The hiking trails in Pico are one of the best ways to discover the island beyond the mountain. Between UNESCO-listed vineyards, highland lakes, old rural paths, coastal routes, and volcanic landscapes, Pico offers very different hikes — and choosing the right one makes a big difference.
Table of Contents
In this guide, you will find the 7 most useful hiking trails in Pico for planning a trip, with information about scenery, difficulty, duration, transport logistics, weather, maps, and practical tips. The goal is not just to list trails, but to help you choose the right hike for your time, fitness level, and part of the island.
The official Azores Trails website lists 14 hiking trails in Pico. The Pico Mountain climb should be treated separately, because it has its own registration system, safety rules, physical requirements, and weather constraints.
Hiking trails in Pico in 30 seconds
| Best trail for vineyards | PR05PIC Vinhas da Criação Velha. |
|---|---|
| Best trail for lakes and highlands | PR19PIC Caminho das Lagoas. |
| Best coastal trail | PR03PIC Ponta da Ilha. |
| Best shorter scenic option | PR05PIC Vinhas da Criação Velha or PR13PIC Lagoa do Capitão, depending on the weather. |
| Best if you have limited time | Vinhas da Criação Velha, because it is close to Madalena and works well with the vineyard landscape. |
| Main warning | Many trails are linear. Organize your return before starting. |
| Useful tool | Check the Pico weather tool before choosing highland or interior trails. |
How to choose the right hiking trail in Pico
The most common mistake is choosing a trail only because of a photo. In Pico, you should choose based on four factors: duration, weather, transport logistics, and the type of landscape you want to see.
| Goal | Recommended trail | Why |
|---|---|---|
| See vineyards and UNESCO heritage | PR05PIC Vinhas da Criação Velha | It crosses the vineyard landscape, basalt walls, lava fields, and the Madalena coastal area. |
| See lakes and Pico’s interior | PR19PIC Caminho das Lagoas | It is the major interior trail, with lakes, highland pastures, and open landscapes. |
| Do a coastal hike | PR03PIC Ponta da Ilha | A good option for sea views, coastline, and volcanic scenery on the eastern side. |
| Do something shorter and very scenic | PR13PIC Lagoa do Capitão | A good choice when the interior is clear, and Pico Mountain is visible. |
| Combine hiking with local culture | PR10PIC Santana – Lajido or PR05PIC Vinhas da Criação Velha | They connect coastline, vineyards, volcanic rock, and local history. |
| Avoid the most obvious routes | PR03PIC, PR15PIC, or less central trails | Some trails outside Madalena and Pico Mountain tend to feel quieter. |
Linear and circular trails: plan your return first
Before starting any hike in Pico, confirm whether the trail is linear or circular. A circular trail starts and ends in the same place. A linear trail finishes somewhere different from where it starts.
Recent content to keep planning better
This matters because public transport in Pico is limited for this type of use. If you do a linear trail, you may need a taxi, a pre-arranged ride, two cars, or you may have to walk back the same way, doubling the distance.
The 7 best hiking trails in Pico
The list below highlights the most useful routes for visitors planning a trip to Pico. It does not replace the official Azores Trails website, where you should always confirm maps, alerts, GPS files, trail status, and updated brochures before hiking.
1. PR19PIC Caminho das Lagoas
Caminho das Lagoas is one of the most impressive hikes in Pico if you want to discover the island’s interior. It crosses highland areas, pastures, and lakes such as Lagoa do Caiado, Lagoa Seca, Lagoas do Peixinho, and Lagoa do Paúl.
It is a long linear trail, officially listed at about 22 km, with an average duration of 7 hours. It should not be treated as a light walk. It requires time, preparation, water, food, suitable clothing, and a clear plan for getting back.
| Type | Linear |
|---|---|
| Official length | 22 km |
| Official average duration | 7h00 |
| Best for | Lakes, highlands, open landscapes, and nature. |
| Important | Not recommended in fog. Do it only with good visibility. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze · Official trail |
2. PR05PIC Vinhas da Criação Velha
Vinhas da Criação Velha is one of the most interesting trails in Pico if you want to understand the island’s vineyard landscape. It crosses an area classified as UNESCO World Heritage, with basalt stone walls, lava fields, old wine cellars, tidal wells, and elements linked to Pico’s wine culture.
