Flores translates to flowers in English. The name of this island does it justice. During the summer months, Flores island is covered with thousands of blue and pink hydrangeas, as well as yellow goldenrods. These cover the sides of the roads that cross the green landscapes of the islands. Less than 4,000 people live on this island, making it a quaint destination to experience the Azorean way of life. The island spans a 141.4 km2 surface, making it a small island that is easy to drive around through.

Flores island was discovered around 1452 by Diogo de Teive. It was initially called the island of São Tomás but was rapidly changed to Flores due to the large number of yellow flowers that covered the island. Flores is nicknamed “The Yellow Island” for this reason.

Along with the island of Corvo, Flores is located on the North American Continental Plate of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The island was created due to a submarine volcano that built small calderas and pyroclastic cones (types of rocks created by volcanos). Throughout thousands of years, parts of the island began developing. The Funda de Lajes was only formed around 3,000 years ago due to lava flow, while the development of other parts go as far as 200,000 years ago. However, unlike the other islands, there are no recorded volcanic eruptions on the island.

One of the most beautiful islands in the Azores, and perhaps the whole world, Flores offers an astonishing landscape of green rolling hills and blue lakes, waterfalls, and sea views. Flores might not be the island that every tourist visits when traveling to the Azores, but this is also what makes it so special. This small island is not oversaturated by tourism and feels like an authentic island getaway. However, tourism does help sustain the locals of this island, as 60% of the local workforce are employed in the services sector. Traveling to Flores is not just a gift for yourself, but a helpful way to contribute to the local economy.

What to do in Flores?

One of the most remote islands in the Azores, Flores is the perfect spot for nature lovers. From natural pools to the seven lakes and natural pools, this island is the perfect spot for a full island experience. How many days should you spend in Flores? Even though the island of Flores is small, we recommend spending 3 to 5 days here to enjoy all the activities.

1. Natural pools

A result of volcanic formation, the natural pools in Santa Cruz das Flores are the most famous on the island. This set of pools is a hotspot with tourists and locals, on the eastern side of the island. You can access the pools on foot or by car.

There are other poços throughout the island where you can swim, many with waterfalls. We recommend the Poço do Bacalhau, located in Fajã Grande. You can have a swim in this pool surrounded by cliffs and let the 90-meter waterfall fall on you.

When swimming in the Azores, beware of the caravelas portuguesas (Portuguese man o’ war), a purple jellyfish that can sting you.

2. Visit the Seven Lakes

In the caldera of Flores, you can visit the seven lakes, blue and green lakes that span the location. The seven lakes are Lagoa Funda (Deep Lake), Lagoa Branca (White Lake), Lagoa Seca (Dry Lake), Lagoa Comprida (Long Lake), Lagoa Rasa (Shallow Lake), Lagoa da Lomba (Crest Lake) and Lagoa Negra (Black Lake). The largest lake is Lagoa Negra that is over 100 meters deep.

The top favorite lakes out of the seven are Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida, which stand next to each other. They provide a contrast of a dark blue and a green lake that is beautiful to look at. The lakes are located among hiking trails which you can walk through to enjoy the lakes.

3. Hiking

Although the island of Flores only has 5 hiking trails, these are some of the most beautiful in the Azores. Our favorite trail goes from the seven lakes viewpoint to Poço do Bacalhau. It’s only 7 kilometers long and takes around 3 hours. Hiking in Flores is also one of the best activities to do to experience some birdwatching.

Make sure to hike on “official” trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad. These are properly maintained and signed with hiking markers throughout so people do not get lost. You can look up the official hike trails here. You can find the routes on a map, the duration of the hike, as well as the elevation levels, and more.

4. Adventure sports

Flores is a great spot to engage in some sports, particularly diving and canyoning. Flores has areas with crystal-clear water where you can see marine life in wonderful areas. You can dive into Galo cave, a large cave with two entrances, as well as in sheltered bays and coastal reefs.

