Exploring the magnificent Pico Island in the Azores is an adventure that begins in Lisbon or Porto for many Portuguese travelers. Whether you choose a direct flight or a more picturesque journey with stopovers, this guide is packed with tips to make your trip as pleasant and carefree as possible. Get ready to discover flight routes, ferry crossings, and the best advice for planning an unforgettable trip to this Atlantic paradise. Let's embark on this journey to the untouched beauty of Pico!
From Lisbon...
Direct Flights:
There are direct flights to Pico Island operated by Azores Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Flights with Stopovers:
If direct flights are not available, one option is to make a stopover on São Miguel Island (Ponta Delgada) or Terceira Island (Lajes).
After the flight from Lisbon to one of these islands, you will have a short connecting flight to Pico Island. The total duration can vary, but it usually ranges from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the layover time.
Via Faial Island (Horta):
Fly from Lisbon to Horta (Faial Island). There are direct flights operated by Azores Airlines, with a duration of approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes.
In Horta, take a ferry to Pico Island. The ferries between Horta and Madalena (Pico) are operated by Atlânticoline, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
From Porto...
Flights with Stopovers:
There are no direct flights from Porto to Pico Island. It is necessary to take a flight from Porto to Lisbon, Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), or Lajes (Terceira).
From one of these airports, take a connecting flight to Pico Island.
The total travel duration, considering the connections, generally varies between 5 to 8 hours.
The travel search can be made Porto - Pico Island, which will give the possible options.
Additional Considerations:
Check Availability and Schedules: Direct flights to Pico Island may not be available every day, so it is important to check availability and schedules in advance.
Short Connections: If you opt for flights with stopovers, ensure you have enough time for connections, especially if you are changing airlines. (TAP also offers connection options to Pico Island with stopovers)
Advance Booking: Booking in advance can help secure better prices and availability, especially during peak tourist season.
Ferry Schedules: Check the ferry schedules between Horta and Madalena, as they may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
Airports and Ports:
Lisbon Airport (LIS): Portugal's main international airport, with many flight options.
Porto Airport (OPO): Portugal's second-largest airport, with various domestic and international flight options.
Pico Island Airport (PIX): Pico Island's airport, with direct and connecting flights to various Azores islands and Lisbon.
Horta Airport (HOR): Faial Island's airport, with direct flights from Lisbon and other Azores islands.
Horta Port: Port on Faial Island, with ferry services to Pico Island.
Madalena Port: Port on Pico Island, where ferries from Horta arrive.
Travel Summary...
Lisbon to Pico Island:
Direct Flights: 2h45min.
Flights with Stopovers: 4 to 6 hours, with a stopover in Ponta Delgada or Lajes.
Via Horta: Flight to Horta (2h35min), followed by a ferry to Madalena (30min).
Porto to Pico Island:
Flights with Stopovers: 5 to 8 hours, with a stopover in Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, or Lajes.
Via Horta: Flight to Lisbon, followed by a flight to Horta (2h35min), and a ferry to Madalena (30min).
Useful Links:
Conclusion...
Getting to Pico Island from Lisbon is relatively simple, with direct flights available. From Porto, at least one stopover is necessary. Alternatively, flying to Horta and then taking a ferry to Pico is a common viable option. It is essential to plan and book in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
Note: Traveling from Faro involves a booking process similar to Porto, but with fewer options, the most common being Faro-Lisbon-Pico.
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