (01Apr-03May & 28Sep - 14Oct) and £8 per person (04May - 27Sep) if booking 5 people or more on any one trip
• Minimum child age is 5 years (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
• No price reduction for children
• Duration: 3-hour trip
• May to Sep is the best period to see whales off Pico
• Briefing on Pico by a marine biologist (c.20-minute talk)
• Pregnant women or any person suffering from severe back problems are not allowed on the whale watching boats.
• Zodiac rigid hull inflatables used
• It is advisable to pre-book this excursion in August.
Pico Mountain Hike
For the more adventurous traveller a climb up Mount Pico can present the opportunity of a life time especially if you are blessed with clear skies. The peak, at 2,351 metres, offers spectacular views over the other the central islands of the archipelago. The ascent generally takes between 3 ½ and 4 ½ hours depending on how fit you are and weather conditions. The climb should only be attempted by strong walkers. The walk is not technically difficult but would involve some steep slopes along uneven paths and in places slippery vegetation and loose stones. The descent can be particularly hard on the knees due to the steep slopes and loose stones. The climb would start from 1200 metres. To climb the mountain you must be accompanied by a qualified guide.
Prices: £159 for 1 to 3 people including transfers from/to hotel in Madalena.
£170 for 1 to 3 people including transfers from/to properties in Prainha, Silveira or Lajes.
Whale & dolphin watching holiday on Pico >