Flores is considered one of the best places on earth for canyoning. If you’re wondering what this is, no, it’s not the same as canoeing. Canyoning involves traveling through canyons with different techniques like walking, climbing, jumping, and swimming. We would recommend booking a guided tour for this adventure so that you are safe. Book this €60 tour for a once in a lifetime experience, where you’ll jump into pools and slide between rocks to experience the landscape to its fullest.

Day trips from Flores

Corvo Island

You can visit Corvo island, less than 20 kilometers away from Flores. You can take a ferry from Santa Cruz (Flores) to Vila Nova do Corvo (Corvo) that takes under 40 minutes and costs under €10. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some dolphins on the ferry!

Corvo is the smallest island in the Azores, but it does not fall behind in beauty. Only under 400 people live on this island so you’ll find that a sense of community exists in Corvo. This island is also the most remote island in all of Europe.

A hiking hotspot, Corvo has some of the most beautiful landscapes of all of the Azores and a quaint village with narrow streets. The island is also one of the best places in the world for birdwatching. You can spot birds called Neartic vagrants, nearly impossible to find anywhere else in Europe. The island also has a lot of diversity of fish species and is one the best places for diving.

5 Best Restaurants in Flores: Where to eat in Flores?

The food culture in Flores is one of the best in all of the Azores. This island offers authentic Azorean dishes made from local vegetables and cattle. Before getting into the best restaurants, you need to know the best things to order. Here are some dishes you must try in Flores.

• Tortas de erva patinha (fish and algae tart)
• Pork meat
• Honey
• Azorean cheese
• Seafood

Now that you know what to order, here are the 5 best restaurants in Flores.

1. Sereia

If you’re looking for some authentic Azorean food, Sereia is the place to go. From seafood to Azorean cheese, every dish on the menu hits the spot. The best part, this restaurant is super affordable. You can get a meal here for €10.

2. O Moreao

O Moreno is the perfect place for those who enjoy a large portion at a cheap price. You can get a large meal here for €15 and try out some island classics. They specialize in seafood so we recommend trying out the iconic lapas and some octopus.

3. Cafetaria Falesia

This restaurant has some of the best Azorean sandwiches that you can enjoy with a sea view. Their sandwiches cost less than €2! This is also a great spot to watch a sunset and enjoy a cocktail or some Azorean wine.

4. Casa do Rei

Casa do Rei only uses local products from the island as they are committed to showing customers the vast variety of products available. Known on the island for its high-quality service, this restaurant has some of the best steak and seafood on the island. You can get a meal here for under €10.

5. O Moleiro

This restaurant might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but that’s what makes it most authentic. They offer a variety of seafood and meat dishes, from codfish to pork steak. You can have a full meal here (with wine) for less than €15.

Transportation: How can you get around the island of Flores?

We don’t recommend relying on public transportation in Flores, leave that to the locals. To get around an island, you must rent a car. In fact, this is the best way to visit any island in the Azores. We recommend renting a car in advance because especially in the summer months, these run out fast. You can rent a manual car starting at €60 a day.

5 Best Places to Stay in Flores: Where to stay in Flores?

1. Casa da Boa Onda

Located in the quaint Lajes das Flores, Casa da Boa Onda is an entire home that you can rent. The property has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, as well as a kitchen and dining area.  The best part of this place is that you can enjoy the view from the house’s terrace. You also have free parking in front of the house. This place can sleep up to 3 people as it also has an extra single bed if necessary. It’s also located near many hiking trails, perfect for a morning stroll. The whole house only costs €50 to €70 a night depending on the season.

2. Casa Bianca

Looking to stay in an authentic Azorean house? This entire home in Lajes das Flores is 35 m² and has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a living room with a dining area. Casa Bianca has a private garden with a barbecue and an astonishing sea view. It’s a 30-minute walk from Praia da Calheta, a small beach with dark sand. This entire place only costs €60 a night to rent.

