If planning to visit Pico Island in the Azores and unsure where to start, the municipality of Madalena is the perfect starting point for your itinerary.
Located on the island’s western coast, it is the main gateway for those arriving by boat from Faial and one of the most vibrant areas of Pico.
Here, the sea, wine, and mountains exist side by side.
Vineyards stretch over black basalt, the landscape shifts with the daylight, and Pico Volcano always seems to watch over the island.
Madalena is also the center of Pico’s cultural and economic life, home to restaurants, local shops, and wineries that preserve centuries-old traditions.
Among stone enclosures, islets, and Atlantic views, this municipality showcases the balance between nature, human work, and Azorean authenticity.
Here are twelve reasons to include Madalena in your Pico Island itinerary and discover why so many travelers consider this area one of the most special places in the Azores.
👉See how much it costs to rent a car on Pico Island!
12 Reasons to Include the Municipality of Madalena in Your Pico Island Itinerary
1. The Vineyards That Are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The vineyards of Pico create a truly unique landscape. Separated by basalt stone walls, the tiny plots of land – known as currais – shield the vines from the wind and ocean spray.
The result is a landscape shaped by human effort, recognized by UNESCO since 2004.
In Madalena, it is possible to see this heritage up close and learn more about local winemaking at the Pico Wine Museum, housed in a former convent.
A visit to the traditional wine presses, surrounded by basalt and fig trees, is a must.
2. The Perfect Starting Point to Climb Pico Mountain
For those dreaming of reaching the highest point in Portugal, Madalena offers the perfect base. The town is just a few kilometers from the start of the mountain trail, and several local companies organize guided climbs, by day or night.
The ascent is always done with a Certified Pico Mountain Guide, and payment of the access fee to the Pico Mountain Natural Reserve is mandatory. It is recommended to bring hiking poles and have Personal Accident Insurance to ensure a safe experience.
👉 Recommended tours to climb Pico:
- Climb Pico: Your path to Portugal’s highest point (8 hours)
- Ascend Pico Mountain: Portugal’s highest point – 2,351 meters (7 hours)
3. The Islets of Madalena and Views of Faial
The Ilhéus Deitado and Em Pé, located just off the coast of Madalena, are some of Pico’s most iconic sights. They can be admired from the harbor, the waterfront, or during a boat tour.
And, of course, Faial appears right there, so close it almost seems possible to swim across.
The view is particularly stunning in the late afternoon, when the sun begins to set and the light softens the colors of the sea and rocks.
4. The Best Sunset on Pico (and Sunrise Too)
Talking about Madalena is talking about sunsets. The sun setting behind Faial turns the sky into a spectacle of colors that changes every minute.
For me, the best sunrise was at Madalena Pier, with the calm sea in front and the town slowly waking up.
The best sunset I found was at the Barca Natural Pools, right in front of Cella Bar, where the colors reflect on the rocks and the water.
If possible, bring a drink or a snack, sit back, and enjoy this moment without hurry, it’s one of those experiences that stay in the memory forever.
5. Authentic Wine Experiences
If there is one thing that defines Pico Island, it is its vineyards and the wine they produce.
In the municipality of Madalena, Picowines – Pico Island Wine Cooperative is where tradition and passion meet. Founded in 1949, it brings together local winemakers who preserve ancestral methods and produce unique wines, shaped by volcanic soils and the Atlantic climate.
The vineyards grow in currais, small stone walls that protect the vines from wind and sea spray. It is an almost artisanal process, recognized by UNESCO, which gives Pico wines an unmistakable identity.
Among the wines to try are Arinto dos Açores, fresh and mineral; the fortified 20 Anos, aged in oak barrels with notes of candied orange and toasted almonds; and the red Gruta das Torres, perfect with meat dishes. For fans of elegant whites, Frei Gigante is a sure choice.
Beyond tasting the wines, Picowines offers wine tourism experiences that are worthwhile on their own. Guests can join tastings like “One, Two, Terroir”, featuring three wines paired with regional cheeses and traditional bread, or “From Land to Sea”, which combines five local whites and island blends. These moments allow visitors to experience the flavor, history, and culture of Pico.
The cooperative is located on Avenida Padre Nunes da Rosa, in Madalena, and is a must-visit for anyone wanting to discover the island’s most genuine side. A place to learn, taste, and fall in love with Azorean wine.
6. The Relaxed Atmosphere of Madalena Village
Although it is the center of the municipality, Madalena village maintains a calm and peaceful vibe.
It’s the kind of place where everyone greets each other, and a coffee on the terrace can easily turn into a long conversation.
There are great restaurants serving fresh fish and accommodations with views of the mountain and the sea.
Staying here makes it easy to explore the island at a leisurely pace, with everything close by.
7. Easy Access to the Other Islands of the Triangle
Location is one of Madalena’s greatest advantages. The town’s port offers daily ferry connections to Faial, and in just over half an hour, it’s possible to reach Horta.
In addition, there are regular connections to São Jorge, making Madalena an excellent base for exploring the so-called Azores Triangle.
It’s easy to organize day trips or combine several islands in the same itinerary.
8. Exploring Cultural and Religious Heritage
The Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria Madalena is located in the heart of Madalena village and is one of the most imposing and significant churches on Pico Island.
