The volcanic island of Pico delivers some of Europe’s most distinctive day tours. Local guides excel at showcasing both natural wonders and cultural traditions that make this Azorean gem special. The standout experiences include exploring the UNESCO vineyard landscapes, where centuries-old stone walls protect precious grapevines, and joining expert-led whale watching excursions in the rich Atlantic waters.
I’m especially fond of the food and wine tours, which connect visitors with local families for authentic tastings and home-cooked meals. The volcanic cave tours are another highlight, offering fascinating geology lessons while wandering through ancient lava tubes.
Check out these top-rated Pico Island tours that consistently earn rave reviews from fellow travelers.
Good To Know
- Pico Island offers a range of guided tours and private experiences, including full-day tours, private tours, and explorations of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
- The island’s wine and culinary tours provide immersive experiences in Azorean cuisine and beverages, featuring local wines, cheeses, and regional dishes.
- Whale and dolphin watching tours along Marginal avenue offer intimate encounters with marine life, led by knowledgeable guides.
- Themed tours focused on local culture, such as the Pico Girl Power Wine Tour and Sunset Tour with Regional Dinner, provide personalized and highly recommended experiences.
- Half-day wine tours in Pico allow visitors to explore the island’s renowned wineries and taste the renowned golden-age wines.
Full-Day Guided Tour in Pico Island
The Full-Day Guided Tour in Pico Island offers visitors an immersive exploration of the island’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. With 90 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, this small-group tour (maximum 8 travelers) promises an enriching experience. Priced from $117.14 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Highlights include visiting the largest volcanic cave and longest lava tube in Portugal, as well as exploring local culture, cuisine, and history. A regional lunch at a local restaurant is included, featuring specialties like cornbread, cheeses, wine, and dessert.
Guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, lead activities such as visits to a whaling museum, vineyard walks, and local tastings. Participants have shared positive feedback, citing excellent guides, good organization, and enjoyable lunches.
While some noted concerns about vehicle comfort and communication during transitions, the tour overall maintains a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. This comprehensive experience offers travelers a chance to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of Pico Island.
Read our full review: Full-Day Guided Tour in Pico Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Wine Tour
A captivating Wine Tour in Pico, Portugal, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the island’s renowned viticulture. Boasting a remarkable 5.0 rating from 44 reviews, this full-day tour consistently delights travelers with its expert guidance, exceptional wine and liquor tastings, and exploration of Pico’s rich history and culture.
Priced from £111.65 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Highlights include visits to historical sites, such as an old whaling port, and stops at various local attractions beyond just the wineries.
Participants can expect a regional lunch, insurance coverage, and convenient pick-up and drop-off at the João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal.
Travelers rave about the knowledgeable hosts, the diverse array of wines and brandies sampled, and the relaxed pace that allows for thorough exploration of Pico Island. With 100% of visitors recommending this tour, it’s clear that the Wine Tour in Pico delivers an unforgettable and authentic experience.
Read our full review: Wine Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Wine & Food Tour
What does the Wine & Food Tour in Pico, Portugal entail? According to the overview, this tour provides travelers with an immersive experience in the island’s cuisine and beverages.
With a maximum group size of 8, guests will learn about Azorean cuisine, enjoy a regional tasting lunch, and sample local wines, cheeses, and liqueurs at the renowned Picowines. The tour meets in Madalena at 10:00 am and ends at the same location.
The experience highlights include beautiful landscapes for relaxation and a comprehensive tasting of the region’s specialties. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available.
Travelers also receive insurance coverage and a tour photo. With a 100% recommendation rate from 20 reviews, the Wine & Food Tour is praised for its knowledgeable guide, Filipe, and the engaging pace of the experience.
Prices start from $181.03 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Wine & Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour on Pico Island
Situated along Pico Island’s picturesque Marginal avenue, the Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour offers travelers an immersive encounter with the island’s diverse marine life.
With a maximum of 64 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience led by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the wildlife observed. Travelers can expect to see pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, with the operator taking care to maintain a safe distance from the animals.
The tour’s positive reviews highlight the guides’ personal touch and engaging presentations, making it a popular choice among visitors. Conveniently located at the Alojamento Bela Vista, the tour departs and returns to the same meeting point, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Priced at $58.57 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.
Read our full review: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour on Pico Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Pico Girl Power Wine Tour in the Azores Islands
The Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting and Cultural Experience offers travelers an immersive journey into Pico’s rich winemaking heritage and local traditions.
Led by a local expert, this highly-rated 5-star tour provides an intimate, small-group setting for discovering the island’s independent wine producers and savoring their finest vintages. Guests will indulge in a tasting of local wines, liqueurs, and artisanal snacks, all while learning about the region’s unique viticulture and cultural influences.
The experience is designed with transcultural sensitivity and LGBTQ2S+ inclusivity, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Beyond the wine tasting, travelers can opt for additional activities like wine harvesting, bread-making, and day trips to nearby islands. With private transportation and a maximum of 8 participants, this tour promises a personalized and unforgettable exploration of Pico’s vibrant wine culture and community.
Rated 100% recommended by previous travelers, the Pico Girl Power Wine Tasting and Cultural Experience is a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Azores.
Read our full review: Pico Girl Power Wine Tour in the Azores Islands Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Pico Wine Tour
Seeking an immersive exploration of Pico’s renowned wine culture? The [CURRENT SUBTOPIC] offers a captivating half-day tour that promises an authentic Pico experience. Priced from $204.99 per person, this private tour includes transportation, wine tasting, and water.
