A Day of Family Hiking to the Summit of Pico Volcano in the Azores
The Azorean island Pico is home to Portugal’s highest mountain, Pico Volcano. Read on for a description of our hike to the summit with our 7 and 10 year old kids and for inspiration on how you can hike to the summit of Pico Volcano with your family.
The Azores are a group of nine very dispersed volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They are considered an excellent tourist destination in Europe and it’s easy to see why. The islands are incredibly beautiful, with something for everyone to enjoy. For nature-loving families who like to hike, Pico Island is a must-see. It’s relatively easy to get to by a 2-hour flight from Lisbon and it feels unspoiled by tourism as many have been drawn to slightly larger and more culturally developed neighboring island, Faial (just 20 minutes away by ferry).
If you’re looking for an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience with your kids, look no further than Pico Volcano. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect on your hike to the summit.
Pico Volcano is an active stratovolcano and stands at 7,713 feet/2,351 meters tall. In fact, it’s the tallest point in Portugal and offers breathtaking views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands. The summit can be reached via a strenuous hike that takes about seven hours to complete. The hike is challenging but doable for most fairly active people with a bit of preparation. We decided to bring our two kids of 7 and 10 years of age on our hike and although they found it challenging, they also loved it and often talk about it.
Trust us, both the journey and the views from the top are more than worth the effort!
Getting to the Trailhead
The Pico volcano is located on the island of Pico, which is a 2-hour flight from Lisbon. Once you arrive on the island, it’s a fairly short drive to the trailhead. The hike itself will take from 5-10 hours depending on your pace and level of fitness, so be sure to start early in the day so that you can enjoy the views at the top without rushing.
Hiking to the Summit
The trail you take to reach the summit starts by the Pico Volcano Visitor Center. Here you have to register as a climber and borrow a GPS so they can keep track of your whereabouts. The trail is relatively well-marked (if the weather is clear) by wooden posts and fairly easy to follow unless it’s foggy. This is not uncommon because you will be hiking into and above the clouds on many days.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the almost infinite Atlantic Ocean and some of the other Azorean islands, Faial and São Jorge. Be sure to bring your camera so that you can capture some memories of this amazing experience!
The Hike Up Pico Volcano
The hike up Pico Volcano is not for the faint of heart. It is a long and strenuous climb that will take you through a variety of landscapes, from greenery to barren lava fields. But we promise, the views from the top will make it all worth it.
Here are a few things you need to know before embarking on your journey:
- Check the local weather forecast when planning which day to hike. You can only go to the summit if the weather permits.
- Book a hiking slot at the Pico Volcano Visitor Center. Only a certain number of climbers are allowed on the mountain each day. Even if you cannot use your slot due to poor weather conditions, it’s easy to convert it to another day.
- Wear proper hiking shoes and clothing. This is not a leisurely stroll; you will be exerting yourself quite a bit. Make sure you have comfortable shoes with good traction, as well as layers that can be removed as the temperature changes throughout the day. Don’t forget a rain jacket!
- Bring plenty of water and snacks. You will need to stay hydrated and fueled up for the long haul. The Visitor Center recommends carrying no less than 1.5 liters of water per person.
- Start early in the morning so you can reach the summit and get back before sunset. This is important both for safety reasons and because you’ll want to enjoy the stunning views from up high while there’s still daylight.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions. The weather in the Azores can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly and be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
- Stick together as a group and take breaks when needed. This hike is not a race; there’s no need to push yourselves too hard. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and savor the experience with your family.
- Don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to document this amazing experience with plenty of photos (and maybe even a video or two).
Check out our general tips on how to make your hiking with kids enjoyable for the whole family.
If you like hiking as a family, we also highly recommend hiking to Pulpit Rock in Norway – a less strenuous hike than this one.
Final words
Hiking to the summit of Pico Volcano is an incredible and unforgettable experience that every member of your family will enjoy and remember for years to come—even if it means spending a little extra time in preparation mode beforehand! Trust us, though; when you see those breathtaking views from the top, all your planning will have been worth it. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
