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Madalena

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City
—°10
Madalena (Portugal)
ℹ️

Practical info — Madalena

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Weather in the Azores changes rapidly. Always carry a light rain jacket and wear layers when exploring.
  • If you plan to climb Mount Pico, you must book well in advance and register at the Casa da Montanha.
  • The passenger ferry to nearby Faial island (Horta) departs frequently from Madalena and takes only about 30 minutes.
  • Renting a car is practical for exploring the island, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads and yielding to cows.

🍽 Food

🍽
Pico Wine (Verdelho)

Taste the local volcanic wines at the cooperative or small adegas (wine cellars) in town.

🍽
Lapas (Limpets)

Try these grilled shellfish with garlic and butter at traditional restaurants near the harbor.

🍽
Queijo do Pico

A soft, artisanal cow's milk cheese easily found in local grocery stores or served in restaurants.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Criação Velha Vineyards

Buy wine directly from local producers in the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape just south of town.

🛍
Madalena Marina Area

Browse small shops selling Azorean handicrafts, volcanic stone jewelry, and local teas.

🧘
Piscinas Naturais (Natural Pools)

Relax by the volcanic rock pools at the edge of town, offering great views of Faial.

🧘
Moinho do Frade

A restored traditional windmill surrounded by vineyards, offering a peaceful spot for photography.

Located on the striking Pico Island in the Azores archipelago, Madalena is a beautiful coastal municipality surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery. As the main port of entry to the island, it welcomes visitors with sweeping views of Mount Pico, Portugal's highest peak, and the neighboring island of Faial across the channel. The town is deeply connected to its maritime roots and its world-renowned UNESCO-protected vineyard culture, where grapes are grown in dark basalt rock enclosures. Madalena's coastline is rugged and beautiful, featuring unique natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rock. For those looking to swim, locations like Barca and Porto da Formosinha offer fantastic spots to bathe in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These rocky coastal areas are well-adapted for swimmers and provide an unforgettable experience surrounded by contrasting black lava stone. The town itself is dotted with historical churches, local museums, and excellent restaurants. Seafood is the staple of the local diet, alongside famous Azorean cheeses and the exquisite white wines produced right in Madalena. Boat tours, whale watching, and exploring the volcanic shoreline make this town an incredible destination for nature enthusiasts.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161515161719222322201817
Rain mm8785856666472938709275113

Geography

Population
6,136
Coordinates
38.53632, -28.52435

Facts

  • Located on Pico Island
  • Part of the Azores archipelago
  • Famous for UNESCO vineyards
  • Views of Mount Pico
  • Home to Barca rock pools
  • Features Porto da Formosinha
  • Great for whale watching
  • Produces excellent white wine

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Madalena (10)

Museu de Cachalotes e Lulas🏛 museum

Museum of sperm whales and giant squids in Madalena on Pico Island, Azores.

Piscinas da Madalena🎡 recreation

Natural swimming pools formed by volcanic rock in Madalena on Pico Island.

🕒 24/7

Solar dos Limas🏺 historical

18th‑century manor house Solar dos Limas in Madalena.

Solar dos Salemas🏺 historical

Historic manor house Solar dos Salemas with azulejo tiles in Madalena.

Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena⛪ religious

Church in the centre of Madalena on Pico Island, built from black volcanic stone.

Museu do Vinho do Pico🏛 museum

The Museu do Vinho do Pico in Madalena is dedicated to the history of winemaking on the island.

🕒 Apr-Sep Tu-Su 10:00-17:30;Oct-Mar Tu-Su 09:30-17:00💶

Ilhéu em Pé🌿 nature

Rock islet Ilhéu em Pé rising vertically from the sea off Madalena on Pico Island.

Moinho do Saca📍 landmark

Traditional stone windmill Moinho do Saca on the slopes of Pico near Madalena.

Império do Divino Espírito Santo das Sete Cidades⛪ religious

Small chapel for the Holy Spirit celebrations in Madalena do Pico, with whitewashed walls.

Porto da Formosinha🎡 recreation

Porto da Formosinha is a small marina on Pico Island, offering views of the volcano.

Frequently asked questions

Madalena: where is it located?
Madalena is located in Portugal.
Madalena: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museu de Cachalotes e Lulas, Piscinas da Madalena, Solar dos Limas.
Madalena: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Madalena: why is it worth visiting?
Located on the striking Pico Island in the Azores archipelago, Madalena is a beautiful coastal municipality surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery.
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