3. Aldeia da Cuada

Located in Fajã Grande, this property has several villas for rental. This is the perfect spot if you want an entire home to yourself, as well as a hotel-like service. Aldeia da Cuada has a 24-hour reception, bar, garden, as well as a restaurant, available to all guests. Every villa comes with a private patio with sea views, as well as an equipped kitchen and bathroom. The property also has breakfast available at the restaurant. If you’re looking to rent a car, this property has a car rental service on the property. A one-bedroom villa for 2 people with breakfast included costs around €85, while a two-bedroom for 3 people costs €110.

4. Casa do Avô Silva

This holiday home is larger than most, with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a dining area, and an outdoor patio with sea views. Casa do Avô Silva is located in Santa Cruz das Flores, a 25-minute walk from the center of Santa Cruz village and a 15-minute walk from the beach. This whole place costs €95 a night.

5. INATEL Flores

The Inatel Flores has modern rooms with balconies that offer stunning ocean views and overlook the pool. This place is located a 15-minute walk from the center of Santa Cruz. You can get a luxurious experience at this place by the pool and terrace, and the room comes with a soft bathrobe. The Inatel Flores has a buffet breakfast every morning, as well as a restaurant for fine dining and a bar. A superior double room with breakfast included costs €70 a night.

Final Thoughts

The Yellow Island of Flores is one of the most beautiful islands in the Azores, despite not being the most commonly visited. This small island will make you feel like you are getting an authentic Azorean experience, without the overpopulation of tourists. Flores has so much to offer. From the glorious Seven Lakes to the seawater natural pools and the hiking trails, this island is perfect for a nature lover.

The largest island in the Azores, São Miguel is known as the Green Island. If you’ve only seen a few photographs of the Azores, chances are you have seen photos of São Miguel.

São Miguel is part of the Eastern Group of the Archipelago with the island of Santa Maria that is 80 kilometers away. The island has around 140,000 inhabitants, with 45,000 people residing in Ponta Delgada, the island’s largest city.

The island was discovered between 1427 and 1431, after the island of Santa Maria. It was initially settled in 1440 by Portuguese people from the regions of Estremadura, Algarve, and Alentejo. The island was later on home to various groups including Moors, Jews, and French foreigners. Ponta Delgada became the capital in 1546. The capital had before been Vila Franca do Campo, but after the earthquake of 1522, this area was destroyed.

São Miguel is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the classic Azorean life, as well as a larger city. You can’t find this combination on any other Azorean island. The island has so much to offer. From diving, hiking, surfing, and biking, São Miguel is great for the whole family. From the São Miguel iconic pineapple plantations to the cozido das furnas, the island has a rich culture and Azorean cuisine.

What to do in São Miguel?

It is no surprise that the largest island in the Azores will have the most things to do. We have selected our top 5 things to do in São Miguel.

1. Sete Cidades

On the West side of the island, Sete Cidades is a municipality in São Miguel and probably the most famous place to visit on the island. Here you can visit the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a large lake divided by a bridge into two parts: one green and one blue. Head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint where you can enjoy the best view of the lagoon. The Lagoa das Sete Cidades is the perfect spot for kayaking. Even though Sete Cidades is known for this particular lake, there are over 11 lakes in the municipality that you observe from miradouros (viewpoints).

2. Visit the Capital Ponta Delgada

The capital since 1546, Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan town that is full of historic flavor. Around 70,000 people live in the capital, around half of the whole island population. The best part is that you can walk around the city on foot and that it has the best restaurants on the island.

The capital is perfect for a day of exploring modern Azorean life. Ponta Delgada is known for its historic churches and unique cobbled streets. Get lost through the capital discovering these. An area to not miss is Avenida Infante D. Henrique, a seaside promenade that runs from a military fortress to Calheta. The path has the classic Portuguese black and white cobblestoned floors.

Make sure to also look for the City Gates or Portas da Cidade, this monument represents how the capital is like the entrance gates of Azores. These gates were built in the 18th century and are located in the old city harbor, the first line of defense of the island at the time.

3. Furnas

In the eastern part of São Miguel you have Furnas, the thermal hotspot of the Azores. This place is like no other. You can visit two boiling caldeiras in action, as well as hot spring pools for swimming.

