Madalena: The Capital of Azorean Wine

Travel 21/08/2025

Travel

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2 months ago

Copywriter

Rita Puga

Photos

Álvaro Palácios

Photos

David Rodrigues

Photos

João Paulo Santos

On Pico Island, nestled between volcanic vineyards and the smell of the Atlantic, lies Madalena, the wine capital of the Azores. The vineyards are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching across the landscape and a testament to the resilience and creativity of the inhabitants. Protected by black basalt walls, these vineyards produce unique wines shaped by the volcanic soil and ocean breeze.

Madalena is a destination where tradition, culture, and nature intertwine, offering an unforgettable adventure to every visitor. Join us and discover the charms of Madalena and the must-see places that will make your visit to Pico Island memorable!

Contents hide

1 What is Madalena

1.1 Brief History of Madalena

1.2 Geology and Volcanology

1.3 Culture and Festivals

2 What to Do in Madalena

2.1 Discover the History of Wine at the Wine Museum

2.2 Hike Through the UNESCO Vineyards of Criação Velha

2.3 Swim in Nature’s Infinity Pools of Criação Velha

2.4 Discover Gruta das Torres

2.5 Climb Pico Mountain

3 Plan Your Visit to Madalena

3.1 How to Get to Madalena

3.2 Best Season to Visit Madalena

4.2 São Roque do Pico

5 Complementary Information

5.1 Best Season to Visit the Azores

5.2 How to Get to the Azores

5.3 Travel Essentials

5.4 Useful Tools & Apps

What is Madalena

Álvaro RP | Madalena Church — Álvaro RP | Sunrise backdrop behind Madalena Church

Madalena is a Portuguese village located on Pico Island in the Azores Archipelago and is known as the “Capital of Azorean wine”. Recognized internationally for its unique vineyards, it produces high-quality wines, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The municipality of Madalena covers 149.08 km² across six parishes. It is bordered to the east by the municipalities of São Roque do Pico and Lajes do Pico. Additionally, this parish is marked by volcanic formations and vineyards that stretch to the sea, providing a unique and charming landscape.

Brief History of Madalena

For centuries, Madalena’s identity has been shaped by wine and the sea. Since the 15th century, locals have tamed the island’s volcanic landscape, building basalt stone walls to protect their iconic vines. By the 18th century, whalers dominated the hunt for sperm whales in the Atlantic. As whaling faded in the mid-20th century, the village reinvented itself, preserving its winemaking traditions and transforming its deep connection with the ocean into a sanctuary for marine conservation and whale watching.

Would you like to know the best times for whale watching?

Take a look at our whale watching calendar and plan your next adventure! Don’t miss the chance to spot these majestic creatures in Azorean waters. 🐋 🌊

Geology and Volcanology

Madalena has volcanic origins, and its landscape reflects this characteristic. The soil is made up of volcanic rocks, contributing to the fertility of the land and the unique quality of the wines produced. Additionally, Pico Mountain, the highest point in Portugal, is a dominant presence in the landscape, offering trails for nature lovers.

Culture and Festivals

Madalena hosts several festivals to celebrate local traditions, featuring processions, music, and traditional dances. Moreover, the grape harvest season is a significant cultural event, where locals and tourists come together to celebrate the grape harvest, further earning Madalena’s reputation as the capital of Azorean wine.

What to Do in Madalena

David Rodrigues | Explore Pico Wine Culture at Wine Museum

Discover the History of Wine at the Wine Museum

Step into Madalena’s Wine Museum and uncover centuries of winemaking tradition. Housed in a former Carmelite convent, this museum showcases the tools, techniques, and history behind Pico’s unique vineyards.

Stroll through ancient wine presses, learn about basalt-walled vineyards, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste the island’s famous Verdelho wine!

João Paulo Santos | Hike through a landscape shaped by lava and vineyards

Hike Through the UNESCO Vineyards of Criação Velha

The landscape protected by UNESCO stretches from Madalena, 15 km into the north coast, and 15 km into the south coast. It is wonderful to stroll around surrounded by those one-of-a-kind vineyards, and meet locals harvesting the grapes.

Moreover, this site offers breathtaking views of Pico Mountain and the Atlantic, a must for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

David Rodrigues | Dive into the crystal-clear waters at Criação Velha Natural Pools

Swim in Nature’s Infinity Pools of Criação Velha

Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Madalena’s natural pools, carved by ancient lava flows. The Criação Velha Natural Pools offer a serene retreat, where volcanic rock meets the Atlantic’s water.

Unwind, soak in the views, and enjoy a peaceful swim in nature’s infinity pools.

