The natural swimming pools in Pico are one of the best ways to enjoy the island without spending money. Pico’s volcanic coastline, clear seawater, basalt rock pools, and a wide variety of bathing areas make it one of the most complete islands in the Azores for sea swimming.
In 2026, Pico had 26 officially identified bathing areas, spread across the island’s three municipalities: Lajes do Pico, Madalena, and São Roque do Pico. In this guide, you will find the 11 best natural swimming pools in Pico, with practical tips, maps, safety advice, and ideas for planning your route around the island.
Pico is not an island of long sandy beaches. The swimming experience here is different: natural pools, small harbors, volcanic rock areas, picnic spots, barbecue areas, and places where you can still find calm even in the middle of summer.
Table of Contents
Natural swimming pools in Pico in 30 seconds
| Best natural pool | Poça das Mujas, for its beauty, calm and setting. |
|---|---|
| Best for families | Piscina do Cais do Pico, Santo António / Furna de Santo António and some areas around Madalena. |
| Best for quiet | Poça das Mujas, Manhenha, Arinhas, Admoiro and Verdugo. |
| Best to combine with a route | Criação Velha, Pocinho, Madalena, São Roque and Lajes do Pico. |
| Best season | June to September for swimming; year-round for visiting and photography on calm-sea days. |
| Cost | Most natural pools and bathing areas are free to access. |
| Important | Not all areas have lifeguards. Always check sea conditions before entering the water. |
Why is Pico so good for natural swimming pools?
Pico is a volcanic island with a rugged coastline, little sand, and many natural basalt formations. Instead of long beaches, you mostly find protected pools, saltwater swimming areas, small harbors, piers, and volcanic rock zones where it is possible to swim safely when conditions are favorable.
The big advantage is distribution. There are bathing areas almost all around the island, which means you can include sea swims in very different routes: a sunset swim in Madalena, a stop in Criação Velha, a morning in São Roque, a lunch break with a swim on the south coast, or a quieter day on the eastern side of the island.
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Another advantage is tranquillity. Because Pico has many bathing areas and a low population density, several natural pools remain relatively calm even in July and August. For travelers who want to avoid the crowded beach feeling, this is one of the island’s strongest assets.
Quick map: best natural pools in Pico by area
| Island area | Recommended pools / bathing areas | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| West / Madalena | Madalena, Areia Funda, Criação Velha, Pocinho, São Mateus | Staying near Madalena, families, sunset and the vineyard landscape route. |
| North / São Roque | Piscina do Cais, Poças de São Roque, Furna de Santo António, Poça Branca | More structure, family-friendly areas and easy access. |
| South / Lajes and São João | Admoiro, Arinhas, Lajes, Santa Cruz das Ribeiras | Local atmosphere, picnic spots and quiet coastal routes. |
| East / Piedade and Calheta de Nesquim | Poça das Mujas, Manhenha, Calhau | Quiet, scenery and less obvious bathing areas. |
The 11 best natural swimming pools in Pico
The list below includes natural swimming pools, official bathing areas, small harbors, and good coastal swimming spots. Some are better for families; others are better for quiet, scenery, and fewer people.
1. Poça das Mujas — Calheta de Nesquim
Poça das Mujas, in Calheta de Nesquim, is one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in Pico. If you enjoy quiet bathing areas with a local atmosphere and strong scenery, this is one of the best choices on the island.
It is located on the eastern/south-eastern side of Pico, so it is more convenient if you are staying in Lajes, Piedade, Ribeiras, Calheta de Nesquim or if you are doing a full island loop.
| Area | Calheta de Nesquim / eastern Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Quiet, swimming, scenery and summer days away from the busiest areas. |
| Important | Always check sea conditions and whether there is lifeguard supervision during your visit. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
2. Poço da Maré do Verdugo
Poço da Maré do Verdugo is one of the most discreet places on this list. The access is more rural and less obvious, which helps keep the place very quiet.
It is a small pool, more interesting on calm-sea days and with attention to the tide. Since it is less structured than other bathing areas, it is better for travelers who prefer exploring quietly and do not need many facilities.
| Area | Southern Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Travellers looking for a lesser-known and quiet spot. |
| Important | Access and entry into the water may depend on the tide. Not the best choice for small children. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
3. Ponta do Admoiro Natural Swimming Pools
Ponta do Admoiro, in the São João area, is a good option if you want to combine swimming, open sea access, and a picnic area. Besides the small natural pools formed by volcanic rock, there is also access to the sea by stairs.
It is an interesting stop on a south-coast route in Pico, especially if you want to swim and rest without moving too far from the main road.
| Area | São João / southern coast of Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Picnics, swimming on calm-sea days and a stop during an island loop. |
| Important | Open sea access requires attention to swell and waves. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
4. Santo António Pools / Furna de Santo António
The Santo António pools in the municipality of São Roque do Pico are among the most practical bathing areas for families and travelers who prefer more structure. The area combines saltwater pools with sea access and is usually a comfortable option on the north coast.