It is shorter and more accessible than Caminho das Lagoas, but rich in scenery and cultural value. It is also a good option if you are staying in Madalena, or if you want to combine hiking, vineyards, the sea, and sunset.
| Type | Linear |
|---|---|
| Official length | 7 km |
| Official average duration | 2h00 |
| Best for | Vineyards, UNESCO heritage, Madalena’s coast, and photography. |
| Important | Avoid the hottest hours in summer, and organize your return because it is linear. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze · Official trail |
3. PR03PIC Ponta da Ilha
PR03PIC Ponta da Ilha is an interesting trail if you want to explore eastern Pico and walk close to the coast. The route connects areas such as Porto do Calhau, Manhenha, and Ponta da Ilha, with scenery marked by the ocean, volcanic rock, and rural landscapes.
It is a good option if you already know Madalena and São Roque, and want to dedicate a day to the eastern part of the island. It also works well with Poça das Mujas, Calheta de Nesquim, or Manhenha if you are building an east-coast route.
| Type | Linear |
|---|---|
| Best for | East coast, sea views, volcanic scenery, and less central areas. |
| Important | Confirm transport logistics, and check wind conditions near the coast. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze · Official trail |
4. PR13PIC Lagoa do Capitão
Lagoa do Capitão is a good option if you want an interior hike without committing to a route as long as Caminho das Lagoas. The area around Lagoa do Capitão is one of the most photogenic landscapes in Pico, especially when the mountain is visible.
This is a place where weather matters a lot. On a clear day, it can be memorable. With fog, it loses much of its value, and it can become confusing for people who do not know the area well.
| Type | Linear |
|---|---|
| Official length | 9.30 km |
| Official average duration | 3h00 |
| Official difficulty | Medium |
| Best for | Lake scenery, interior landscapes, photography, and Pico Mountain views on clear days. |
| Important | Avoid foggy days. Check the forecast before leaving. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze · Official trail |
5. PR10PIC Santana – Lajido
Santana – Lajido is a good choice if you want to combine the north coast, volcanic rock, vineyard areas, and cultural landscape. It is an interesting route for understanding how lava, sea, and vines shaped this part of the island.
It is not the most famous trail in Pico, but it can be very useful if you are staying on the northern side of the island, or if you want a less obvious hike than Criação Velha.
| Best for | North coast, vineyards, cultural landscape, and less obvious areas. |
|---|---|
| Important | Confirm logistics and trail status on the official page. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze · Official trail |
6. PR15PIC Mistérios do Sul do Pico
PR15PIC Mistérios do Sul do Pico is a trail for travelers interested in volcanic scenery and the way lava fields shaped the island. It is a good alternative if you want something beyond the most obvious routes.
It can make sense as part of a south-coast route, combined with bathing areas, viewpoints, and stops between São Mateus, São João, and Lajes.
| Best for | Volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and the south coast. |
|---|---|
| Important | Bring water, sun protection, and confirm the official route before leaving. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze · Official trail |
7. PRC11PIC Calheta do Nesquim
PRC11PIC Calheta do Nesquim is a good option if you want to explore a more local area, away from the Madalena-centered routes. Because it is circular, it has an important advantage: it starts and ends in the same area, which makes logistics easier.
It is a good choice if you are exploring the eastern or southeastern side of Pico, and want to combine walking, local village atmosphere, coastline, and a stop at Poça das Mujas.
| Type | Circular |
|---|---|
| Best for | Eastern Pico, local atmosphere, simple logistics, and a less obvious walk. |
| Important | Confirm trail status and weather before starting. |
| Map | Google Maps · Waze · Official trail |
Other official hiking trails in Pico
In addition to the routes highlighted above, the official Azores Trails website lists other hikes in Pico that may be useful depending on where you are staying, how much time you have, and the type of scenery you want.
| Trail | When to consider it |
|---|---|
| PR01PIC Caminhos de Santa Luzia | To explore the Santa Luzia area and the cultural landscape of the northwestern side of the island. |
| PR02PIC Caminho dos Burros: Vertente Norte | For a historic interior route, with transport logistics planned in advance. |
| PR07PIC Caminho das Voltas | A good option for old paths and rural scenery. |
| PRC08PIC Ladeira dos Moinhos | Interesting if you want a circular route connected to the local landscape. |
| PRC09PIC Prainha do Norte | Useful if you are staying on the north coast and want a more local route. |
| PR18PIC Canadas da Ribeirinha | For exploring a less touristy part of the island. |
| PRC20PIC Garajau | A good option if you want a circular trail with coastal and local scenery. |
Trail markings in Pico
On official Azores trails, you should follow the markings along the route. Even if the trail seems simple, pay attention, especially in fog, at junctions, on agricultural paths, or near stone walls.
