Day 1. Madalena Pico

Arrival on Pico – pick-up of the rental car

The landing approach on Pico is something special when the machine hovers over the bright blue of the Atlantic until the last moment. Only at the last moment do you fly over the deep black lava fields peppered with the green of the vineyards, which the island owes a World Heritage Site title for viticulture. If the view is clear, you can see the 2,351m high Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal, which is often covered with clouds. When you leave the airport building you will be notified by the color contrasts blue – green – chat and again sky blue. The sight of Portugal’s highest mountain is breathtaking.

Welcome to the Azores! Your rental car island tour begins. You will take over the car at the airport and be instructed by our staff.

For the time on Pico you can choose one of three accommodations – from a guest room with breakfast in Madalena, to a stylish apartment in Madalena, to an idyllic nature holiday home. Depending on which accommodation you choose, your journey will take you on different routes across the island. Make stops whenever you feel like it. There will certainly not be a lack of views.

After a delicious breakfast, the adventure on Pico can begin! First, you will get an introduction from the Pico Sport staff, who will provide you with information about Pico Island and the marine life.

During your stay we will choose the 3 best weather days to take you to the kingdom of the whales.

With your rental car you are flexible on land. There is so much to discover on Pico. You will explore the beautiful natural landscapes on your own. A visit to Vigia – the whale scout on land – should not be missed. He searched the sea with binoculars as early as the days of whale hunting and now gives the skippers the position of the animals. If the weather does not permit an exit, the tours will be postponed and rescheduled if possible. This can lead to a big double tour. On Pico you can explore one of the largest lava caves in Europe. Please let the whale base make an appointment for this. Discover the highlands with their rolling green hills and idyllic lagoons. The Avenida of the Volcanoes is peppered with small volcanic craters that can be seen from the summit of Pico Erze. This crater can be driven up to the edge of the crater by car. There are hiking trails and beautifully landscaped picnic areas and viewpoints all over the island. A visit to the wine-growing regions around Cricao Velha and Lajido, which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, should also be on the list. In Lajido there are new museums that are worth seeing and an interpretation center for wineculture.

Your accomodations on Pico Island:

Apartments Maroicos

• Fully equipped, modern apartments near the city center:
• Full bathroom with bath tub and shower
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Living room
• WiFi

Day 9. Velas (São Jorge)

Crossing to São Jorge – rental car again

Today it’s time to say goodbye to Pico. The ferry goes from Sao Roque, cais do Pico at 45
Minutes to Velos on the island of Sao Jorge. You pick up your new vehicle and continue your journey.

Day 10. - 11. Velas (São Jorge)

Exploring São Jorge

The elongated island of São Jorge is particularly known by hikers. However, those who are not good on foot will not be bored on the rental car tour. This island is completely different from Pico and is characterized by impressive cliffs.

The Fajãs, small headlands on which people have built small towns, are famous. Often there are only hiking trails to reach them. Our tip is the Fajã do Ouvidor in the north with one of the most spectacular lava rock scenery. There is also a wonderful swimming area and a restaurant. The most famous is the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo with the small houses, a church and a café. You have to hike this experience! The descent goes from the highlands past green meadows and babbling brooks, a waterfall with a “bathing pool”, until you finally reach the Fajã. In terms of landscape, this tour is an absolute dream. This bay is also an insider tip for surfers. From here you walk another hour until you come across asphalt roads and cars in the neighboring village of Fajã dos Cubres. São Jorge is also known for its delicious cheese and cheese factories can be visited. Both peaks of the island can be reached by car. Punta Topo at the east end is absolutely worth seeing. From here you can see the island of Terceira. At the western end, the Punta Rosais lighthouse is waiting on a red lava rock. Here is one of the main breeding grounds of the yellow-billed shearwater. Please inquire beforehand when the gravel to this cape is open because the route is sometimes closed after heavy rainfall. The Sete Fontes Botanical Garden is absolutely worth seeing.

Your accomodations on Sao Jorge Island:
The stylish apartment complex Cantinho das Buganvilias is idyllically embedded in the mountainous landscape of São Jorge. The modernly furnished apartments await you in the midst of nature and only a short walk from the sea. An ideal place to live comfortably and still be in the middle of nature. From the terrace and the pool you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the neighboring island of Pico and the volcano Ponta do Pico towering into the sky.

