LAND NATURE
Discover the Islands. Naturally.
There is more to PÁTIO than the place you stay.
And if your curiosity takes you beyond Faial, Pico is just across the channel. Spend a day discovering the neighbouring island or take on the challenge of climbing Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal.You can stay close to PÁTIO or venture across the island. Walk, explore, discover — and come back with a little more of Faial than you arrived with.
This is our island. We would love to share it with you.
We love the time our guests spend here — slow mornings, quiet moments in the garden, horses in the meadows and evenings around the table. But PÁTIO is also surrounded by an island that we are incredibly proud to call home.
Faial is green, volcanic and shaped by the Atlantic. Just beyond our doorstep are ancient forests, hidden fajãs, volcanic trails and the immense Caldeira at the heart of the island. Follow the roads further and the landscape changes again, from the dark volcanic scenery of Capelinhos to small villages, black-sand beaches and viewpoints overlooking the ocean.
We would love you to experience that side of Faial too. That is why we have brought together different ways to discover the island — walk around the Caldeira or descend into its protected interior, follow the historic Levada through the forest, explore the mysterious landscapes of Fajã, or simply sit back and let a local guide show you Faial by car.
Find Something You’d Love to Experience!
Explore the experiences below and find the ones that feel right for you. When something catches your eye, let us know — we’ll check availability and help arrange the rest.
ISLAND TOURS
Sit Back. Discover More.
Guided experiences by car across Faial and Pico.
Pico Island Full Day Tour
A full-day journey across Pico, from volcanic coastlines and natural pools to highland lakes, whaling heritage and UNESCO-listed vineyards — discovering the landscapes and stories that have shaped the island.
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Duration 7–8 hours
Experience Full-day Pico Island tour by car
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish Madalena Ferry Terminal · Pico Island
Route North Coast · Mountainous Interior · Lajes do Pico · South Coast
Highlights Cachorro · Lajido · São Roque · Corre Água · Estrada Longitudinal · Lagoa do Capitão · Lajes do Pico · Pico Vineyards
Scenery Volcanic Coast · Natural Pools · Highland Lakes · Mountains · Vineyards · Atlantic Views
Heritage UNESCO Vineyard Culture · Whaling Heritage · Pico Island History
Included Local guide · Transportation by car on Pico · Entrance fees
Lunch Lunch break during the tour · Meal not includedSTAYING AT PÁTIO?
If you are joining the tour from Faial, please allow additional time and cost for the return transfer between PÁTIO and Horta Ferry Terminal, as well as the return ferry crossing between Horta and Madalena.
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An Island Shaped by Volcano and Ocean.
Pico is much more than the mountain that dominates its horizon. It is an island of volcanic landscapes, black stone walls, highland lakes, natural pools and places whose history has been shaped by generations of whaling and winemaking.
During this 7–8-hour full-day tour, you’ll discover the different sides of Pico, travelling along its coastline and through the mountainous interior of the island.
The journey begins along the north coast, passing through Cachorro, Lajido and Cabrito, where the landscape tells the story of Pico’s volcanic past, including the eruption of 1718. In São Roque, there is time to discover the island’s whaling heritage and its natural swimming pools.
From the coast, the road leads into Pico’s interior. Stop at Corre Água viewpoint, where on clear days you can see the entire island of São Jorge, before continuing along the Estrada Longitudinal, considered one of Portugal’s most beautiful roads. Higher in the mountains, visit Lagoa do Capitão, a peaceful highland lake at around 800 metres above sea level.
The journey then descends towards Lajes do Pico, closely connected to the island’s early settlement and its long whaling tradition. There is time here for a break or lunch and to discover the Museu dos Baleeiros.
The return to Madalena follows Pico’s southern coast, where viticulture remains an important part of the landscape and island life. Here, the distinctive vineyards of Pico form part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture.
It is a day that reveals Pico from many perspectives — from volcanic coastline and highland lakes to mountain roads, vineyards and places that tell the story of the people who have called this island home for generations.