Built in the 17th century, the church stands out for its black volcanic stone façade, which contrasts with the white walls—a typical feature of Azorean architecture.
Beyond its exterior beauty, the interior amazes with its artistic richness. The gilded wooden altars, painted coffered ceiling, and ancient sacred statues reveal the importance this space has had, and continues to have, for the Pico community.
The church has been restored several times over the centuries, withstanding earthquakes and harsh weather, making it also a symbol of the resilience of the people of Pico.
9. Murals and Street Art
Madalena is not just vineyards, sea, and mountains, it’s also a reference point for urban art on Pico.
Throughout the town center, 18 public artworks create a true street art trail. Each mural tells a story, pays tribute to local culture, or brings color and life to the streets.
During my visit, I explored street art in Madalena and picked out some of my favorite pieces.
Walking around Madalena in search of these murals is an experience that combines discovery, photography, and creativity, revealing another side of the island that often goes unnoticed.
For those who love art and uncovering hidden details, this trail is a must-visit on Pico Island.
10. Smiling Stones
Between the black basalt and the blue sea of Madalena, artist Helena Amaral found a very special way to express her feelings for her island.
The Smiling Stones project transforms simple volcanic stones into faces that seem to come to life, each with its own expression, gaze, and story.
Helena works with what nature provides, using the shapes and textures of the basalt to reveal human emotions. The result is sculptures that reflect both the strength of Azorean nature and the sensitivity of the artist who shapes them.
There is even a Smiling Stones Trail, with sculptures located at different points across Pico Island. Each piece seems to blend naturally into the landscape, as if it had always been part of it.
One of the most remarkable is the “Goddess of the Sea”, a sculpture submerged in the Furna de Santo António in São Roque do Pico, about 12 meters deep, a hidden secret at the bottom of the Atlantic.
👉 Rent your car on Pico in advance to get the best prices!
11. Discovering the Windmills
The windmills of Pico Island are part of the Azorean landscape and tell stories of wind, work, and ingenuity.
They are spread across the three municipalities, Lajes do Pico, Madalena, and São Roque do Pico, and showcase the connection between humans and nature on an island where nothing is wasted.
In Lajes do Pico, windmills can be found in places like Ribeirinha, Piedade, and Calheta de Nesquim. Some are wooden and rotate, while others are fixed and made of volcanic stone. Each one reflects adaptation to the terrain and the wind, essential for grinding the grain that fed Pico’s families.
In São Roque do Pico, the windmills have withstood the test of time, from Santa Luzia to Prainha. Some preserve their original structure, like those in Santo António and Ponta do Boqueirão, while others, such as the maroiço of Santa Luzia, show traces of past agricultural and community use.
In the municipality of Madalena, windmills appear among vineyards and lava paths, in places such as São Caetano, São Mateus, Candelária, and Criação Velha. The Moinho do Frade, on Canada do Monte, is one of the most famous, offering stunning views of the sea and Pico.
Many have been restored and today stand as symbols of the island’s rural heritage.
In total, there are over 30 registered windmills on the island, each with its own story and location. Many can be visited through local trails, which connect these small monuments to Pico’s identity.
12. Visiting MiratecArts, Galeria Costa
I saved this one for last for a very special reason: it was also the main reason that brought me to Pico.
Terry Costa, from MiratecArts, invited me to explore the region during the Cordas Festival, and that experience completely changed the way I see Madalena.
MiratecArts Galeria Costa is a cultural association that has put the town on the contemporary art map.
During the festival, musical performances transform the village into an immersive cultural experience, but throughout the year, it’s possible to explore the island’s most beautiful side at the MiratecArts headquarters in Candelária.
I visited this magical place at the foot of Pico Mountain, where art blends with nature through sculptures, installations, and occasional performances, and I can say with conviction that this is a truly special spot.
The good news is that the space is open to anyone who wants to visit. So, if art and culture are of interest, this trail is a must-visit in Madalena.
🧳 Practical Information
How to get there: Madalena is accessible by ferry from Horta (Faial), with daily crossings operated by Atlânticoline that take about 30 minutes. There are also direct flights to Pico Airport, just a few kilometers from the town. I traveled from Lisbon Airport to Pico on a direct flight with SATA Azores Airlines.
Best time to visit: Pico is generally recommended between May and September, when the weather is most favorable. However, I visited the island in October, and it went well. The harvest season at the end of summer is especially interesting.
Where to stay: Madalena offers several options, from family-run guesthouses to hotels with sea views. I stayed at Porto Velho Boutique Lodge, which, while simple, is comfortable and very functional. I definitely recommend it!
How many days to plan: Ideally, two to three days in Madalena to enjoy the vineyards, the sea, and the sunsets, but more time is recommended if you want to explore the whole island at a leisurely pace. I stayed 5 days because I traveled to attend the Cordas Festival and made the most of every minute!
*I travelled to Pico Island at the invitation of Terry Costa, from MiratecArts Galeria Costa, and as part of the Cordas World Music Festival.
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We travel as a family, focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference. At passaportenobolso.com, we share travel tips and practical information about destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve visited over 40 countries and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Every now and then, I also travel solo… Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
