Madalena

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The growth and dynamism in Madalena regarding other municipalities on Pico Island is primarily due to its communication links: it is home to the island's only airport, and maritime transport to neighboring Faial Island operates daily. The most important economic activities in this municipality of approximately 6,000 inhabitants continue to be livestock and agriculture, or industries related to these activities: canning, winemaking, dairy, and others. In terms of landscape, Madalena has two striking features: Pico Mountain and vineyards. The majestic 2,351-meter elevation of Pico is a must-see for anyone visiting Madalena. The other is the vineyards, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, where the design and geometric contours of the dark, hard basalt soils are striking. The end result is a unique wine!

What to do in Madalena

Paisagem Protegida do Lajido da Criação Velha

Madalena

The landscape of Pico Island's vineyard culture comprises the Lajido da Criação Velha and Lajido de Santa Luzia, occupying a total of 154 hectares. These sites are excellent representations of traditional architecture, landscape design, and natural elements, located on extensive lava fields. They are characterized by extreme richness and geological and scenic beauty. The diversity of fauna and flora present …

Gruta das Torres

Madalena

A volcanic formation, approximately 5,150 meters long, it is the largest known lava tube in Portugal. It was formed by lava ejected from a volcanic eruption in Cabeço Bravo, and today, curious geological structures such as stalactites, lava stalagmites, and lava balls can be seen.

Escalada ao Pico

Madalena

Climbing Portugal's highest point is a unique and unforgettable challenge, not within everyone's reach. It's a demanding route, even for those experienced in hiking. The hike begins on the west side of the mountain at approximately 1,230 meters above sea level, at the Pico Mountain House. After providing your information to the Madalena Municipal Fire Department, you can begin the …

Zona Balnear da Areia Funda

Madalena

A beach with crystal-clear, calm waters, located on the western side of the island, with Faial visible in the distance. It is made up of several natural pools of volcanic origin.

Museu do Vinho do Pico

Madalena

Opened in 1999, this museum is housed in the former Carmelite Convent (17th/18th centuries). It showcases the history of wine, organizes vineyard tours, and offers wine tastings. During September, visitors can participate in the harvest. This is a landmark and …

Museu dos Cachalotes e Lulas

Madalena

A small museum created by Malcolm Clarke in his own garage, where we can learn a little about the sperm whale and its main food source, squid.

Trilho Pedestre Vinhas da Criação Velha (PR5)

Madalena

The trail follows the coastline until it reaches a hill, which should be skirted on the right. Then, at the next intersection, it enters the vineyards and continues to the marked mill, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the vineyards …

Praia da Barca

Madalena

A small, very pleasant rocky beach from where you can see Faial.

Praia do Porto da Formosinha

Madalena

Small bathing area with calm waters, good infrastructure but little traffic.

Piscinas Municipais da Madalena

Madalena

Saltwater pool located right on the seafront, offering good support facilities.

Praia do Pocinho

Madalena

A small rocky beach made up of black pebbles of volcanic origin, where there is a small soccer field.

Moinho do Frade

Madalena

A twentieth-century rotating windmill with a truncated cone-shaped stone base, rotating body, and a wooden roof covered in sheet metal. Inside, the milling mechanism is still preserved.

Miradouro de Santa Margarida

Madalena

From this viewpoint we have privileged views over the town of Terra do Pão, with the blue ocean as a backdrop.

Ponta do Pico

Madalena

It is the highest mountain in Portugal, at 2,351 meters, culminating in the crater of Pico Grande, where Pico Pequeno rises, whose base emanates fumaroles. It is classified as a Nature Reserve, and in 2010, its volcanic landscape was named …

Miradouro de Cabeço das Cabras

Madalena

Cabeço das Cabras constitutes the final frontier between the adventurous who set out for the mountain and the more fearful who prefer the safety of the road. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, on the western slope of …

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Where to eat in Madalena

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Where to sleep in Madalena

Pocinho Bay
Pocinho Bay

Located next to the volcano on the island of Pico, in the middle of the protected area of the vineyard, which UNESCO has classified as a world heritage site. A…

Insula Atlantis Apartments
Insula Atlantis Apartments

Esta unidade de enoturismo oferece uma vasta oferta de atividades vínicas indoor e outdoor, feitas para descobrir todos os aromas, a história e tradição da cul…

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Near Madalena

São Roque do Pico

São Roque do Pico

The second municipality to be created on “Ilha Montanha”, São Roque received its charter in 1542 from the hands of D. João III. The constant natural …

Lajes do Pico

Lajes do Pico

Lajes do Pico is one of the three municipalities that make up Pico Island. It was south of the current town that, before 1460, Fernando Álvares Evang…