There are over thirty geysers around the Furnas village. These are essentially bubbling, steaming caldeiras that smell of sulfur. Temperatures range from 70ºC to 100ºC, which is perfect for cooking. You need to try a Cozido das Furnas here. This is similar to the classic Portuguese cozido, a meat stew with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, blood sausage, pork and beef. But this is no regular stew – it’s cooked by a volcano. This dish is placed in a metal pot and buried in volcanic soil to be slow-cooked by the natural heat of the caldeiras.

Another thing to do in Furnas is to visit the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra. Here you can swim in a popular orange geothermal swimming pool that’s 35ºC. 

4. Hiking

São Miguel has the most hiking trails in the Azores with over 20 to explore. This is a great way to explore the island and get into those secret spots that look like a fairytale. Make sure to hike on “official” trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad. These are properly maintained and signed with hiking markers throughout so people do not get lost. You can look up the official hike trails here. You can find the routes on a map, the duration of the hike, as well as the elevation levels, and more. The best hiking trails in São Miguel are Lagoa do Fogo (11 KM, 4h00), Sete Cidades (7.7 KM, 2h00), and Lagoa das Furnas (9.5 KM, 3h00).

5. Pineapple Plantation

São Miguel, as well as all of the Azores, is known for its sweet pineapples. Pineapple seeds from America were introduced on the island in the 19th century. Pineapples are mostly grown in greenhouses and it can take up to 2 years to grow an Azorean pineapple? They are a bit different from other pineapples as they are smaller and sweeter in taste.

There are many pineapple plantations but the most popular is Arruda Plantation. You can walk through where these pineapples grow and learn about the time-consuming plantation methods used to produce them. The plantation has a cafe where you can buy pineapple cakes and ice cream.

5. Tea Plantation

The only two tea plantations in Europe are actually in São Miguel. Gorreana and Porto Formoso have been producing black, green, and orange teas since 1883. And they’re all organic! You can enjoy a free tasting and learn a bit more about how the teas are produced sustainably.

View Tours & Day Trips in São Miguel

5 Best Restaurants in São Miguel: Where to eat in São Miguel?

The cuisine from São Miguel is one of the best in the archipelago. Most restaurants are located in the capital Ponta Delgada and are within walking distance of each other. These cobbled streets are filled with restaurants serving Azorean regional dishes, as well as high-end cuisine. Before getting into the best restaurants, you need to know the best things to order. Here are the must-tries in São Miguel.

• Pineapple
• Beef steak
• Tuna
• Sour cheese
• Bolos levedos
• Queijadas da Vila 
• Cozido das Furnas

Now that you’re ready to order, let’s go through the 5 best restaurants in São Miguel.

1. Restaurante da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel

One of the most popular restaurants on the island, this restaurant is was founded by a society of local producers. This place is known for its beef steak prepared with local beef. You can choose to have it accompanied by a sauce, the best being the pepper or cream sauce. You should also sample their selection of regional wines. You can have a meal from €20 to €15 a person.

2. Casa da Rosa

This restaurant has a relaxed and comfy environment. Located next to Alcides, this place has live music and features Portuguese food, as well as international dishes. It is very affordable and you can also get some vegetarian options here. You can have a meal here for €15.

3. Tony’s

This is an iconic restaurant for Cozido das Furnas. Founded in 1984 and located in Furnas, this place makes the best cozido. This meat stew is slow cooked by the natural heat of the caldeiras by being buried in volcanic soil. If you want to see this, before you head to Tony’s for lunch, go to the hot springs where you can find a few tablets labeled “Tony’s”. A cozido for one person costs €13 and €20 for two people.

4. A Tasca 

Located in the center of Ponta Delgada, this restaurant’s name literally means tavern. The white and blue exterior provides an authentic Azorean experience. Do book a table because this place is always busy. Try their octopus with roasted potatoes and their tuna steak. A meal here costs €15.