Levada Trail
Follow Faial’s historic water channel through one of the island’s most atmospheric forest landscapes. This gentle linear trail leads through endemic vegetation, past tunnels and bridges, combining nature, volcanic scenery and the story of one of the Azores’ most remarkable engineering projects.
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Duration Approximately 3 hours hiking
Distance Approximately 8 km
Experience Guided linear hiking trail
Difficulty Easy
Location Capelo to Cedros · Faial Island
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish PÁTIO Ecolodge · Cedros
Highlights Levada Water Channel · Cabeço dos Trinta · Tunnels · Bridges · Endemic Vegetation
Scenery Native Forest · Volcanic Landscapes · Capelo Volcanic Complex · Faial Highlands
Included Licensed Faial Nature Park Guide · Transfer from PÁTIO to the trail and from the trail endpoint back to PÁTIO
Good to Know Linear trail · Some sections can be wet or muddy · Suitable footwear recommended -
Follow the Water Through the Forest.
Hidden in the green highlands of Faial is a remarkable piece of the island’s history — its Levada, a water channel built to carry water through the volcanic landscape for the production of hydroelectric power.
Your experience begins with a transfer from PÁTIO towards Cabeço dos Trinta, in Capelo. Near the beginning of the trail, a short detour leads into a tunnel inside this volcanic cone, surrounded by endemic vegetation, before the route continues towards the Levada.
Inaugurated in 1964 after four years of construction and seven years of planning, the Levada was considered one of the great engineering achievements of the Azores. Originally extending for around 10 kilometres at an altitude of approximately 680 metres, the system collected water at several points and channelled it towards the small hydroelectric power station at Varadouro. Today, approximately 8 kilometres of the route can be explored on foot.
The trail follows the old water channel through a landscape dominated by forest and endemic vegetation. Along the way, tunnels and bridges add a sense of adventure, while occasional openings in the forest reveal views towards the volcanic cones of the Capelo Volcanic Complex.
Your guide will introduce you to the history of the Levada as well as the flora, fauna and volcanic landscape surrounding it. The official trail passes species including Azorean laurel, Azorean holly and Azorean heather before eventually reaching Alto do Chão in Cedros.
Because this is a linear trail, your transfer will be waiting at the end of the hike to take you back to PÁTIO.
Eight kilometres. Forest, water and volcanic history. Another side of Faial.
Faial Island Half Day Tour
Discover some of Faial’s most remarkable landscapes on a half-day journey from the heart of the island to its volcanic western coast. Visit the Caldeira, take in the volcanic landscape from Ribeira das Cabras, explore Capelinhos and finish with a glimpse of Horta, its marina and Porto Pim Bay.
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Duration Approximately 4 hours
Experience Half-day Faial Island tour by car
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish PÁTIO Ecolodge · Cedros
Route Caldeira · Ribeira das Cabras · Capelinhos · Horta · Porto Pim
Highlights Caldeira · Ribeira das Cabras Viewpoint · Capelinhos Volcano · Horta Marina · Porto Pim Bay
Scenery Volcanic Crater · Green Highlands · Volcanic Landscapes · Atlantic Coast · Horta Bay
Included Local guide · Transportation by car -
Faial’s Essential Landscapes.
In just a few hours, Faial reveals some of the landscapes that have shaped the island — from the green interior of the Caldeira to the raw volcanic scenery of Capelinhos and the sheltered bays of Horta.
The journey begins at PÁTIO and heads towards the Caldeira, the vast volcanic crater at the heart of Faial. Surrounded by lush vegetation and hydrangeas, it is one of the island’s defining natural landmarks and offers a completely different perspective on Faial’s volcanic origins.
From here, the route continues towards Ribeira das Cabras, where the landscape opens towards the volcanic alignment of the Capelo Peninsula and the western side of the island.
