Pico Island vs Faial Island in the Azores
The Azores archipelago is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and culture, and two of its captivating islands, Pico and Faial, offer distinct experiences for travelers. Although they are a short ferry ride apart, Pico and Faial each have unique charm and appeal. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Pico or the vibrant marina life of Faial, here's a comparison of the two islands to help you decide which might suit your Azorean adventure best.
The Landscape: Dramatic Peaks vs. Rolling Hills
Pico: Known as the "Mountain Island," Pico is home to the highest peak in Portugal, Mount Pico, which towers at 2,351 meters. This dormant volcano dominates the island's landscape, creating a dramatic backdrop of rugged terrain, vineyards growing in volcanic soil, and stark lava fields. Hiking up Mount Pico is a bucket-list activity for adventurous travelers, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding islands on clear days. The hike takes about 8-hours and requires a permit.
Faial: While Faial lacks the towering peak of its neighbor, it boasts its own striking landscape. The island is famously called the "Blue Island" due to the abundance of blue hydrangeas that blanket the island in summer. Faial's lush rolling hills, green pastures, and coastal cliffs provide a softer, more tranquil vibe. The Caldeira, a massive volcanic crater in the island's center, offers breathtaking hikes and panoramic views. At the same time, the Capelinhos Volcano, on the western tip, tells the story of the island's volcanic past with its moon-like terrain, along with the Azores’ most recent eruption in the 1950’s.
Activities: Adventure vs. Leisure
Pico: For adventure seekers, Pico offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking to the summit of Mount Pico is the island's signature challenge, but visitors can also explore the extensive Lajido vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where grapevines are grown in black lava stone walls. There are also plenty of naturally formed salt-water bathing pools for easy access to the ocean. Pico's rugged coastline is ideal for whale watching, with some of the best opportunities in the Azores to spot sperm whales and dolphins.
Faial: Faial is known for its busy marina in the capital village of Horta, where sailors stop during transatlantic journeys. The Peter Café Sport, a legendary sailor's bar, is a must-visit for anyone staying in Horta. Established in 1918 and known for its signature passion fruit gin and tonic, the café is a hub of maritime culture, where visitors can enjoy a drink, share stories of their voyages, and admire memorabilia from sailors around the world. The island offers many leisurely pursuits, including exploring the botanical gardens, strolling through the picturesque streets of Horta, or visiting the Whale Museum. For the more active, hiking around the top, or down into, the Caldeira is a great half day adventure. Then explore the unique Capelinhos Volcano site, showing off a mix of geology and history.
Cultural and Historical Appeal
Pico: Pico's cultural identity is deeply tied to its volcanic environment and its history of whaling. It is the youngest of the Azores Islands. The Whalers' Museum in Lajes do Pico tells the island's fascinating whaling story. At the same time, the wine culture that thrives in its unique lava rock landscape offers insight into how residents have historically adapted to the island's harsh conditions.
Faial: Faial's history is intertwined with the sea. Its capital, Horta, has long been a gateway for explorers. Walking around the Horta Marina, you'll notice the tradition of sailors painting murals on the breakwater, a custom believed to bring good luck for safe voyages. Faial Isalnd was also the site of the Capelinhos eruption of 1957-58, which reshaped the island, saw many families immigrate and leave the island, and left a fascinating volcanic landscape to explore today.
Atmosphere: Rugged vs. Cosmopolitan
Pico: Pico has a rugged and somewhat isolated feel, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to connect with nature and explore untouched landscapes. The pace of life is slower, and the focus is on outdoor adventures and appreciating the dramatic natural scenery. During the low season this is the perfect place to escape for a yoga retreat or to write a book, as it will feel like you are the only people on the island.
Faial: Faial offers a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, especially in Horta village, which feels livelier and more connected to the world thanks to its international marina. There's a unique blend of island tranquility and global influence here, with more of a social scene than Pico.
Which Island is Right for You?
Choosing between Pico and Faial depends on what kind of experience you're seeking. Ideally, exploring both islands will give you the full Azorean experience, as they complement each other beautifully. Whether standing atop Mount Pico or sipping a drink at Peter Café Sport, both islands offer a unique slice of the Azores that's sure to captivate you.
Discover these captivating islands for yourself on a customized Quest Travel Adventures itinerary. Our most popular trips include the Three Island Azores Tour, the Three Island Azores Adventure Seeker, and the Four Island Azores Tour.