5. Quinta dos Sabores 

This place is a farm to table restaurant. They only use organic products that they have farmed themselves. This family-run restaurant offers an affordable fine dining experience with unique flavors and aesthetically pleasing dishes. A meal here costs between €30 to €50.

Transportation: How can you get around the island of São Miguel?

The transportation in São Miguel is not great. The bus system is designed for the locals, not tourists looking to get to sights. However, the buses are quite cheap as tickets costs between €0.30 to €3.

To get around an island, we definitely recommend renting a car. In fact, this is the best way to visit any island in the Azores. You can pick up a rental car from the airport and return it when you are flying back. We recommend renting a car in advance because especially in the summer months, these run out fast. You can rent a manual car starting at €60 a day.

If you cannot rent a car, you can always use the taxi services. This will be a lot more expensive though. For example, a taxi from the airport to Furnas will set you back €40.

5 Best Places to Stay in São Miguel: Where to stay in São Miguel?

1. SENSI Azores Nature and Spa

If you are looking for a five-star experience, SENSI is the place to go. This place has an astonishing view of the ocean and is decorated in a boho-chic style. SENSI features an indoor and outdoor pool, a garden, and a spa. Ponta Delgada is a 30-minute drive away, which is not uncommon on the island. A large room with a sea view costs around €120 a night.

2. White Exclusive Suites & Vilas

This place’s name does it justice, it is an exclusive accommodation in Lagoa. White Exclusive Suites & Vilas features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a garden. This place is only a 15-minute drive to Ponta Delgada. You can get a room here for around €200 a night.

3. Herdade do Ananás

This guesthouse is an eco-friendly accommodation option in Ponta Delgada, the capital. Herdade do Ananás is known for its great customer service and for providing a luxurious experience. This place features a garden and a shared lounge. You can get a room here for around €150 a night.

4. Quinta dos Bravos

Located between Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande, this place has a 3000 square meters garden and an outdoor swimming pool. You are less than 20 minutes away from Ponta Delgada. You can get a room here for around €90 a night.

5. Atlantic 3 Bicas

If you are looking for affordable accommodation, this place in Furnas is a great option. It is only 90 meters from Parque Terra nostra where you can take a swim in a 35ºC geothermal swimming pool. Atlantic 3 Bicas has a gorgeous garden and shared lounge. A room here will only cost you €55 a night.

Final Thoughts

The largest island in the Azores, São Miguel, offers so much to see and do. São Miguel has both the cosmopolitan and the island side. It is no surprise that over 140,000 people choose to live here. If you are visiting the Azores, you cannot miss visiting Green Island. From discovering the local cuisine, to hiking and visiting the lagoons, this island will hold a special place in your heart.

The second-largest island in the Azores, Pico is home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Pico mount at over 2,000 meters high. At 300,000 years old, Pico is the most recently formed island of the Azores. The Hawaii of Portugal, Pico island is 46 kilometers long and is filled with exotic vegetation and astonishing sea views. Pico is known as the Ilha Preta (“Black Island”) because of its black volcanic soils which nourish the UNESCO-designated vineyards.

But don’t worry, volcanic eruptions have ended in Pico over 300 years ago and it is now dormant. This does, however, lead many curious scientists to visit and study the island.

We do not know when this island was discovered exactly. However, it is believed to have been inhabited since the 1480s when the island became part of Faial’s control, an Azorean island less than 10 kilometers away.

Pico island’s history has been built around its wine and whaling culture. Throughout the years, Pico’s main economic activity was whaling. Whaling began to boom in the 18th century with the presence of American and British whalers. Spermwhaling hunting was the primary industry of the island until 1986 when it was finally abolished. Moby Dick was allegedly set in Pico islands! Today, you can visit the whale museum, the old whale factory. Pico has ever since been leading a movement of fair treatment study of whales, as well as other sea animals.

Pico island’s vineyard culture began in the late 15th century. The volcanic soil provides the ideal conditions for vines to grow. Pico wines are renowned all over the world for their quality.

What to do in Pico?