The journey then reaches Capelinhos, where the eruptions of 1957–1958 created Faial’s youngest landscape. Dark volcanic earth meets the Atlantic here, creating one of the island’s most dramatic and unusual places. On the Half Day Tour, the visit focuses on the landscape itself and does not include entrance to the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre.
Before returning to PÁTIO, the tour continues to Horta for a glimpse of its famous marina and Porto Pim Bay, bringing together another side of Faial — colourful, maritime and closely connected to the Atlantic.
Four hours. From crater to coast. A first taste of Faial.
HIKING & TREKKING
Step Into the Landscape.
Guided hiking experiences across Faial and Pico.
Caldeira Round Trail
Walk around the rim of Faial’s impressive Caldeira on a guided 7-kilometre trail through one of the island’s most remarkable volcanic landscapes. Surrounded by native vegetation and wide Atlantic views, the trail reveals the natural history, geology and wild beauty of the island from above.
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Duration Approximately 3 hours hiking
Distance Approximately 8 km
Experience Guided circular hiking trail
Difficulty Moderate
Location Caldeira · Faial Island
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish PÁTIO Ecolodge · Cedros
Highlights Caldeira · Crater Rim · Native Vegetation · Volcanic Landscapes
Scenery Caldeira · Faial Highlands · Atlantic Ocean · Island Landscapes
Included Licensed Faial Nature Park Guide · Transfer from PÁTIO to the trail and back -
Walk Around the Heart of Faial.
At the heart of Faial lies the Caldeira, an immense volcanic crater around 2.5 kilometres wide and 400 metres deep — one of the island’s most impressive natural landmarks.
Your experience begins at PÁTIO, followed by a transfer of approximately 30 minutes to the Caldeira. From here, a 8-kilometre circular trail follows the rim of the crater, revealing the scale of the landscape from different perspectives as you walk.
Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the geology, nature and plant life of the Caldeira, helping you understand how this volcanic landscape was formed and why it remains such an important part of Faial’s natural environment.
Depending on the weather, the views stretch beyond the crater towards the surrounding highlands and Atlantic Ocean, while the changing vegetation and clouds give the landscape a different character throughout the walk.
After completing the circuit around the crater, your transfer takes you back to PÁTIO.
Eight kilometres. One volcanic crater. Faial from above.
Faial Island Full Day Tour
Experience Faial from its volcanic heart to its Atlantic coastline on a full-day journey across the island. Discover the Caldeira, Fajã da Praia do Norte and Capelinhos, explore Horta and its bays, and continue along the eastern coast through Praia do Almoxarife to the historic lighthouse of Ribeirinha.
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Duration Approximately 7–8 hours
Experience Full-day Faial Island tour by car
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish PÁTIO Ecolodge · Cedros
Route Caldeira · Fajã da Praia do Norte · Capelinhos · Horta · Praia do Almoxarife · Ribeirinha
Highlights Caldeira · Fajã da Praia do Norte · Capelinhos Volcano · Horta Marina · Porto Pim Bay · Monte da Guia · Praia do Almoxarife · Ribeirinha Lighthouse
Scenery Volcanic Crater · Green Highlands · Volcanic Landscapes · Atlantic Coast · Beaches · Bays
Included Local guide · Transportation by car · Entrance to the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre
Lunch Lunch break during the tour · Meal not included -
A full day. One island. Faial from every side.
A full day on Faial gives you time to discover not only its most iconic landscapes, but also the places and stories that connect the island from coast to coast.
The journey begins at PÁTIO and heads towards the Caldeira, the vast volcanic crater at the heart of Faial. Surrounded by lush vegetation and hydrangeas, it is one of the island’s defining natural landmarks and a striking reminder of the volcanic forces that created the Azores.
From the highlands, the route continues towards Fajã da Praia do Norte, a small coastal settlement set beneath the cliffs of Faial’s north-western coast. From here, the landscape begins to change as the journey approaches the volcanic western end of the island.