Álvaro RP | The fairy entrance of Gruta das Torres

Discover Gruta das Torres

Gruta das Torres is more than 5 kilometers long, and these tubes are renowned as Portugal’s biggest lava cave. This cave was formed naturally about 1500 years ago after a volcanic eruption.

Over the 130 lava caves discovered on Pico, Gruta das Torres is the one you don’t want to miss… and guess what, you can visit this wonder of nature safely with a guide!

David Rodrigues | Conquer Portugal’s highest point

Climb Pico Mountain

Pico Mountain is the crown jewel of Pico Island, the highest point in Portugal at 2,351 meters. The trail to the summit offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a challenge. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding Azorean archipelago.

Guided climbs are available to ensure safety and maximize the adventure.

Plan Your Visit to Madalena

David Rodrigues | The charming village of Madalena with its picturesque streets

How to Get to Madalena

Located on the southern coast of Pico Island, Madalena is easily accessible and offers various transport options for visitors. It is approximately 8.8 km from Pico Island Airport.

You can travel by car, taxi, or even bicycle. Following the main road (ER1), which Google Maps considers to be the best route, the trip takes about 12 minutes by car. Public transport is also available, with a bus route that takes approximately 36 minutes (14 minutes on foot and 22 minutes by bus) via ER1.

Alternatively, if you choose the 10.1 km route via the Airport Access, it will take around 12 minutes by car or 34 minutes by bike. The island also offers beautiful scenic roads that provide an enjoyable ride, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the impressive Pico Mountain.

→ Find directions here!

Best Season to Visit Madalena

Madalena, located on Pico Island, enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. This charming village, known for its volcanic landscapes, unique vineyards, and rich cultural heritage, offers distinct experiences each season. Average temperatures of Madalena:

Winter (December to February): Lows around 10 °C (ca. 50 °F) and highs near 14 °C (ca. 57 °F).
Spring (March to May): Lows approximately 12 °C (ca. 54 °F) and highs reaching 16 °C (ca. 61 °F).
Summer (June to August): Lows near 16 °C (ca. 61 °F) and highs up to 21 °C (ca. 70 °F).
Autumn (September to November): Lows around 15 °C (ca. 59 °F) and highs near 19 °C (ca. 66 °F).

This consistent climate allows visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking Pico Mountain, exploring local vineyards, and visiting natural pools year-round. However, summer stands out as the optimal season for aquatic activities, thanks to warmer sea temperatures and sunshine.

For cultural enthusiasts, spring and autumn present traditional festivals and cultural events that showcase the region’s rich history. Additionally, these seasons offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds, providing a more relaxed experience.

Where to Eat

Click on the following link to find a place to eat near Madalena. It will take you to TripAdvisor, where you can review the 10 best restaurants.

Where to Stay

To make your life easier, we’ve filtered the search by:

Nearby Attractions

Lajes do Pico

Lajes do Pico, the first settlement on Pico Island before 1460, holds a unique place in Azorean history. The Atlantic Ocean surrounding Lajes do Pico proved to be more than just a challenge — it was a blessing. Its abundant marine life provided significant economic opportunities, particularly in the 19th century, when it turned to whaling, a practice that became central to their livelihood and culture.

→ Check out these related articles: History of Whale Watching in the Azores | Whale Watching in Azores: When is the best time?

São Roque do Pico

The village of São Roque do Pico, located on Pico Island, is considered by many to be the capital of rural tourism in the Azores. Like Lajes do Pico, this area was heavily influenced by whaling and the whaling industry in the past.

In this sense, in addition to its significant historical and cultural value, there are many other good reasons to visit one of the archipelago’s most beautiful regions.

→ Check out this related article for more inspiration: 15 Unique Things to do in Pico Island

Complementary Information

Best Season to Visit the Azores

The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.

How to Get to the Azores

The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights available to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA). To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.

For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!

→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!

Travel Essentials

Useful Tools & Apps

The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.

Video

Mira Portugal | Discover the charm of Madalena, Pico Island’s picturesque village

Conclusion

Madalena is a must-visit destination for wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in Azorean culture. With its unique vineyards, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural history, the municipality of Madalena offers a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience for all visitors.

Be sure to plan your trip to take advantage of all the wonders this region and the entire Island of Pico have to offer!

Authors’ Note

I am pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my personal experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.

FAQs

Why is Madalena considered the “Wine Capital of the Azores”?

Madalena, on Pico Island, is home to UNESCO-listed vineyards. Vines grow in volcanic soil protected by basalt walls. This unique landscape and centuries-old winemaking tradition make it the heart of Azorean wine production, offering exceptional wines with distinctive mineral and salty notes.