This is the perfect island to experience a full Azorean experience! You can hike, bird watch, explore the sea life, as well as experience the more luxurious side of the island. Pico also has some of the best swimming spots in the Azores including natural sea pools and waterfalls, as well as sand beaches.

1. Natural Pools

Going for a swim in Pico is like nothing else, you can enjoy a view of the Atlantic ocean and volcanoes. Although there are barely any sandy beaches in Pico, there are many ocean natural pools that provide you with the same experience. These usually even have showers and sometimes picnic tables for barbecues. These natural pools are often very full during summer. If you want to experience the pools like a local, you’ll need to know some secret spots. We recommend the Poço da Maré do Verdugo, Ponta do Admoiro, as well as the classic Lajes do Pico Natural and São Roque do Pico pools.

2. Whale-watching

Since whale hunting was banned in the 1980s, Pico island has become famous for whale watching. 24 different species of whales live in the Azores, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. The best season for whale-watching in Pico is between April to October, even though you can usually see them all year. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a sperm whale at around 20 meters long. You can book a dolphin and whale guided tour with a biologist here.

3. Whalers Museum

Known as Museu dos Baleeiros in Portuguese, the Whalers Museum is a must-see, close to Lajes Port. The museum is situated in three boathouses from the 19th century. Inside, you will learn about the history of whale hunting through whalers tools, old photographs, and objects. The museum also has a video about the history of whale hunting in Pico which can be shocking for some but is very well directed.

4. Hiking

Whether you’re in top-notch shape or want to go on an easy hike, Pico Island has the hiking trail for you. This is a great way to see the secret spots of the island, particularly the waterfalls. Make sure to hike on “official” trails that are taken care of by the Azores Tourism Broad. These are properly maintained and signed with hiking markers throughout so people do not get lost. You can look up the official hike trails here. You can find the routes on a map, the duration of the hike, as well as the elevation levels, and more. The best hiking trails in Pico are caminho das Lagoas (22 KM, 7 hours), Calheta do Nesquim (8.6 KM, 2h30), and Prainha do Norte (7.8 KM, 2h30).

We also recommend hiking up Mount Pico, the highest mountain in all of Portugal. However, this is a tough hike. The hike is only around 8 hours, but the rocky terrain is quite hard to walk, particularly on the way down. It is best to do the hike with a Certified Pico Mountain guide to avoid any injury or challenges. You can book a guided hike here where you will also learn about the geology, fauna, and flora of the mount.

5. Experience the Wine Culture

When thinking of Portuguese wine, most people will think of the regions of Douro and Alentejo. However, the island of Pico has some of the best wines in the country and the best vineyards The vineyards in Pico are a UNESCO World Heritage region. A beautiful scenery, these vineyards are different than in mainland Portugal. In Pico, instead of large fields of vines, the vines are located in small squares with black basalt stone walls built around them. The vineyards weren’t made this way just for beauty. This way, the vines are protected from the wind, especially wind that brings salt from the ocean.

Can you visit vineyards in Pico? You’ll see small plots everywhere, but you should also visit a larger one. The two main regions to find larger vineyards are Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico and São Mateus. 

The best thing to do is to book a wine tasting that includes a visit to a vineyard. This wine tour includes a visit to a wine cooperative, a vineyard, and a wine tasting from €43. This wine tour allows you discover the old winemaking traditions with a walk through vineyards and wine tasting for €100. A delicious regional lunch is included!

You can also visit the Wine Museum, located inside a winery and old Carmelite convent near Madalena. You will learn the long history of wine in the island, particularly how Verdelho, a white wine grape, became the most used to produce wine in Azores. The museum has traditional wine objects like Azorean barrels that are hundreds of years old.

7. Explore the Churches

Churches in the Azores are often made in the local black basalt volcanic stone. Each municipality in Pico will usually have its own church. Many have been damaged due to earthquakes and have been rebuilt. The churches in Pico are the locations of many local festivals and are of high cultural value to the islanders.