It is a good choice if you are staying in São Roque, Santo António, or Prainha, or if you want a more organized bathing area than some of the wilder natural pools.
| Area | Santo António / São Roque do Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, facilities, easier swimming and quick access. |
| Important | It can be busier in summer. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
5. Criação Velha Natural Swimming Pools
The Criação Velha Natural Swimming Pools are located in one of the most beautiful areas of Madalena municipality, close to the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape. The dark volcanic rock, the proximity to the sea, and the western coastline make this a very interesting sunset stop.
It is a good option to combine with the vineyards, Lajido, Pocinho, and a route along the Madalena coast.
| Area | Criação Velha / Madalena |
|---|---|
| Best for | Vineyard route, scenery, swimming and sunset. |
| Important | Check sea conditions, especially on days with western swell. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
6. São Roque do Pico Natural Pool / Piscina do Cais
Piscina do Cais do Pico, in São Roque, is one of the best-known bathing areas on the island. It has a good location, easy access and is usually one of the best options if you want more structure.
Because it is close to the center of São Roque, it is also easy to combine with restaurants, a walk around town, or a quick stop during an island loop.
| Area | São Roque do Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, easy access, structured bathing area and nearby services. |
| Important | It can be busier in high season. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
7. Lajes do Pico Natural Pool
The Lajes do Pico bathing area is practical if you are staying in town or want to combine swimming with whaling heritage, museums, whale watching, and a walk by the sea.
It is not necessarily the wildest area on the island, but it is one of the easiest to include in a day route, especially if you are doing a sea activity from Lajes.
| Area | Lajes do Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Combining with museums, Lajes town centre and whale watching. |
| Important | Confirm the exact point and conditions on the day. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
8. Manhenha Natural Pool
Manhenha is located on the far eastern side of the island and is a very quiet area. It is a good choice if you want to get away from the most obvious places and explore eastern Pico.
Because it is farther from Madalena and São Roque, it makes more sense as part of a route focused on the eastern side of the island, together with Calheta de Nesquim, Piedade, and nearby coastal areas.
| Area | Manhenha / far eastern Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Quiet, reading, relaxing and exploring the eastern tip of the island. |
| Important | Because it is more remote, bring water, food and check sea conditions. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
9. Arinhas Natural Swimming Pool
Arinhas is a small, simple, and pleasant area on the south coast. It is the kind of place that works well for a calm day, a quick swim, and a picnic stop.
It is not the most famous natural pool in Pico, but that is exactly what can make it interesting if you are looking for less touristy spots.
| Area | Southern Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Picnic, rest and local atmosphere. |
| Important | Check tide, swell and access conditions before entering the water. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
10. Madalena Swimming Pools
The Madalena swimming pools are among the most convenient bathing areas in Pico if you are staying in town or arriving by boat from Faial. They have a good location, nearby services, and make it easy to swim without driving far.
They are not the best option if you want complete silence, but they are very practical for families, travelers with limited time, or anyone who wants to fit a sea swim into the end of the day.
| Area | Madalena / western Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Staying in Madalena, families, quick swims and late afternoon. |
| Important | It can be busier in summer. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
11. Areia Funda
Areia Funda, also in the Madalena area, is a very practical bathing spot if you want a quick stop, especially if you are staying near town or want to end the day by the sea.
It is more frequented than some of Pico’s quieter natural pools, but it remains a convenient and easy option to include in a western-coast route.
| Area | Madalena / western Pico |
|---|---|
| Best for | Quick swim, late afternoon and travellers staying near Madalena. |
| Important | Less suitable if you are looking for very isolated places. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze |
Other bathing areas in Pico to consider
In addition to the 11 areas highlighted above, Pico has many other official or locally used bathing spots. Some are simple, others work as small harbors, rocky sea-entry points, protected pools, or bathing areas with access to the ocean.
| Municipality | Official bathing areas to consider |
|---|---|
| Lajes do Pico | Calhau, Clube Naval das Lajes, Fonte, Manhenha, Lajes, Poça das Mujas, Pontes, Santa Cruz das Ribeiras, Verdoso, Admoiro, Porto da Baixa and Caminho de Baixo. |
| Madalena | Madalena, Baixas, Barca, Cais Mourato, Criação Velha, Pocinho, São Mateus and Prainha do Galeão. |
| São Roque do Pico | Arcos, Caisinho, Poça Branca, Piscina do Cais, Poças de São Roque and Furna de Santo António. |
Safety in Pico’s natural swimming pools
Natural swimming pools often look protected, but they are still connected to the sea. Waves can enter suddenly, rocks can be slippery and depth can change quickly.
With children, constant attention is essential. Even in apparently calm areas, use suitable footwear for rocks, avoid jumping into the water without knowing the depth, and respect any local signs.
