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Before diving into Where to stay in Pico, I think it is important to understand the layout of this island.
Pico Island is the second largest island in the Azores, covering approximately 447 square kilometers. It is roughly 42 kilometers long and about 15 kilometers wide at its widest point.
The island has a varied coastline and includes the tallest mountain in Portugal, Mount Pico, which rises to 2,351 meters above sea level.
Because it is quite a long island with few inhabitants (around 14.000 people!), services and infrastructure are both sparse and spread, which is why it is your decision of where to stay in Pico is particularly important. If the island was smaller, the decision wouldn’t be as important, because you would be close to everything anyways.
Therefore, before diving into my suggestions, let me just show you where services are located in Pico Island.
Pico Island: where are critical services located?
Whenever I travel but specially if I travel to islands, I make sure I stay close to critical services, such as:
- Airports and / or Ferry ports.
- Health centres and pharmacies, in case an emergency happens.
- Supermarkets and local markets.
- Gas stations: I don’t want to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere and far away from my accommodation!
Therefore, I made a map with the location of these critical services in Pico, so that you can understand the suggestions I am going to make down below of Where to stay in Pico Island.
So as you can see my friend, all the critical services are located near three places: Madalena, São Roque and Lajes do Pico. I am going to write about them now!
Where to stay in Pico: Madalena
Why stay in Madalena?
Madalena is the main town on Pico Island and serves as the gateway for many travelers, because the airport is located just 10 minutes driving distance. It also has a maritime terminal from which boats depart directly to Horta, on the island of Faial, but also to São Roque, on the north coast of the island of Pico.
Madalena boasts a vibrant atmosphere, a good selection of restaurants, shops, and services, including several pharmacies, supermarkets AND one of the few health centres in the island.
You will also be close to a protected vineyard landscape that is unique in the Azores, called “Paisagem da Vinha de Criação Velha”. It is fascinating!
What is the catch?
While Madalena offers many conveniences, it feels quite touristy and crowded, especially during peak season.
Accommodation prices may be higher than in smaller villages, and you might miss the quieter, more authentic local culture found in less populated areas.
Best places to stay in Madalena
For me the most STUNNING place to stay in Madalena is Alma do Pico – Nature Residence. These private studios, located in the middle of a dense forest overlooking Mount Pico, are beautifully decorated.
Other fantastic apartments options is Vinhas do Calhau, My Bed in pico and Pico Studios, all beautifully decorated and with a great location.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, then my suggestion is to stay at epicenter PICO, a fantastic apartment that can accommodate up to 6 people.
If you’re a young traveler looking for a hostel, then your best options are Porto Velho Boutique Hostel and Loving Strangers Hostel.
Where to stay in Pico: São Roque do Pico
Why stay in São Roque do Pico?
São Roque do Pico is a charming village known for its stunning views and a more laid-back atmosphere.
It offers a mix of local dining options and even a fantastic wine bar called Cella Bar, which I included on my list of the best things to do in Pico Island.
It’s also conveniently located for accessing some of Pico’s best hiking trails, as well as most of the best wine cellars in the island.
Moreover, São Roque do Pico has a massive advantage, which is the fact that is it close to the largest ferry terminal in Pico Island, with plenty of connections to the other triangle Islands, which are Faial and São Jorge.
What is the catch?
São Roque do Pico has far fewer restaurant options than Madalena, which for me is a bummer :P
Moreover, it is located around 20 minutes driving distance from the airport of Pico. If you are arriving by plane this might be something to consider, because I personally hate to drive after a flight!
Best places to stay in São Roque
My first recommendation is to stay at Aldeia das Adegas: from the outside it looks like a picturesque, traditional Azores town, but on the inside you will find modern, comfortable places to stay in Pico. Truly a home away from home!
Another place I love is Pico Dreams, which are spacious, self-catering villas that can accommodate up to 7 people. Moreover, they have the advantage of having a shared swimming pool.
Other (more modest options) accommodations in São Roque are Casa Do Canto (it can accommodate 8 people in the same house), Casavó and Casas do Navalhão.
If you are looking for a hostel, Azores Youth Hostels – Pico is a fantastic, fantastic hostel located in a 17th-century old convent. It’s gorgeous!
Where to stay in Pico: Lajes do Pico
Why stay in Lajes do Pico?
I just LOVE Lajes do Pico, a cute little coastal town best known for its whaling history.
Lajes do Pico provides a unique cultural experience, as it is home to a very interesting museum dedicated to the whaling industry, and to the only bookshop in the island, called Livraria Companhia das Ilhas, where you can find interesting books about the Azores.
Lajes do Pico, despite its tiny size, also has some interesting restaurants, like Mar Sushi Terrace, Fonte Tavern and a very good pastry shop.
Lastly, one of the best natural pools in Pico islands in located in Lajes do Pico.
What is the catch?
Look, there is no beating around the bush: Lajes do Pico is super far away from the airport (around 46 minutes driving, yikes!) and around 30 minutes driving distance from the ferry terminals.
Moreover, there is no health centre nearby.
It is also farther from major attractions compared to other locations.
Best places to stay in Lajes do Pico
Unfortunately Lajes do Pico doesn’t have as many accommodation offers as Madalena and São Roque. Nonetheless, these are the places I like:
- Engenho Hostel: a lovely hostel with private suites only. It is so lovely that it honestly doesn’t look nor feels like a hostel at all!
- Casa da Ribeira: a bread and breakfast with a fantastic outdoor area that allows you to soak in the views.
- 35th Atlantic View: a decent hotel with a swimming pool. Family studios are available.
- If you want to stay in a proper house with a swimming pool, nothing quite beats Casa do Ananas – cliff-top/ocean-front villa and Casa da Abrótea. They are usually sold out though, so hurry up!