What to bring for hiking in Pico
Even on easier trails, Pico requires preparation. The weather can change quickly, the ground may be wet, and some areas are far from cafés, shops, or transport.
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | Some trails include rock, dirt, mud, or uneven ground. |
| Rain jacket / windbreaker | The weather changes quickly, especially in the interior and at altitude. |
| Water and food | Not all trails have services nearby. |
| Charged phone and power bank | Useful for maps, GPS, and emergencies. |
| Offline map / official brochure | Some areas may have weak mobile signal. |
| Sun protection | Coastal trails and vineyard areas may have little shade. |
| Small trash bag | Take everything back with you. |
Useful partners for exploring Pico
Hiking trails are free, but logistics in Pico can be the hardest part: transport, choosing the right area, time available, and alternatives if you do not want to walk alone. These partners can help complete your trip.
AUTATLANTIS
- Available across 7 Azores islands
- No mandatory credit card
- Excess from 0€ · deposit from 100€
A strong option for travelers who want more payment flexibility and better coverage options across several Azores islands.
LAVAFACES
- 8-hour tour on Pico Island. Licensed guide
- Vineyards, North Coast, Lagoa do Capitão and Lajes
- From 2 to 8 people. Group or private
A good option for discovering Pico with more local context, volcanic scenery and cultural heritage in a comfortable way.
TRIPIX
- Day and night climbs on Mount Pico
- Sunrise, sunset and crater options
- Certified guides and local experience
A strong option for experiencing Mount Pico with professional guidance and an exclusive MyAzoresHome discount.
Are Pico’s hiking trails worth it?
Yes. Hiking trails are one of the best ways to discover Pico without turning the trip into a sequence of roadside viewpoints. Each trail reveals a different layer of the island: vineyards, lava, coastline, lakes, pastures, old paths, and places where Pico still feels deeply rural.
If you only have time for one short trail, choose Vinhas da Criação Velha. If you want a longer experience and the weather is clear in the interior, consider Caminho das Lagoas. If you want coastline and less obvious areas, look at Ponta da Ilha, Calheta do Nesquim, or Santana – Lajido.
How many official hiking trails are there in Pico?
The official Azores Trails website lists 14 hiking trails in Pico. The Pico Mountain climb should be treated separately because it has specific rules, registration, and safety requirements.
What is the best hiking trail in Pico?
It depends on your goal. For vineyards and UNESCO heritage, PR05PIC Vinhas da Criação Velha is one of the best options. For lakes and the island’s interior, PR19PIC Caminho das Lagoas is one of the most impressive, but it requires good weather and planning.
What is the most beautiful hike in Pico?
Caminho das Lagoas is one of the most beautiful hikes on clear days, because of the lakes and highland scenery. Vinhas da Criação Velha stands out for its cultural vineyard landscape and proximity to the sea.
Is Caminho das Lagoas difficult?
PR19PIC Caminho das Lagoas is officially listed as easy, but it is about 22 km long and takes around 7 hours. In practice, it requires good endurance, preparation, and transport logistics, especially because it is linear.
Do I need a guide for hiking trails in Pico?
For most official trails, a guide is not mandatory if you follow the markings and prepare the route properly. For Pico Mountain, long hikes, bad weather, or limited hiking experience, a guide may be recommended.
Do I need a car to hike in Pico?
It is highly recommended. Many trails start or end outside the main towns, and several are linear, so having a car or pre-arranged transport makes logistics much easier.
What is the best short hike in Pico?
PR05PIC Vinhas da Criação Velha is a good short and scenic option, with about 7 km and an official average duration of 2 hours. It is ideal to combine with Madalena, the vineyard landscape, and sunset.
Is it safe to hike in Pico with fog?
It is not recommended to do highland or interior trails in fog, especially Caminho das Lagoas or areas near Pico Mountain. Visibility can drop quickly, and the experience loses much of its value.