What is the best natural pool in Pico for children?
For families with children, it usually makes more sense to choose areas with easier access, more structure, and simpler water entry. São Roque, Santo António, and Madalena are often more practical than remote or hidden places.
If your priority is quiet and scenery, Poça das Mujas, Manhenha, or Admoiro can be excellent, but they require more attention to sea conditions and local access.
How to plan a route around Pico’s natural swimming pools
The best way to visit several natural swimming pools in Pico is to divide the island into areas. Trying to see everything in one day makes the experience rushed and less useful. It is better to choose one area of the island per day and combine swimming with viewpoints, meals, short walks, or activities.
| Route | Suggested stops | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| West | Madalena, Areia Funda, Criação Velha, Pocinho, São Mateus. | Staying in Madalena or combining swimming with the vineyard landscape. |
| North | São Roque, Piscina do Cais, Santo António, Poça Branca. | Families, more structure, and easy access. |
| South | Admoiro, Arinhas, Lajes, Santa Cruz das Ribeiras. | Picnic areas, local spots, and a coastal route. |
| East | Poça das Mujas, Manhenha, Calhau and the Piedade area. | Quiet, scenery, and less obvious places. |
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Natural pools, barbecues, and picnics
One of the most interesting things about Pico is that several bathing areas have picnic or barbecue areas nearby. This makes the natural swimming pools an excellent option if you want to keep travel costs under control.
Still, go prepared: bring food, water, a bag for rubbish, a towel, rock-friendly footwear, and check whether the place has facilities on that day. Do not always count on cafés, restaurants, or shops nearby, especially in more remote areas.
Are Pico’s natural swimming pools worth visiting?
Yes. Pico’s natural swimming pools are one of the best free experiences on the island, especially in summer. They do not replace activities such as climbing Pico Mountain or whale watching, but they help balance the itinerary with simple, low-cost days closely connected to nature.
The best strategy is not to choose only one. Use the natural swimming pools as stops during your island route: a swim in Madalena, a sunset in Criação Velha, a quieter day at Poça das Mujas, or a family-friendly stop in São Roque. This way, Pico becomes more than an island to see — it becomes an island to enjoy slowly.
How many bathing areas does Pico have in 2026?
In 2026, Pico had 26 officially identified bathing areas: 12 in Lajes do Pico, 8 in Madalena, and 6 in São Roque do Pico.
What are the best natural swimming pools in Pico?
Some of the best natural swimming pools in Pico are Poça das Mujas, Poço da Maré do Verdugo, Ponta do Admoiro, Santo António, Criação Velha, Piscina do Cais, Lajes do Pico, Manhenha, Arinhas, Madalena Pools, and Areia Funda.
What is the best natural swimming pool in Pico?
It depends on what you are looking for. Poça das Mujas is one of the most beautiful and peaceful; Piscina do Cais do Pico and Santo António are more practical for families; Criação Velha is excellent to combine with the vineyard landscape.
Are Pico’s natural swimming pools free?
In most cases, yes. Many natural pools and bathing areas in Pico are free to access, though facilities may vary by location and season.
Are there lifeguards at Pico’s natural swimming pools?
Not all areas have lifeguard supervision. Some more structured bathing areas may have lifeguards during bathing season, but you should always confirm locally and check the sea conditions before entering.
What is the best season to visit Pico’s natural swimming pools?
The best season is usually from June to September, when the weather is warmer and the bathing season is in full swing. Outside this period, many areas are still beautiful to visit, but swimming depends more on the weather and sea conditions.
Are Pico’s natural swimming pools good for children?
Some are good for children, especially areas with easier access and more structure, such as São Roque, Santo António, or Madalena. In wilder places, extra attention is needed because of rocks, waves, and a lack of supervision.
Do I need a car to visit Pico’s natural swimming pools?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. The natural swimming pools are spread around the island, and many are outside the main centers, so renting a car makes the route much easier.
Can I barbecue near Pico’s natural swimming pools?
Some areas have picnic or barbecue facilities nearby, but conditions vary from place to place. Always check local rules, take your rubbish with you, and respect the natural areas.
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Are any of these pools naturally heated, and comfortable outside of summer?
Hello Judy, the pools are not heated but the water temperature is nice. In Summer around 24ºC / 75ºF. In Winter minimum is 16ºC / 60ºF. But you can have for example in November, the water temperature is around 19ºC / 66ºF.
Thank you for compiling this list! We’re headed for a “swim around” Pico right now and this has been hands down the best resource on the internet. Much better than the overly comprehensive list from my Airbnb host.
Hi Liz, thank you for your comment. I hope you enjoy the natural swimming pools from Pico, and once you try it, please tell us which one you prefered. Rui.
We loved Arinhas. Very few people, the surrounding is stunning and the water clear.