Top Things to do in Pico
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8 Things to Do in Pico That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Pico, Portugal including Pico Mountain (Montanha do Pico), Gruta das Torres, Museu dos Baleeiros (Whaler’s Museum), Museu da Industria Baleeira, Casa da Montanha, Vinhas da Criacao Velha Trail, Parque Florestal de Sao Joao, Centro de Interpretacao da Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico.
Restaurants in Pico
1. Pico Mountain (Montanha do Pico)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 312 reviews
Classified as a nature reserve since 1972, this is the highest mountain (7,800 feet) in Portugal, which is capped by a crater, the Pico Grande, from which a small cone emerges.
Reviewed By FrannyAB - Ottawa, Canada
Pico mountain is the highest mountain in Portugal, and given that it is situated in the mid-Atlantic the views, if the weather cooperates, are incredible. This is not a technical climb, however it is steep and involves scrambling up rock/lava formations so you do need to be in good shape, sure footed and with lots of recent experience going up and downhill. Check the weather forecast and make your final decision that morning as it would be a shame to do the climb without the views of surrounding Islands.
2. Gruta das Torres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By Arthur K - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Our very enthusiastic guide made the journey through the lava tunnel highly entertaining and interesting. The passage took us through some rocky ground, past stalagtites and other unusual features.
Remember to bring sturdy shoes and BOOK AHEAD! (We went earlier in the week and had to book for several days later; while we were there several groups arrived and had to be turned back)
3. Museu dos Baleeiros (Whaler’s Museum)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By keith47 - Westcliff-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Yes, some people may not like the idea of whaling, but this exhibition does show the economic needs of the times and the methods used. Extraordinary feats of courage needed to do this dangerous work.
Many artefacts to be seen and the descriptions of the way of life in those times.
4. Museu da Industria Baleeira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Beth Ann L - Vancouver, Canada
We stopped by because we wanted to know more about life on Pico. To be clear, this region has a strong history of whaling. If you don't like that, then skip it... I don't either, but seek to understand.
My daughter and I learned lots about how people on the island interacted with whales. The historic footage helped us understand that people had many jobs (farmer, etc) but when the whales were spotted, everyone would jump into action. All the whale was used, the oil and the "farinhas" which i think is the fertilizer, which must have been helpful with the volcanic soil.
It is a newer museum, has a gift shop, and informative.
5. Casa da Montanha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
The Mountain's House (CM) is an obligatory stop at Pico Mountain. Its main goal is to support those who want to make the climb to the mountain and to make the registration and control in accordance with the regulation. The CM is complemented by a bar with panoramic views, where you can taste some products of local gastronomy while recovering from the effort expended on the way up or simply listen to the stillness of nature and enjoy the magnificent scenery that embraces the entire west coast of Pico and the Faial Island. It provides information on the geology, biology, history, climate and legal framework of the Nature Reserve of Pico Mountain, both in information panels, or in movie format, which can be viewed in the auditorium.
Reviewed By KHealyO - Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom
Park here and enjoy scenic views. Visit the Mountain House and view the informative short film about Pico and plants which can be found there. Trekkers to the top will need to register and carry and GPS device. For safety, their progress will be monitored by staff at the Mountain House. Cafe and loos onsite.
6. Vinhas da Criacao Velha Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By CruisersRus - Mount Albert
Designated a World Heritage site in 2004, Vinhas Criacao Velha trail is a look into the culture and practices of people who have lived here for hundreds of years. They have adapted to a challenging landscape and have made a success of developing and maintaining Pico's vineyards. Their efforts are truly commendable. The trail actually begins well down the road at Porto do Calhau but we choose to start and end with the circular tour of the vineyards. This is a must see. The sedate countryside, the unending lava stone 'fences', the gorgeous windmill, the floral artistry of numerous plants, a seaside stop and the local residences are all on display during this relatively short walk. For such a short trail, this was one of our favourites!
7. Parque Florestal de Sao Joao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By CruisersRus - Mount Albert
This is a very nice, clean, well planned park, worthy of visiting and exploring. It can be easily missed as you drive south on route R1-2 towards Sao Joao from Madalena. Keep on eye out for well groomed grounds on both sides of the road as the R1-2 highway passes directly through the middle of the park, cutting it in half. You will see it just before entering the town of Sao Joao. On one side you find a kids' adventure playground with climbing apparatus, a conditioning and exercising course with several exercise stations that takes you through the woods, a paved & fenced soccer pitch, washrooms, a large deer enclosure and even an ecological research area where various species of trees have been planted for study. There is a nice ocean view as well from the soccer pitch. On the opposite side of the road are trails covering the various undulations of the landscape. Each of the trails have areas set up with picnic tables and BBQ pits. On this side of the road you will likely notice the lovely religious monument dedicated to those in the area who lost life and property from the volcanic eruption of 1718. If you are looking for a family outing on Pico, where grounds are super clean with lots of room and plenty of things to do, then this park is the one you want. For the adventurous there is also an excellent 8 km coastal trail that begins here and ends at the windmill at Ponta Rasa (separate review).
8. Centro de Interpretacao da Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
The Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Interpretation Centre (CIPCVIP) is a building of noble characteristics, situated in one of the most peculiar core of the Protected Landscape of the Vineyard Culture - Lajido Santa Luzia, consisting as a starting point to understanding of the rich cultural heritage classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2004. In this area, visitors can watch a short documentary on the Vineyard Culture Landscape and collect information about the values that comprise it. In 2011 it was nominated to the FAD Awards (Promotion of Arts and Design) in the Architecture category, by the Spanish association Arquinfad. Going to this Centre also allows a guided visit to the vineyard and fig tree "plots", to the inside of a warehouse and a traditional distillery, still in operation, as well as a tour to the core of Lajido that allows the understanding of how the building is closely associated with the vineyard and fig tree culture. Along the way, stands out the visit to the lava fields, locally called "lajidos", where we can walk the paths that lava trod in the past, having left carved on the rocks, micro reliefs of rare beauty, where later settled several species of endemic flora.
Reviewed By AlicesAdventures13 - Los Angeles, California
The Pico island vineyards stretch for miles along the rocky ocean shores of the Atlantic. Travel by car or by bike to see these unique lava rock squares. This area is definitely worth a visit. It's gorgeous and interesting with the Pico volcano in the background the landscape is picturesque to say the least.
These are not vineyards that you can tour but it is easy to drive or bike by them and look. Ad you make your way to the surrounding towns there are a few places where you can do tastings.
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