Pico cycling (moderate)
A wonderful 7 night holiday circumnavigating the island of Pico by bike.
from £852 per person
Full detail
During your trip, you will cycle for 4 to 6 days with distances from 25 - 30km each day and some gradients but nothing too steep. Highlights along the way include seeing the dramatic lava coastline, popping in for wine tastings at the cooperatives, visiting the whaling museums, taking a trip out to see the whales and dolphins and of course, glorious views of Mt Pico (weather depending!).
Pete Coombs, writing for Active Traveller magazine, took his young family on this trip. See his entertaining article about it here.
Accommodation
-
Casa das Barcas
Listed 17th Century sea front Manor House -
Hotel do Canal
Quality hotel in the centre of Horta -
O Zimbreiro
Gorgeous atmospheric rooms at the end of the island -
Residencial ‘Whale’come’ ao Pico
Small friendly residencial in the town of whales!
Activities included
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Fly London to Faial. Transfer to your accommodation. Overnight Horta |
| Day 2 | Ferry from Faial to Pico (30mins). Cycle to São Roque. (25km). Overnight São Roque |
| Day 3 | Cycle to Piedade. (25km). Overnight Piedade |
| Day 4 | Rides around Piedade. Overnight Piedade |
| Day 5 | Cycle to Lajes. (25km). Overnight Lajes |
| Day 6 | 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip. Overnight Lajes |
| Day 7 | Cycle to Madalena (30km) Ferry from Pico to Faial (30mins). Overnight Horta |
| Day 8 | Transfer to airport. Fly Faial to London |
Prices & Dates
| 2013 | ||||
| Month | Price | Notes | ||
| Jan | £852 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Feb | £852 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Mar | £852 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Apr | £898 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| May | £901 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Jun | £940 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Jul | £966 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Aug | £966 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Sep | £940 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Oct | £879 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Nov | £852 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Dec | £852 | Based on flights from Heathrow via Lisbon | ||
| Price Info |
Prices are per person on B&B sharing basis and include airport and luggage transfers, bike hire, maps and route notes, 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip (Apr-Oct) or guided taxi tour of Pico (Nov-Mar), flights and airport taxes, pre-departure information booklet. Prices do not include meals (other than breakfast), excursions, Faial/Pico ferry (£4pp), travel insurance. |
Useful Information
What to take:
Waterproof, cycle helmet, cycle gloves, water bottle/camelback, sunblock etc.
Minimum age:
None, but the smallest frame size is 15 inch
Duration:
7 nights
Accommodation:
Hotel do Canal, Casa das Barcas, O Zimbreiro, Residencial Whalecome ao Pico
Operates:
Daily - all year
Bike type:
Trek 7.2 FX - Frame sizes 20 inch Trek 7300 FX - Frame sizes 17.5 inch Trek 7.1 FX - Frame sizes 15 inch
Equipment provided:
Route maps and notes, tool kit and pump, rear pannier rack, handle bar bag and bike lock, standard pedals (we have 2 sets of cleats if you prefer these)
Comments
Bikes were fantastic, well looked after. We really enjoyed the trip. We did lots of detours, both yours and our own. A great way to explore the Island. Found most drivers very courteous.
Superb - day two was difficult in places.
Great cycling on Pico with lovely guesthouses to stay in. Excellent seafood and local wines.