Explore the “stone heart” of the Azores with someone who knows every crack in the basalt. A full-day tour focused on UNESCO heritage, local traditions, and the volcanic power of Pico Island.
Often, large international platforms hide the true faces behind the experience. At My Azores Home, we make a point of working directly with local experts. LAVAFACES, led by Norberto Costa, is our top choice for those seeking a day rich in knowledge but with the relaxed atmosphere of being among friends.
Pico Island vineyard landscape. Image: Gauvin Lapetoule
📋 Quick Tour Info
Table of Contents
- ⏱️ Duration: Full day (approx. 8 hours).
- 👥 Groups: Small and personalized (2 to 8 people).
- 📍 Itinerary: Criação Velha (UNESCO Vineyards), North Coast (Cachorro/Lajido), Lagoa do Capitão, and Lajes do Pico.
- ✅ Certification: Official entity RRAAT n.º 24/2022/RAA.
- 🗣️ Languages: Portuguese and English.
The Itinerary: From UNESCO Vineyards to the Heart of the Mountain
This full-day tour is designed to capture the contrasts that make Pico unique. Here are the highlights that, in my opinion, make all the difference:
1. Vineyard Culture (World Heritage)
The tour begins where man once defied nature. In Criação Velha, Norberto explains how the stone “currais” (corrals) protect the vines from the wind and sea spray. It is here that we understand why Pico wine is among the rarest and most valuable in the world.
2. The North Coast: Cachorro and Lajido
We head north, where the sea has sculpted dramatic basaltic shapes. Cachorro and Lajido de Santa Luzia are mandatory stops, not only for their landscapes but also for the typical black-stone architecture that seems to sprout directly from the volcanic soil.
3. Crossing the Plateau and Lagoa do Capitão
We climb in altitude for a different perspective. Lagoa do Capitão is that classic postcard view: Mount Pico reflected in the water (weather permitting!). Here, Norberto offers an insightful perspective on the endemic flora, something that often goes unnoticed on a standard tour.
4. Lajes do Pico: Whaling Tradition
We finish in the south, in the island’s oldest village. Lajes is the cradle of the whaling tradition and offers a calmer, historical atmosphere, perfect for absorbing all the information from the day.
💰 Exclusive My Azores Home Pricing
We work directly with Norberto Costa to ensure that the money saved on commissions charged by large international platforms is passed on to you. Booking through MAH is guaranteed to be the most economical option.
| Tour Type (2 to 8 pax) | Standard Price (GYG/Others) | My Azores Home Price | Your Savings |
| Group Tour | ~~95.00€ / person~~ | 85.50€ / person | – 9.50€ |
| Private Tour | ~~105.00€ / person~~ | 91.80€ / person | – 13.20€ |
🛡️ Cancellation Policy and Trust
We know plans can change. Lava Faces’ policy is clear and fair:
- 📅 Up to 5 days before the tour: Full refund.
- ⏳ Less than 5 days (or no-show): Non-refundable.
Official Entity: LAVAFACES AZORES EXPERIENCE TOURS is a registered and licensed tourist animation company, complying with all safety and insurance requirements demanded by the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RRAAT n.º 24/2022/RAA).
🚀 How to Secure Your Discount?
Go to our Partners & Discounts page, select Pico Island, click on the LAVAFACES promotional card, click on Request Availability, and fill out the form. You will receive a response directly from LAVAFACES shortly.
Conclusion: Cultural and Natural Landscape Tour with LAVAFACES
Pico is more than an island; it’s a sensory journey that deserves to be explored with those who truly understand it. By choosing a LAVAFACES tour, you ensure a day focused on authenticity, safety, and Norberto Costa’s deep local knowledge.
Thanks to this direct partnership between My Azores Home and LAVAFACES, we have secured an exclusive price for our readers. This allows you to enjoy the best service on the island at the most affordable rate available, ensuring a premium experience with real savings.
Don’t miss the chance to discover the secrets of the mountain and the vineyards. Reach out to Norberto through our partners page and secure your spot on the most authentic tour of the island.