Hotel equipment

• WiFi (free of charge)
• Bar
• Reception
• Sauna
• Spa
• Pool
• Garden
• Laundry service
• Parking spot

Room facilities

• TV
• Hairdryer
• Private bathroom
• Fridge
• Air conditioner
• Garden or sea view

Day 12. Horta (Faial)

Crossing to Faial – another rental car takeover

After breakfast, the third part of your journey in the Azores begins. Take the ferry to Faial, the third island in the “Triangulo”. Enjoy the Siedle crossing before you arrive in Horta to receive your new rental car.

Day 13.- 14. Horta (Faial)

Exploring Faial

The city of Horta has been the destination of sailors and Atlantic crossers since the beginning of Christian seafaring. The many sailors leave paintings on the harbor wall that tell stories of circumnavigations and adventures. The most famous cafe in the Atlantic is “Peter Café Sport”. It has always been a focal point for seafarers and a visit is still a part of every vacation on Faial. Enjoy a swim and a meal at the historic port of Porto Tim with its sandy beach Faial has a lot to offer exploring by car. When the weather is good, you should definitely drive up to the Caldeira, the volcanic crater. A species-rich reserve has developed in the volcanic cone! The hiking path around the imposing 1,400 meter wide crater offers breathtaking views of the neighboring islands and The volcano Capelinhos is the youngest land of Faial. It was not until 1957/58 that this land rose from the sea and merged with the island. cVolcanism and seismic activity are normal in the Azores because they are the peaks of the mid-Atlantic ridge Earth plates meet here and so small brooms and expressions deep down in the sea appear again and again.

Your accomodations on Faial Island:
Azul Singular Horta Faial

The heavenly, beautiful Azul Singular facility on the island of Faial is a very special place to stay! Fixed tents or yurts on wooden terraces hide in the middle of a large palm and ornamental plant grove. The natural materials and the originally stylish design of the tents and yurts enhance the accommodation’s extraordinary natural experience. The tents were built so that you can enjoy complete privacy on your terrace. Since the former plantation proves to be very diverse, each of the tents is surrounded by a different predominant plant species. In the entrance area is the main house with a lounge and a large terrace, from where you can enjoy a magnificent pico and sea view. The accommodation is only a few kilometers from the capital Horta and fits perfectly with your nature tour in the Azores.

Hotel equipment

• WiFi (free of charge)
• Lounge
• Reception
• Garden
• Parking spot

Room facilities

• Garden view
• Hairdryer
• Private bathroom
• Fridge
• Terrace
• Coffee
• Machine

Day 15. Departure

Return flight home or extension

Your tour in the Azores comes to an end today. At the ferry to Pico you will pick up the rental car in the morning and the taxi driver will bring you to the airport. If your return flight is from Pico, take the ferry and you will be brought to the airport in Pico. If you would like to spend a little more time in the Azores, we would be happy to put together an extension for you so that you can also get to know the other islands of the Azores. The exploration of the island of Terceira offers itself with the world cultural heritage of the city of Angra de Heroismo.

Included Services

WHALE & DOLPHINS

It is a very special experience to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Around the island of Pico there are rich feeding grounds for all marine mammals. That is why sperm whales live here all year around hunting the giant squid in the deep. Other species like the large baleen whales are only seasonal guests on their migration. Even the largest animal ever lived on our blue plant is our guest from February to June every year. 

This makes Pico one of the no 1 destinations in the world to meet whales and dolphins.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable treatment of the animals is our top priority. Therefore, the experienced skippers also read the behavior of the animals first and decide when or if you are allowed into the water.

With the help of the experienced skippers you can observe the behavior of the whales in peace and learn a lot about their life and migration cycles. 

WHY PICO SPORT

Operating since 1993 we have 30 years of experience with marine mammals. Our skippers work with us since many years and lots of experience in gentle handling of the animals. We find the whales and dolphins because we work with land based spotters. This technique dates back to the days of the old whalers. With strong binoculars the so called VIGIA searches for the whales and dolphins. They tell the boats the positions of the animals. Thus, we never go blindly to the ocean and work with a 99% success rate in sightings.

EXPLORE THE ISLAND