At Capelinhos, the green landscape of Faial suddenly gives way to dark volcanic earth. The eruptions of 1957–1958 created one of the youngest landscapes in the Azores and permanently changed this part of the island. The Full Day Tour includes time to explore the area as well as entrance to the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre, where you can discover more about the eruption and the volcanic history of Faial.
The journey continues to Horta, with time to discover some of the city’s most characteristic views — from its famous marina and colourful maritime atmosphere to Porto Pim Bay and Monte da Guia, overlooking Horta and the surrounding Atlantic.
Continuing along the eastern side of the island, the route reaches Praia do Almoxarife, a black-sand beach with beautiful views towards Pico when the weather is clear, before travelling onwards to Ribeirinha. Here, the ruins of the old lighthouse stand as a reminder of the powerful 1998 earthquake that affected this part of Faial.
There will also be time for a lunch break during the day, with the location chosen according to the route and the rhythm of the tour. Lunch is not included in the tour price.
From Ribeirinha, the journey returns to PÁTIO in Cedros, completing a route that reveals the many different faces of Faial — from volcanic crater and green highlands to new volcanic land, historic settlements, beaches and Atlantic viewpoints.
Caldeira Descent
Descend into the heart of Faial’s Caldeira on one of the island’s most extraordinary hiking experiences. Follow a steep trail through native forest to the bottom of the volcanic crater, entering a protected landscape that feels almost untouched by time.
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Duration Approximately 4 hours hiking
Experience Guided descent into the Caldeira
Difficulty Hard · Good physical fitness required
Location Caldeira · Faial Island
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish PÁTIO Ecolodge · Cedros
Highlights Caldeira Interior · Native Forest · Endemic Flora · Crater Floor
Terrain Steep & narrow trails · Uneven ground · Mud and wet areas possible · Some scrambling required
Included Certified Faial Nature Park Guide · Required permit & entrance fee · Transfer from PÁTIO to the Caldeira and back
Good to Know Access is limited and only permitted with a certified guide -
Into the Heart of Faial.
The Caldeira is impressive from above. Descending into it is an entirely different experience.
From PÁTIO, you’ll travel to the rim of Faial’s immense volcanic crater. From here, your certified Nature Park guide leads you down into a protected landscape around 400 metres deep, where some of the island’s best-preserved native vegetation has survived.
As you descend, the landscape gradually closes around you. The trail becomes narrow and steep, leading through dense native forest and vegetation that gives the interior of the Caldeira an almost prehistoric atmosphere.
This is not an ordinary walk. Some sections require you to use your hands for support, and depending on recent weather, the trail can be muddy and wet, particularly towards the bottom of the crater. A good level of physical fitness and confidence on challenging terrain are essential.
Once inside the Caldeira, there is time to experience this remarkable environment from an entirely different perspective and discover its endemic vegetation with your guide before beginning the demanding climb back towards the crater rim.
Because the interior of the Caldeira is a particularly sensitive protected ecosystem, access is strictly controlled, daily visitor numbers are limited and a certified guide is mandatory.
After reaching the rim again, your transfer takes you back to PÁTIO.
Down into the crater. Back to the surface. Faial at its wildest.
Fajã Mystery Trail
Follow a hidden trail through one of Faial’s most atmospheric landscapes, where abandoned vineyards, old stone walls and dark forests tell the story of a place reclaimed by nature. Descend towards the remote Fajã, surrounded by towering cliffs and the wild Atlantic coast.
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Duration Approximately 3 hours hiking
Distance Approximately 8 km
Experience Guided linear hiking trail
Difficulty Moderate
Location Norte Pequeno · Faial Island
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish PÁTIO Ecolodge · Cedros
Highlights Zona do Mistério · Traditional Vineyards · Old Adegas · Ermida da Fajã · Fajã Bay · Black-Sand Beach
Scenery Forest · Vineyards · Coastal Cliffs · Atlantic Ocean · Wild North Coast
Included Licensed Faial Nature Park Guide · Transfer from PÁTIO to the trail and from the trail endpoint back to PÁTIO
Good to Know Linear trail · Uneven terrain · Suitable hiking footwear recommended -
Where Nature Took Over.
