Walking Holidays in Portugal - Azores - Pico

The Island

The majestic almost perfect volcanic coned mountain of Pico Alto at 2352 m is the highest peak in all of Portugal. It dominates the island which measures 46 km long and 15 km wide. However upon closer inspection this island inhabited by farmers fishermen and whalers will fascinate you.

The long tradition of whaling now ceased leaves a whale watching industry second to none and some fine museums dedicated to its history.

Pico has world heritage vineyards as they were created by breaking up the hard lava covering the earth to build rock walls then planting vine cuttings in small circles of fertile soil. We recommend a stay of 2 nights on Pico stay an extra night for whale watching and another day for an ascent of Pico Alto.

The Walking

You can take a walk on the slopes of Mount Pico Alto and explore the effects of the volcanic eruptions and lava flows. Walk along the coast linking Pico’s villages dotted along the coast and nestling between bright green vegetation and vineyards.

They have a unique character the houses are built of blocks of dark lava and colourful fishing boats adorn the small harbours. You can walk to the top of Pico Alto with a guide which we can arrange in advance as part of the holiday.

Local transport is rare and of little benefit to a walker, neither hotel is close to the walks. Taxis

to the start and finish of each walk can be arranged by our local representative. Most walking can be reached from a base in Faial but it is best to stay on Pico.

Island Hopping

Why not visit more than one island as each one is different and well worth a visit? We can arrange a trip taking in more than one island. If travelling for two weeks we would recommend 5 – 6 nights on São Miguel and the remaining 8 – 9 nights spread between the three other islands we feature. We can arrange all inter island journeys whether by boat or flying. Please contact us for a quotation and we will advise on the best combination according to your wishes and the available inter island transport.

Walk Grading

Guided - Mt. Pico Challenging

Self Guided - Easy & Moderate

For information about walking grades please click here

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Walking is possible all year around in the Azores. Spring is early here so April and May are good times and Autumn extends into November. Being islands in the middle of the Atlantic it does rain with the wettest months from October to March. The driest are July and August. There is only a 9°C variation (15° - 24°C) in temperature between the coldest and warmest months so it is never very cold nor are there prolonged hot days.

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