Places to Visit in Madalena – Pico Island

Madalena is a town and the seat of the municipality on Pico Island. It is subdivided into six parishes and is the most recent municipality on the island, created in 1723.

In front of the town, the Madalena islets, Ilhéu Deitado and Ilhéu em Pé, stand as geological formations resulting from an ancient volcanic cone. These islets are popular resting and nesting spots for seabirds.

One of Madalena’s highlights is its historic center, home to the Church of Santa Maria Madalena, the French-style town hall, and picturesque streets. Its fertile lands produce high-quality wines, offering visitors opportunities to explore vineyards, museums, and wineries celebrating viticulture.

Without a doubt, one of the main attractions is Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal, offering an incredible view of the surrounding islands.

Here are some must-see places during your stay:

Church of Santa Maria Madalena

The Church of Santa Maria Madalena is located in the historic center of Madalena and is the largest church on Pico Island. Built in the 17th century, its Baroque interior displays beautiful illustrated tiles, a gilded chapel, religious statues, and two side altars.

Its exterior, featuring two bell towers and a decorative 19th-century clock, was renovated in the 19th century. In July, the town hosts traditional festivities in honor of Santa Maria Madalena, one of the most lively celebrations in the area.

Pico Wine Museum

The Pico Wine Museum, inaugurated in 1999 near Madalena’s center, is part of the Regional Museum Network and an extension of the Pico Museum. The Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Located in a former Carmelite convent, the museum presents the history of wine production, featuring presses, barrels, and other winemaking tools. Visitors can also tour the vineyards and sample the delightful local wine.

The museum offers a scenic viewpoint over the traditional vineyards. The garden also includes a 400-year-old dragon tree among other younger specimens.

See also: Museums in the Azores

Vineyard Culture Landscape / Interpretation Center

The Pico Island Vineyard Culture Landscape covers an area of 987 hectares and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Over centuries, a unique landscape has emerged, with stone walls in parallel patterns over black lava rocks where the vineyards grow.

The fauna and flora are rich, featuring endemic species from the laurel forests typical of Macaronesia. The Vineyard Culture Landscape Interpretation Center (CIPCVIP) is a space for learning about wine culture and the Vineyard Culture Landscape.

Visitors can explore the vineyard enclosures, a permanent exhibit, the traditional warehouse, and distillery. The highlight is the “lajidos,” paths created by ancient lava flows that shaped unique landscapes now filled with endemic flora.

Vinhas da Criação Velha / Walking Trail

The Vinhas da Criação Velha Walking Trail runs parallel to the coast, connecting the parishes of Candelária and Areia Larga. This unique trail showcases a striking landscape of black soil crisscrossed by long stone walls contrasting with the green vineyards.

The trail features an active viticulture landscape with cultural elements like shelter houses, wineries, tidal wells, and wine casks. Along the way, picnic areas and scenic viewpoints offer beautiful views of the vineyards and Madalena islets.

More information about the trail >

Gruta das Torres

Gruta das Torres is the largest lava tunnel in Portugal, situated at 285 meters in altitude, spanning 5,150 meters, with a maximum height of 15 meters. This geological formation originated from lava during the “Cabeço Bravo” volcanic eruption.

Its main tunnel is interconnected with secondary lateral and upper tunnels. The tour covers 450 meters in approximately one hour, offering a unique expedition-style experience to observe various types of lava and geological formations.

Casa da Montanha

The Casa da Montanha, located at 1,230 meters, is the starting point for Pico Mountain trail hikes. It serves as a support center, providing access registration and control for the mountain ascent.

The building also features a bar with panoramic views of Pico’s west coast and Faial Island. Information about the Pico Mountain Natural Reserve, geology, and biology is available here.

Pico Mountain

Pico Mountain is the highest point in Portugal and the third-largest volcano in the Atlantic, reaching 2,351 meters in altitude. Inside, there is a 70-meter lava cone called Piquinho, which emits fumaroles.

The volcano’s last eruption was in 1718, and it has been dormant since. The climb is rated medium/difficult and requires good physical fitness. The trail spans a total of 7,600 meters (3,800 meters from the base to the summit) with a 1,100-meter elevation gain.

Starting at Casa da Montanha, the trail allows hikers to observe various natural habitats with rare endemic species, a lava tube, and a gallery. The view from Pico Mountain’s summit is breathtaking! If the weather is clear, you can see Graciosa, Terceira, and the nearby islands of Faial and São Jorge.

Planning to climb Pico Mountain? Find everything you need to know here >

Natural Pools of Criação Velha

The Natural Pools of Criação Velha are formed by dark volcanic rocks sculpted over time. The calm, clear waters offer unique moments for relaxation and leisure.

The area also has rocky and dark sandy areas, perfect for sunbathing and admiring the incredible views.

These are just a few of the must-visit spots during your stay in Madalena. Explore Madalena, Explore Pico Island.

See also: Places to Visit on Pico Island