The best part: these are free to visit. One of the most iconic churches in Pico is the Church of Santa Maria Madalena, the largest on the island. This 19th-century church has Portuguese tiles inside that showcases the everyday life of the locals on the island. Also visit the Santa Barbara Church, the Sao Goncalo Convent, and the Matriz de Sao Joao Church.

Day trips from Pico

Pico is part of the “Triangle Islands” with Faial and São Jorge. If you visit Pico and have a few days, make sure to cross the sea to visit these two neighboring islands. You might be thinking, what’s the point? Well, these three islands are completely different from one another and each one has a unique culture.

How to travel between the triangle islands of Pico, Faial, and São Jorge? Atlanticoline has a ferry service that functions all year. These ferries are an easy way to travel between the islands, and you can even take your car. You also get to witness the islands from the ocean with amazing views. The ferry from Pico (Madalena) to Faial (Horta) only takes 30 minutes and costs around €5. The ferry from Pico (Madalena) to São Jorge (Calheta) is less than 2 hours and costs around €10.

We have selected the best things to do on your day trips to Faial and São Jorge. We also suggest renting a car to be able to travel freely around the islands.

Faial Island

A 20-minute drive from the center, Faial‘s caldeira is a must-see. The Caldeira’s crater is an astonishing view that is photo-worthy. It’s best to visit it on a sunny and clear day. You can take an 8-kilometer hike around the crater that takes around 2 hours. We recommend booking a guided tour of the Caldeira where you hike this trail with a guide and even walk down to the bottom of the crater.

Another 20-minute drive away, you will find Porta Pim Beach. This beach is one of the few grey sandy beaches in the Azores. You can enjoy a swim in the ocean and then head off for lunch at the seafood restaurant Genuino, next to the beach. This restaurant is a classic in Horta, Faial, and has a beautiful view of the beach.

A 10-minute walk or 3-minute drive away is the Horta marina. This marina is one of the most visited in the world. It has a large mural where sailors from around the world paint a section to symbolize their voyage. Take a 2-minute walk to Peter Cafe Sport, an emblematic cafe on the island that thousands have passed through.

Last but not least, you must visit the Capelinhos. Located in the most westernmost point of Europe, the Capelinhos is a volcano that erupted in 1958 on the western side of the island. This section of the island was only created 60 years ago after the eruption. The volcano and the floor are the color of the black volcanic rock, making this an interesting and beautiful site. Here you can also visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center that has a set of exhibitions about the eruption and the formation of the archipelago.

São Jorge

Many Azorean islands have a few fajãs, but São Jorge has over 40. Fajãs are small plains located at sea level which were once created by lava flows. In São Jorge, many are small villages. Discovering these on the island is a fun experience. The Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is known for surf and body board all over Europe. You can also practice water sports and swim in natural pools in Fajã do Ouvidor and Fajã Grande. Our favorite fajã is Fajã do Ouvidor, one that the locals go to the most. It’s home to the Poça Simão Dias, the most amazing swimming hole on the island. The water is clear and you can even jump from low rocks.

We definitely also recommend exploring the coffee plantation in Fajã dos Vimes. You can try the locally grown coffee at Cafe Nunes, owned by a family who opened the cafe at the plantation in 1997. But fun fact, coffee beans did not grow in the Azores originally. The story goes that coffee beans were brought in by someone in the late 18th century from Brazil to the island.

You can always book a guided tour of the island. Perfect if you have not rented a car, book this van tour that takes you to the coffee plantations, to a cheese tasting, a 16th-century church, as well as the Poça Simão Dias. The tour costs €110 and includes lunch.

5 Best Restaurants in Pico: Where to eat in Pico?

Azorean cuisine is the best of the best. From affordable local food to more luxurious options, this island has a restaurant for everyone. Before getting into the best restaurants, you need to know the best things to order to experience the island’s cuisine.

• Pico island wine
• Limpets (lapas)
• Cheese of Pico
• Blood sausage (morcela)
• Bolo Lêvedo of the Azores
• Fried mackerel
• Octopus

Now that you’re ready to order, let’s go through the 5 best restaurants in Pico.

