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The only way to truly discover the islands of the Azores is by renting a car and going on a road trip. However, Pico is the second largest island in the Azores, so you can only cover bits of it in a single day. That’s why we mapped out the best mini Pico road trip route. The route will take you from Madalena to São Roque along EN3 (or Longitudinal Road), then along the coast back to Madalena. You’ll visit some of the island’s foremost highlights along the way.
Breakfast at Padaria Andrade
Start your morning right with pastries and coffee from the charming bakery Padaria Andrade in Madalena. My favorite pastry is the pastel de nata! It’s one of the must-try foods in the Azores, so be sure to try it if you haven’t already.
Furna de Frei Matias
After breakfast, you’ll make your first major stop on your mini Pico road trip itinerary. I can best describe Furna de Frei Matias as a mystical lava tube cave. It isn’t necessarily a hidden gem, considering it’s blatantly listed on Google Maps, but when you visit, that’s precisely what it feels like. It is not commercialized in any way, and you may miss it if you don’t know where to look. Use Google Maps to route there, and when you arrive, you’ll have to go through the animal gate until you find the hole in the ground entrance. You can use your phone flashlight, but having a stronger light to explore better is best. When you arrive, you’ll see why it’s one of the best things to do in Pico!
Pico da Urze
Many people think that the top of Pico Mountain is the island’s best view. Instead, I find that Pico da Urze offers the best view. To reach Pico da Urze, you’ll have to drive up a long, rough road off of EN3. When driving along EN3 from Madalena towards São Roque, look for signs for “Pico da Urze” and the road entrance on your right. While a 4-wheel drive isn’t necessarily required, it would be better to navigate the rough terrain. It’s important to note that you should NOT follow Google Maps directions to get here and don’t attempt the drive after heavy rain. Once you get to the top, you’ll be graced with stunning views of the island, with Pico Mountain standing tall amongst it.
Picnic at Lagoa do Capitão
You can visit plenty of serene lakes around Pico Island, but Lagoa do Capitão is noteworthy. Use this spot as a chance to relax with a picnic for lunch. Just watch out for the ducks around the lake, as they may want a little bite of your lunch, too. If you’re looking to walk off your lunch, there are some trails in the area that you can stroll along.
Whaling Industry Museum
When you reach the end of EN3 and enter São Roque do Pico, head over to the Whaling Industry Museum. Whaling is a significant part of Azores’ history, and this museum will educate you on the industry as a whole and its importance to Azoreans. Entry to the museum is only €2, and you can add an audio guide for an extra €2.
Piscina Naturais São Roque
A favorite among locals and tourists is swimming in the several natural pools around Pico Island. One of the most popular is Piscina Naturais São Roque. The area may get crowded at times during the high season, but for good reason. This is the perfect spot to relax, cool off with a dip, and enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery.
Dinner at Restaurante “C Bistrô” in São Roque
With all that exploring, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. One of the best restaurants in São Roque is Restaurante “C Bistrô”. The bistro serves local favorites, from meat to fish to vegetarian dishes.
Arcos Vulcânicos
After leaving São Roque, you’ll drive along the coast, working your way back towards Madalena, but not without making a few stops. The first of them being Arcos Vulcânicos. The area gives visitors a stunning look at the island’s volcanic landscape. This part of Pico Island developed from the solidified lava flow from the 1720 eruption of Mount Pico. Seeing the waves in the lava rock and the different rock formations really portrays the sheer power of Mother Nature and the volcanic activity that formed the Azores islands.
Sunset in Cachorro
Feel free to stop anywhere along the coast on your way to Madalena, but one stop you need to be sure to add to your Pico road trip itinerary is Cachorro. Again, Cachorro shows visitors the incredible natural work of volcanic activity through its different formations. One formation in particular has been nicknamed Cachorro, hence the village’s name. Cachorro means dog in Portuguese, and if you look closely, you can see a rock in the shape of a dog’s head amongst the other formations. Enjoy the sunset and ocean views from Zona Balnear do Cachorro before ending your day.
After Cachorro, make your way back to Madalena to relax after a fun-filled day of exploration around Pico Island. This mini Pico road trip itinerary gives visitors a good overview of the island’s top sites but will also make you want to explore all the other parts of this special island.