Departing from the Madalena Ferry Terminal or João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal, the tour takes visitors on a journey to discover Pico’s winemaking heritage.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Filipe, the tour provides an insightful look into the history and production of Pico’s distinctive wines. Guests can expect a delightful wine tasting experience, accompanied by the guide’s expert commentary.
With a 5-star average rating from 7 reviews, this tour is a must-do for oenophiles and those seeking a deeper understanding of Pico’s wine culture.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. Booking directly with the tour operator, Atlantic Brine, is recommended to ensure the best pricing.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, the [CURRENT SUBTOPIC] offers a flexible and rewarding way to explore the fascinating wine region of Pico.
Read our full review: Private Pico Wine Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Wine Tour and Tasting With a Local Winemaker at Pico Island
Discover the rich winemaking heritage of Pico Island with the “Wine Tour and Tasting With a Local Winemaker” experience. This private tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the island’s renowned wine culture. Guests will be transported to two premium locations for tastings led by a local expert.
The tour also includes entry to the Pico Wine Museum and all fees and taxes.
The experience starts with a convenient pickup at the Madalena Harbour, where a representative from Art of Wine will greet travelers. After the tastings, an optional lunch is available for an additional cost.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Participants are limited to a maximum of 8 travelers and must be 18 or older to consume alcoholic beverages.
With an overall rating of 4.8 stars from 4 reviews, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in Pico Island’s winemaking traditions.
Priced from $234.28 per person, it’s a must-do experience for wine enthusiasts visiting the Azores.
Read our full review: Wine Tour and Tasting With a Local Winemaker at Pico Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Sunset Tour With Regional Dinner
While visiting Pico Island, travelers can elevate their experience by embarking on the captivating “Sunset Tour with Regional Dinner.” This highly-rated tour, boasting a flawless 5.0-star rating from 5 reviews, offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the island’s UNESCO-classified vineyard landscape and savor its rich culinary heritage.
Accommodating a maximum of 8 travelers, this personalized experience begins with a pick-up from the João Quaresma Maritime Ferry Terminal, leading guests through the breathtaking vineyards at sunset. Along the way, travelers will enjoy a fresh beverage and a regional tasting dinner at the renowned O Petisca restaurant, featuring local ingredients and Pico’s renowned wines.
Guided by knowledgeable and engaging hosts, such as Gabriel and Filipe, this tour promises a blend of historical immersion and culinary exploration, showcasing Pico’s unique heritage.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and comprehensive insurance coverage, this sunset tour is an unforgettable and highly recommended experience for visitors to Pico Island.
Read our full review: Sunset Tour With Regional Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Pico Island Private Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive experience on Pico Island can embark on a private tour that allows them to visit must-see sights at their own pace. Priced from $234.28 per person, this personalized excursion includes a regional lunch, admission to either the Gruta das Torres or Casa dos Vulcões, and photos to commemorate the journey.
Throughout the day, a private guide and personal transportation provide a seamless and enriching experience. Participants will learn about the island’s viticulture, explore a volcanic cave, and hike Portugal’s longest lava tube.
Reviews highlight the tour’s ability to provide cultural insights and personal connections, thanks to the guide’s strong relationships with local residents. With convenient pick-up and drop-off, as well as child car seats and service animal accommodations, this private tour caters to the needs of various travelers.
Offering free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this immersive Pico Island experience is an ideal way to discover the destination.
Read our full review: Pico Island Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Wine Tour in Pico Half Day
Nestled in the heart of Pico Island, the Wine Tour in Pico Half Day takes visitors on a captivating journey through the island’s rich viticulture. This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, offers an immersive experience that showcases the island’s winemaking traditions and stunning natural landscapes.
The tour begins with a convenient pickup in Madalena or the surrounding area, followed by visits to the renowned Criacao Velha, Picowines, and Sao Roque do Pico wineries. Here, you will embark on guided tours of the vineyards and wine cellars, learning about the past and present of Pico’s winemaking heritage.
The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to indulge in a series of tastings, where visitors can savor the distinct flavors of the island’s golden-age wines.
Complementing the wine experience, a nature guide will provide insights into the area’s captivating natural features. The tour also includes round-trip transfers, personal accident and liability coverage, and a delectable lunch, making it a well-rounded and convenient exploration of Pico’s winemaking culture.
Read our full review: Wine Tour in Pico Half Day Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Pico?
The best time to visit Pico is typically during the summer months of June through September when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, minimal rainfall, and the island’s natural beauty during this prime travel season.
Are There Any Hiking Trails on Pico Island?
Pico Island is home to numerous hiking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the island’s stunning natural landscapes. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to hikers of all skill levels and providing breathtaking views of the island’s volcanic formations and pristine coastlines.
Can I Bring My Pets on the Tours?
Most Pico Island tour companies allow visitors to bring well-behaved pets on their excursions, though some may have restrictions or additional fees. Travelers should check with individual tour operators to confirm their pet policies before booking.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tours?
The dress code for the tours is typically casual and comfortable. Guests are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, lightweight, breathable clothing, and sun protection. Some tours may require specific attire, so it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
Are the Tours Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tours are generally accessible for individuals with disabilities, with most companies offering accommodations such as wheelchair-friendly vehicles and assistance for those with mobility challenges. Visitors should inquire about specific accessibility features when booking their tours.
The Sum Up
Pico Island offers a diverse array of tours, from full-day guided experiences to specialized wine and food tours. Visitors can explore the island’s vineyards, witness whale and dolphin watching, and savor the local cuisine. Whether seeking a rundown or a focused adventure, Pico’s tour options cater to a wide range of interests and preferences, providing an immersive and memorable experience.