1. Taberna do Canal

Looking for traditional food? This spot is a classic Azorean restaurant in Pico, loved by the locals. The interior of this place feels like a traditional Azorean tavern with stoned walls. They have a great selection of Pico wines. We recommend their grilled octopus and monkfish, as well as the fruitcake for dessert. You can have a meal here for under €20.

2. Casa Âncora

Looking for an elegant experience at an affordable place? Casa Âncora has been growing in popularity in Pico, with its burgers, fillet steaks, as well as vegetarian options. The restaurant is modern and decorated in minimal light woods. You can have a meal here for  €15 to €20.

3. O Ancoradouro 

This restaurant is like going to a local Azorean’s home for dinner. They serve regional Azorean dishes so this is the perfect place to try some Pico cheese, blood sausage, and some limpets as starters. The restaurant has a terrace with panoramic views of the island of Faial. You can have a meal here for €20 to €30.

4. Magma

Located in the Lava Homes resort, Magma is a restaurant serving homemade food. They have Pico regional dishes like beef stew and blood sausage, with a regional dish for every day of the week. The restaurant is modern and well decorated, with an amazing view of the ocean. This place is perfect for a sunset dinner. You can have a meal here for around €30 per person.

5. Cella Bar

Cella Bar is a well-known high-end restaurant and bar in Pico. Located in a unique wooden building, this is a great place to try a local Pico gin and enjoy the seaside setting. This place has Azorean food, but also international cuisine from risotto to picanha. You can have a meal here for €20 to €30.

Transportation: How can you get around the island of Pico?

Pico does have public transportation, but it will be very difficult to get to places on the island this way. There are not a lot of bus routes and so this is not an effective way to travel.

To get around an island, we definitely recommend renting a car. In fact, this is the best way to visit any island in the Azores. You can pick up a rental car from Pico airport and return it when you are flying back. We recommend renting a car in advance because especially in the summer months, these run out fast. You can rent a manual car starting at €60 a day.

5 Best Places to Stay in Pico: Where to stay in Pico?

1. Adega do Xelica

What better place to stay than your very own Azorean cottage? Built out of black lava rock, you will be only 5 minutes away from a wonderful natural pool. This place is in Arcos and features a terrace with a view of Mount Pico. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a balcony, private terraces, a dining area, as well as free private parking. All of this for only €100 a night.

2. Alma do Pico

Looking for a sustainable travel spot? Alma do Pico has a swimming pool with views of Pico mount and Faial island. The rustic place has studios and apartments with a kitchenette and private bathroom. You can also enjoy their patio and green garden area. Alma do Pico also has a restaurant with a local menu that has panoramic views of Pico. This place also has a Spa & wellness center where you can book a massage for a relaxing experience. A studio here costs €80 to €120 a night.

3. Basalto Apartments

Located in Madalena, these modern apartments feature a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, as well as a patio with views of the sea. This place will make you feel like you are living in a modern mansion for an affordable price. An apartment here costs €100 a night.

4. XA Apartments

Decorate with minimalist modern furniture, this place in Madalena has panoramic views of Faial and the sea. Only 5 minutes away from a natural pool, this place is perfect for the family. This place has three apartments, all of which have a private terrace. The smallest apartment starts at €80 a night.

5. Azores Youth Hostels

Not willing to spend a lot? No worries, Pico has a youth hostel inside the 17th-century São Pedro de Alcântara Convent in São Roque do Pico. This place’s architecture is beautiful and you’ll get views of São Jorge Island and the ocean. The hostel has a gorgeous interior garden where you can enjoy your breakfast. A bed in a dorm costs €20 a night and a twin room with two single beds costs €50, with breakfast included.

Final Thoughts

Ready to visit this 300,000 year old island? From whale watching to discovering natural pools, and hiking, this island is suitable for the whole family. The second-largest island in the archipelago, Pico is one of the most astonishing islands in the Azores. Its unique vineyards, the views of Faial and São Jorge, and the iconic Mount Pico will make this a trip you will never forget.