Pico island: highlights, wine tasting and local gastronomy

Exploring Pico Island through this guided day tour promises an authentic taste of the Azores’ volcanic beauty, culinary delights, and age-old wine traditions. With a precisely curated itinerary, you’ll experience captivating viewpoints, underground lava tunnels, and regional wines, all while soaking up the island’s unique charm.

What we love most? The combination of natural landscapes with cultural experiences—particularly the opportunity to taste three different local wines and enjoy a hearty, locally-sourced lunch in a breathtaking natural park. The only consideration? The full-day schedule means some walking and exploration, so packing comfortable shoes and sun protection is essential.

This tour is perfect for travelers who crave a mix of adventure, culture, and culinary delights, especially those who want a well-rounded, immersive experience of Pico’s essence. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wine enthusiast, or someone interested in local traditions, this trip offers a balanced and enriching day on one of Portugal’s most stunning islands.

Key Points

Stunning Views: The tour showcases some of Pico’s most panoramic and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Authentic Wine Tasting: Sample three distinct Pico wines, capturing the unique terroir influenced by the sea and volcanoes.
Cultural Insights: Learn about the island’s whaling history and ancient wine-making traditions.
Underground Adventure: Explore a lava tunnel with visually stunning formations, a truly memorable underground experience.
Delicious Local Food: Enjoy a traditional, locally-sourced lunch prepared by passionate local hosts.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and richer interactions.

An In-Depth Look at the Pico Island Experience

Starting in Lajes and the Whaling Heritage

The tour kicks off at 9 a.m. in Lajes, a place with a fascinating maritime past. Once a bustling whaling town, Lajes has shifted its focus towards whale watching, but the stories and traditions from its past still linger. Your guide, whose passion for the island really shines through, will share insights into this history and how it shapes the community today. This initial stop is a good primer, giving you context for the island’s relationship with the sea and wildlife.

Scenic Drive and Viewpoints

From Lajes, the journey continues with a scenic drive that takes you through the Central Plateau. Here, you’ll witness the island’s volcanic grandeur, with views over lagoons and rock formations that seem almost sculpted by the gods. One of the stops includes the Captain’s Lagoon, where crystal-clear waters and volcanic craters create a surreal landscape perfect for photos. These stops aren’t just pretty—they reveal how Pico’s volcanic activity has sculpted the island’s geography over millennia.

Lava Tunnel Exploration

The underground segment of the tour is a standout. Entering a lava tunnel, you’ll walk through a mysterious, cool world filled with stalactites, underground rivers, and volcanic formations. The caves are described as “beautiful” and “intriguing,” with formations that range from silky smooth walls to jagged ridges. Many travelers comment on how surreal and otherworldly the experience feels, bringing the powerful forces of nature into a tangible, walkable space. This segment offers both adventure and education, revealing how lava shaped the island’s landscape.

Traditional, Locally-Sourced Lunch

One of the most appreciated parts of the day is the lunch. Served in a stunning natural park, the meal is prepared by a local couple who focus on regional ingredients. It’s described as “deliciously cooked,” with options for vegetarians and vegans, emphasizing the tour’s commitment to authentic, sustainable food. Expect hearty, traditional dishes that highlight local flavors, making the meal a true highlight. The setting, surrounded by nature, makes this more than just a meal—it’s an immersive cultural experience.

Village Walk and Wine Tasting

Post-lunch, a short walk through a picturesque, traditional village gives you a glimpse of everyday life in Pico’s wine-making region. Then, the tour moves to the Azores Wine Company vineyards and winery for a guided visit and tasting. You’ll sample three different wines, each reflecting the island’s unique terroir influenced by the sea and volcanoes. Several reviewers praise the wine experience for its quality and the knowledgeable guide, who explains how the volcanic soil and maritime climate influence the flavor profiles. This segment is particularly valuable for wine lovers eager to experience authentic Pico wines.

Final Stops and Return

The afternoon continues with visits to places like Lajido, Criacao Velha, and Madalena, each offering scenic views and cultural insights. The day wraps up with a drive back to the starting point in Lajes around 5 p.m., leaving you with a wealth of memories and new knowledge about the island.

Practical Details and Value

Transportation: Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride through Pico’s varied terrains. The limited group size—just 8 participants—facilitates personalized interaction and flexibility.

Duration & Timing: Starting at 9 a.m. and finishing around 5 p.m., this full-day experience is well-paced, balancing active exploration with relaxed moments.

Cost & Value: While the exact price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of a picnic, visits to multiple landmarks, underground lava tunnel, wine tasting, and a traditional lunch suggests excellent value for an all-encompassing day. You’re paying for convenience, expert guidance, and authentic experiences rather than just transport or entry fees alone.

What to Bring: Pack comfortable closed-toe shoes, water, a hat, and sunscreen. The day involves some walking and outdoor exposure, so preparation is key for maximum enjoyment.

Booking & Flexibility: With free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers flexibility for your travel plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Pico—covering landscapes, culture, and gastronomy—without the need for multiple bookings. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group intimacy, personalized stories, and authentic regional flavors. Nature lovers will relish the scenic viewpoints and lava tunnel, while wine enthusiasts will enjoy sampling wines reflective of Pico’s volcanic soil. Foodies will appreciate the local, sourced lunch, and history buffs can dive into the island’s whaling past and rural traditions.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Pico Island offers a well-rounded blend of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and authentic flavors. It’s a fantastic way to see the highlights without feeling rushed, thanks to the thoughtful itinerary and small-group approach. The visit to volcanic landmarks and underground lava tunnels appeals to adventure seekers, while the wine tasting and local lunch satisfy those with a taste for regional delicacies.

If you’re after a meaningful, immersive day in Pico, this experience provides excellent value and a genuine snapshot of the island’s soul. It’s especially suited for curious travelers eager to embrace both nature and tradition in one seamless journey.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving you a full day to explore Pico’s highlights.

What is included in the price?
Your experience includes a picnic with local products, visits to natural landmarks, exploration of a lava tunnel, a guided wine tasting of three wines, transportation in an air-conditioned van, a certified guide, and insurance.

Is vegetarian or vegan food available for lunch?
Yes, the local hosts can provide vegetarian or vegan options upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, water, a hat, and sunscreen for outdoor activities and exploration.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 8 participants, which allows for a more personal experience and interaction with the guide.

Where does the tour start and end?
Meet at the Hominis Natura office in Lajes, with the tour returning there around 5 p.m.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically stated, the activities involve walking and some underground exploration, so it’s best suited for children who are comfortable with these.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility until your plans are confirmed.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
While not specified, the Azores generally enjoy mild weather, making it suitable year-round. Check availability for your preferred dates.

This Pico Island tour promises a thoughtful, engaging day full of natural beauty, cultural stories, and delicious regional flavors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the Azores, it offers a meaningful way to connect with the island’s essence.