You arrive on the island of Faial via one of the flights from Lisbon or Ponta Delgada, the Azores capital on São Miguel Island. We will be waiting for you at Horta Airport. A 30-minute drive brings you to the beautiful PÁTIO Ecolodge on the north side of Faial Island.

Enjoy a cool drink while you receive a comprehensive briefing for the self-guided tour, including detailed information, route notes, maps, navigation app instructions, and a bike fitting session.

Relax in the afternoon by the heated saltwater pool or savor a glass of Pico wine in the lounge. In the evening, you can indulge in culinary delicacies from the Azores.

Overnight in Cedros, on Faial Island.

Meals: Not included

(43km, +987m, -987m)

Today’s highlight is the Capelinhos volcano, which erupted in 1956/57. The route is a figure of eight, centered at km 6 after the first climb. You’ll ride through lush greenery landscape to the almost desert-like volcano area and visit the Capelinhos Interpretation Center, ending with a spectacular view from the lighthouse.

Afterward, follow a packed dirt road 6 km along the ocean, with viewpoints and ending at Varadouro’s natural pools and harbor. Refreshments are available at Vista da Baía restaurant (closed Wednesdays) or at a seasonal pizzeria and snack bar.

Continue to Capelo Forest Park for a bike picnic and explore the open-air museum about island life. Nearby, the Capelo Handicraft Center features local crafts. The route returns to Cedros, climbing to 500 meters height at km 35 before descending.

Overnight in Cedros, on Faial Island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunchbox (picnic)

(38km, +870m, -990m)

Cycle up to the Caldeira of Faial, a 2.5 km wide and 400 m deep crater at nearly 1000 m altitude, a Top-Highlight of the Azores. The ascent is challenging, with a well-deserved break at the top offering panoramic views. After a steep climb from Cedros village, contour clockwise on a road overlooking the Atlantic, passing an old whale-watching post. Begin a steady 6 km climb to the Caldeira, starting on asphalt, then red dirt roads. The last section features 7 switchbacks with views and an asphalt road to the top, offering a stunning crater viewpoint.

Descend on a scenic asphalt road to Horta, stopping at a monument with an amazing view of the Horta Bay. Enter town from the east, crossing through an old commercial street. Climb to Monte Guia for views of Porto Pim Bay. Visit the whale factory museum at the base.

Catch the ferry to Madalena, Pico Island.

Check-in at your hotel across from the terminal.

If you feel like riding during the afternoon to explore the área, you can do a loop and swim in the Natural Pool of Barca or Areia Funda, visit Quinta das Rosas, taste Pico wine at nearby wineries or simply relax with a drink at Cella Bar.
Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Overnight in Madalena.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunchbox (picnic)

(36km, +380m, -340m)

Today’s ride is easy and fantastic, taking you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pico vineyards along the Atlantic coast, framed by basalt stone walls. Pass old winery villages and visit the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Interpretation Center in Lajido including a wine tasting. Also in Lajido, explore the Volcanoes' House Interpretation Center to learn about the island’s volcanic formation.

In Arcos, swim in the natural pool and enjoy a snack at Café dos Arcos. Continue to São Roque de Pico for a lunch break at Clube Naval and visit the Museum of the Whale’s Industry.

After São Roque, tackle a long climb to the cliffs on the north side of Pico, offering stunning views of São Jorge from Prainha's viewpoint. Arrive in Prainha in the afternoon, where the sea pool offers a refreshing swim.

Overnight in Prainha.

Meals: Breakfast

(51km, +1.165m, -1.150m)

Today’s route is the longest of your tour, ending in Lajes do Pico on the south side of the island. Expect some climbing, as the east coast is rugged. Start by reaching "Miradouro Alto" at 400 m, with scenic views of the sea and São Jorge Island. Enjoy a 10 km downhill to the eastern tip at Manhenha. Nearby, visit the "Ponta da Ilha" lighthouse.

Cycle through coastal landscapes to Calheta de Nesquim. Here, you can picnic with supplies from a local bar and supermarket, or visit the snack bar Saragaço by the Poça das Mujas natural pool.

Continue uphill along Pico’s cliffs, formed over 270 million years ago. Optionally detour to Ribeiras harbor to watch fishermen, but this will add distance and climbing. After another 12 km, you reach Lajes do Pico, passing through this whaling town.

Along this final stretch, consider visiting the Ocean Arts and Science Center.

Overnight in Lajes do Pico.

Meals: Breakfast

(9km)

Today is easy but exciting. Join the whale watcher team from "Espaço Thalassa" for a detailed briefing and a 3-hour Zodiac excursion to spot dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seabirds (April - October). Outside this period, explore Pico’s plateau with biologists from "Hominis Natura," discovering hidden freshwater lakes and volcanic landscapes. The rest of the day is free; if you wish, take a loop ride to explore the island's interior.

Overnight at Lajes do Pico.

Meals: Breakfast

(19km, +500m, -370m)

(optional : plus 19,4 km, +500m, -370m)

After yesterday's "rest day," you have another linear route ahead, crossing back to Faial Island. Alternatively you can choose to continue riding to your accommodation, making it the longest day. Begin along Pico's beautiful south coast, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the volcanic slopes of Pico.

Pass through small villages and natural pools like São Caetano, eventually reaching São Mateus for a snack break and possible battery recharge. Cycling through the UNESCO-protected Pico vineyards, surrounded by black basalt stone walls, offers a glimpse into the island's wine-growing tradition.

After 25 km, stop for lunch at “Parque dos Fogos” near Candelaria, surrounded by old wine cellars and distilleries. Then, continue for another 10 km to the vineyards of Madalena "Criação Velha," with a breathtaking view over the endless vineyards to Faial Island.

In the afternoon, take the ferry from Madalena back to Horta on Faial Island.

If riding back to your accommodation PÁTIO Ecolodge, there's another 19 km along Faial's southwest coast. You can charge your battery at the ferry terminal or on the boat.

Our team will assist with bike handover and transfer to the accommodation.

Overnight in Cedros, on Faial Island.

Meals: Breakfast

On the last day of this trip, it's up to you whether you prefer to relax at the accommodation for a few more days, explore other islands, or begin your journey back home.

Our team will be happy to take you to the airport or any other place on the island.

Meals: Breakfast