When is the best time to visit Madalena?

Madalena’s mild climate allows year-round visits, but summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming and hiking. Spring and autumn offer cultural festivals and fewer crowds, while winter provides a peaceful atmosphere to explore the region’s volcanic landscapes, vineyards, and rich local traditions.

What to do in Madalena?

Visit the Wine Museum, explore Gruta das Torres, swim in natural pools, or hike through UNESCO-classified vineyards. Adventurers must climb Pico Mountain, while scenic trails and breathtaking coastal views make Madalena a perfect destination for nature and culture lovers.

How to get to Madalena from Pico Airport?

Madalena is 8.8 km from Pico Island Airport. It takes about 12 minutes by car or taxi via ER1. Public buses are available, taking around 36 minutes. Cycling is also an option, offering a scenic route through the island’s volcanic landscape.

Map

Mercado da Graça: A Journey Through Local Flavors

Impactful & unforgetable experiences

Browse all the outstanding experiences you can live in the Azores

Whale Watching

Lying in the middle of the mystical Atlantic Ocean, the wonderful Azores islands are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the entire world’s whale and dolphin species.
Dive into this lifetime adventure with ancestral creatures where science and emotion come together at their highest level!
This may be the best place on earth to observe these magnificent animals.

Jeep Tours

Feel the rush, surprise, and emotion in an all-terrain vehicle, this adventure will take you to the core of secrets. We will take you where nobody has ever reached before. Experience moments of adrenaline in our jeep tours. The adventure through the interior of the islands will begin!
The trips are made in 4×4 vehicles properly equipped, capable of taking you to places little explored. It is intended for those who want to discover new perspectives and unusual scenarios on the Azores Islands in a more adventurous way. We pass on secondary roads, which are not usually found on the usual tourist routes. They are narrow paths, dirt paths, called “canadas” in Azorean, and are mostly used by farmers.

Kayaking & SUP

Find solace in listening to the birds chirping and enjoy the peacefulness of the moment, and make sure you capture it with your camera this unforgettable experience.
Sete Cidades is a volcanic complex where you can visit several lakes. Inside one of the craters, you can find two lakes, known as Lagoa Verde (green lake) and Lagoa Azul (blue lake), that feature in a legendary love legend about the lake’s creation. This special place was elected as one of the country’s seven natural wonders and once you are there, you will definitely understand why.
The contrast of colors between the two mysterious lakes is mesmerizing, and being on the water, in the middle of the volcanic crater, will give you a different perspective of the high green cliffs around.

Canyoning

The boldest and most unique adventure! Heading through the natural landscape you will be able to enjoy some adrenaline-fueled activities. Wet, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
This experience involves trekking through river gorges, around pools, or even behind waterfalls.
Canyoners navigate down waterways by abseiling down waterfalls, clambering over rocks, or jumping into water rock pools. You will get wet for sure, even with an exposure suit, but this is not too bad with the relatively warm climate of the Azores.

Van Tours

Take a seat in the emotion sector, stop wherever you want and where your curiosity demands it. Taste, observe, and treasure the entire originality of this Atlantic paradise.
If you want to get to know the island of São Miguel more peacefully, without the worry of renting a car, opt for more comfort, on a pleasant van ride. Make the most of your vacation and get away from the city.
This way, you are guaranteed to know the main points of interest, but also those you will not find in travel guides. This is perhaps the best choice for those looking for convenience and security.

Hiking Tours

From lush green vegetation to a great variety of wildlife, enjoy heaven after a long ramble with otherworldly vistas.
Enjoy your holidays in the Azores walking through the beautiful landscapes of volcanic origin. Breathe fresh air and contemplate all the diversity of fauna and flora you will find.
You can start the day feeling the nature among mountains, enjoy more than one lagoon on the island of São Miguel, and finally, to end the day in a perfect way, take a boat trip to see the sunset.

Bike Tours

In order to discover São Miguel island and stay active, cycling is definitely the way to go!
At Sete Cidades volcanic complex, have one of your best bike adventures! Indeed, we are not taking you to a random place. We are talking here about one of the Seven elected wonders of all of Portugal.
This is where our awesome bike adventures take place and we can tell that we love to take our guests there!

Coasteering

Here, you can explore the geography of the giant rocky cliffs climbing through the sky and how the pounding waves smooth the coastline. Coasteering is an exhilarating experience combining rock and water activity with coastal landscapes. It was originated as a combination of mountaineering and orienteering.