Azores: climbing Pico

🚶 7.6 km · 📍 3 stops · ⏱ ~480 min

A hard, full-day climb up Mount Pico, 2,351 metres, the highest point in Portugal. It starts and ends at Casa da Montanha, at about 1,200 metres. The way up is about 3.8 km with over 1,100 metres of ascent; it usually takes three to four hours, and the descent much the same. THIS IS NOT A STROLL: the route crosses loose lava and steep slopes, in places using your hands. The descent is the dangerous part. The weather turns in minutes, it is far colder up there than at sea level, and fog can swallow the whole route. If you pass a stake in fog and find no next one within half an hour, go back to the last one. Low vegetation does not grow on the path: if you are treading on plants you are off it, and you must retrace your steps. Start down at least four hours before sunset. REGISTRATION: you may only go up after registering at Casa da Montanha, the lodge at the end of the forest road above Candelária (Caminho Florestal 9, Madalena, phone +351 967 303 519). Book your place in advance at montanhapico.azores.gov.pt. At most 320 people a day may climb and 160 may be on the route at once, so in summer it sells out weeks ahead. In summer the lodge is open round the clock, out of season from morning to evening; it closes on 1 January and 25 December. Report back there after you come down. FEES as of September 2026: 5 € to the Furna Abrigo shelter, 15 € to the crater, 25 € to Piquinho, 10 € to spend the night in the crater. Azores residents pay nothing. Check the current prices when you book. GEAR: sturdy hiking boots (trainers will not get you past the desk), a waterproof jacket, warm clothes, water, food and poles.