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Madalena sits on the west coast of Pico Island in the Azores and is the village that sees the most visitors on the islands. With that, most tourists rightfully base themselves in the town to explore Pico. While it may be some traveler’s first instinct to get out of the village to explore the rest of the island, there is plenty to discover right there in town. Spending a day in Madalena, Pico will help visitors understand the island and what makes it unique. In a day, you can sample local cuisine, marvel at the marine life, learn about the volcanic landscape, and taste the island’s most popular product, wine!
Breakfast at a local café
Start your morning with breakfast at a local café. Do as the locals do, and take your time while soaking in your surroundings. A typical Azorean breakfast consists of bread, cheese, and coffee.
Gruta das Torres
If you want to see a part of the Azores’ volcanic history, you can’t miss visiting Gruta das Torres. The lava tube located just outside Madalena is the largest in Portugal at a length of 5150 meters (16,896 feet) and one of the best things to do in Pico. You have to see it with your own eyes, and luckily, you’ll have the opportunity to on a guided tour. I loved getting my own hard hat and flashlight to head underground to see the remnants of ancient lava flow. You can do the same for only €5 to €10 per person. I do recommend booking in advance, especially during the busy season.
Windmills
On your way back into town, take a little detour to see the island’s famous red windmills. There are two windmills outside Madalena worth stopping for: Moinho do Monte and Moinho do Frade. At Moinho do Frade, you’ll also find yourself amid the stunning vineyards of Paisagem da Vinha de Criação Velha.
Lunch at O Cinco
There are plenty of delicious restaurants in Madalena, but one of my favorites is O Cinco. The restaurant offers a variety of different foods and has a lovely ambiance. What I enjoy most is that they provide delectable Azorean dishes, but they also have other options for those who may be burnt out on local cuisine.
Madalena Historic Center
After lunch, spend some time strolling the streets and exploring the shops of historic Madalena. You also can’t miss the main church in the center of town. Holding the name of the village it sits in, Santa Maria Madalena Church is an icon of the town and worth taking a few minutes to peek into.
WineMuseum
Portuguese wine really is something special. But Azorean wine from Pico is one of a kind. As one of the world’s most unique wine regions, Pico boasts UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. You can learn a little about Pico wine at Madalena’s Wine Museum.
Wine tasting
Of course, if you enjoy wine, you need to try it while in Madalena Pico. Learn even more about wine in Pico by talking to a local winemaker and trying local wine at Cooperativa Vitivinicola Da Ilha Do Pico. If you want a more comprehensive wine experience, you can take a whole wine tour from Madalena, Pico.
Natural Swimming Pool
You can’t skip swimming in one of the natural pools in the Azores; there are some great ones in Pico. One of the most popular in Madalena is Piscinas Naturais da Areia Funda. Another great option that will put you close to your next stop (and one that I prefer) is Piscinas Naturais da Barca. Whichever you pick, you’ll be in for a refreshing dip in the beautiful Azorean waters.
Dinner and sunset at Cella Bar
You’re not done with wine yet! Shaped like a wine barrel, Cella Bar is one of the coolest restaurants in Madalena, Azores. Head there for dinner and wine while enjoying the sunset over the Atlantic. If you want to sample more wine, I had a great experience doing the wine-sampling flight at Cella Bar. All the wines were delicious, so I recommend giving it a try. Otherwise, opt for a simple glass of wine with your dinner.
Madalena, Pico, has a certain charm that all visitors should experience and take the time to enjoy when visiting the island. As the most conveniently accessible town on the island, it’s an area you can’t miss! Between the local food, wine, marine life, and volcanic landscapes, you’ll get a taste of why Pico Island is so special.