Some landscapes tell their story immediately. Others keep a little mystery.
Your experience begins with a transfer from PÁTIO to Norte Pequeno, a small village surrounded by vineyards, gardens and traditional old adegas. From here, the trail leads towards Faial’s wild north coast, with views stretching across the island towards the volcanic landscape of Capelinhos.
The route soon enters the Zona do Mistério — the “Mystery Zone” — where centuries-old stone walls and abandoned vineyards disappear beneath vegetation and dark forest. These traces of the past remain among a landscape transformed by volcanic activity and gradually reclaimed by nature.
Walking through this unusual landscape, your guide will introduce you to its history and the stories hidden among the old walls, vegetation and volcanic terrain.
Eventually, the trail descends towards the Fajã, a secluded coastal area surrounded by cliffs rising up to around 400 metres above the Atlantic. Here, you’ll discover the small Ermida da Fajã, a chapel whose history stretches back more than four centuries.
The trail continues through gardens and vineyards towards the black-sand beach, where the forest finally opens onto the Atlantic. There is time to enjoy the surroundings before meeting your transfer for the journey back to PÁTIO.
Eight kilometres. Forgotten landscapes. Wild Atlantic. The mysterious side of Faial.
Mount Pico Ascent
Climb to the summit of Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal at 2,351 metres above sea level. A demanding guided ascent through an extraordinary volcanic landscape, rewarded — when the weather allows — with unforgettable views across the islands of the Azores.
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Duration Approximately 7–8 hours
Experience Guided ascent of Mount Pico
Difficulty Hard · Good physical fitness required
Summit 2,351 m · Highest point in Portugal
Location Mount Pico · Pico Island
Language English · Portuguese, German, Dutch & other languages on request and subject to confirmation
Start & Finish Mountain House · Pico Island
Highlights Mount Pico · Volcanic Landscape · Piquinho · Summit of Portugal
Terrain Steep volcanic terrain · Uneven ground · Long ascent & descent
Included Certified Mount Pico Guide · Required mountain access / registration
Good to Know Physically demanding · Weather conditions can change quickly · Summit access depends on mountain and weather conditionsSTAYING AT PÁTIO?
If you are joining the Pico Ascent from Faial, please allow additional time and cost for the return transfer between PÁTIO and Horta Ferry Terminal, the return ferry crossing between Horta and Madalena, as well as the transfer between Madalena and the Mountain House.
These transfers and ferry tickets are not included in the Pico Ascent price or in the 7–8-hour experience duration.
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To the Highest Point of Portugal.
Rising 2,351 metres above the Atlantic, Mount Pico is impossible to ignore. Climbing it is one of the most challenging — and rewarding — experiences in the Azores.
The ascent begins at the Mountain House, from where your certified guide leads you onto the mountain. From the first stages of the climb, the terrain rises steadily through an increasingly raw volcanic landscape.
There are no forests or gentle walking paths towards the summit. The route crosses steep, uneven volcanic terrain, and the continuous ascent requires stamina, balance and a good level of physical fitness. This is a demanding mountain experience and participants should be comfortable with several hours of sustained uphill and downhill hiking.
As you gain altitude, the landscape opens around you. On clear days, views extend across Pico and the Atlantic towards the neighbouring islands, while the volcanic terrain becomes increasingly dramatic.
Near the summit lies the final ascent towards Piquinho, the highest point of the volcano — and at 2,351 metres, the highest point anywhere in Portugal.
Reaching the top is only half of the journey. The long descent over steep volcanic terrain requires continued concentration and physical effort before returning to the Mountain House.
Conditions on Mount Pico can change quickly, and the final route and access to the summit always depend on weather, mountain conditions and the judgement of your guide.
2,351 metres. One mountain. The highest point in Portugal.