Vinhas da Criação Velha | Picturesque Vineyard Trail on Pico Island Azores
On the west coast of Pico Island, almost entirely located in a Protected Area is the worthwhile Vinhas da Criação Velha trail. This walking path twists through a well-preserved area of the unique vineyards of Pico and is also known as the Trilha de Vinhas.
The trail is not only stunning but culturally significant to this Azores island. Along the way, witness the preserved aspect of how wine has been cultivated here since the 15th century. The harsh volcanic landscape has been adapted to produce wine for over 500 years!
The vineyards are built from the black basalt stones from the island’s volcano and contrast with the blue sea, red soil, and green vineyards. A walk through the old vineyards of Picos Island is beautiful, fascinating, and worth a couple of hours.
This hiking guide to the Vinhas da Criação Velha trail includes how to reach the trailhead, things to include in a day pack, and what to expect along this hiking trail on Pico Island. At the end of the scenic walk, stop in at a local wine cooperative and sample the wines of Pico Island.
This is a basic hiking guide to the worthwhile Vinhas da Criação Velha hiking trail close to Madalena village on Pico Island Azores.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Vinhas da Criação Velha Hike Overview | PR5 PIC
- What to Pack for Trilha de Vinhas Day Hike
- How to Reach the Vinhas da Criação Velha Trailhead
- Walk Among the Pico Vineyards & Coast on the Vinhas da Criação Velha Trail
- Wine Tasting at the End of the Vinhas da Criação Velha Trail
- Wine Tours on Pico Island
- More Places to Learn About the Pico Wine Culture
- Conclusion | Vinhas da Criação Velha a Worthwhile Walk in the Vineyards of Pico
Vinhas da Criação Velha Hike Overview | PR5 PIC
- Point to Point Trail | Porto do Calhau to Areia Larga (Madalena) | Vinhas da Criação Velha – PR5 PIC
- Trailhead: Calhau Port (Porto do Calhau)
- Official Trail Markers: PR5 PIC is marked with yellow and red wooden signboards and blazes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 4.3 Miles (6.9 Km)
- Excursion Duration: 2- 3 hours, dependent on weather, stops, swimming, speed, etc
- I finished my Wine Trail at the Ilha do Pico Cooperativa Vitivinicola (Wine Cooperative) for a wine tasting in Madalena village. This took my vineyard hiking route to 4.75 miles (7.65 Km)
- Azores Trails has a downloadable version of the Vinhas da Criação Velha trail here
What to Pack for Trilha de Vinhas Day Hike
The Vinhas da Criação Velha trail is flat and well-trekked, but it’s still a good idea to carry a day pack. The weather changes fast so it’s nice to carry a few essentials. There are also options to swim along the Vinhas da Criação Velha, so if the weather and sea are cooperating, pack a swimsuit.
🎒 For short day hikes, I typically carry a small packable day pack like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack. Another awesome day pack is the Osprey Day Pack Plus. No matter the hike, I never leave without a First-Aid Kit that has at least one emergency blanket in it and a fully charged power bank to use with my electronics.
🚰 To help sustain the Azores as an Eco-destination, a lightweight Water Bottle is ideal
🥾 I trekked in the Azores in my Altra Trail runners which were super lightweight and quick-dry. If you are looking for more ankle support, try Salomon Trail Runners. Some people prefer hiking boots, and again, I can’t recommend Salomons enough. For extra support, use Trekking Poles
🧦 Always bring a packable rain jacket that is lightweight because it’s the Azores and the weather is unpredictable.
👙 There are natural swimming pools, so pack a swimsuit, a packable towel, and a bag for wet items if you want to take a dip. Hiking Sandals can be useful for the stone rock surfaces of natural swimming pools
💶 Euros for taxis and wine tasting, or any other expenses
⁉️ Always be mindful of the weather in the Azores and do not hike in bad weather conditions. Do not attempt to swim in rough seas. Respect the trails and do not take fruit from the vines or trees.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
How to Reach the Vinhas da Criação Velha Trailhead
The Vinhas da Criação Velha trailhead is at the Port of Calhau. The trailhead can be reached via taxi, or by limited bus service. The closest transit hub village is Madalena.
If you don’t want to walk the entire trail or have a rental car there is an alternative parking lot near the windmill.
Taxi from Madalena
Madalena village is one of the most popular places to stay on Pico Island. It’s well-connected to the ferry port, has a Tourist Information Center, and is a taxi hub. Taxis are separated by municipalities throughout the island: Madalena, São Roque, and Lajes. Utilize the taxi drivers to your closest “hub.”
Taxis in the Azores are regulated and each destination has a specific fare. Make sure to stop in the Tourist Information Center at the Ferry Station to get an up-to-date taxi fare price list. There is also this Taxi Association in Pico and the official Azores website offers this list of registered taxi drivers.
I got off the ferry port in Madalena and told the driver I wanted to walk the Vinhas da Criação Velha Trail. All taxi drivers know the start of the trailhead and will drop directly at the trailhead with the official signboard.
🚌 Taxi Madalena – Porto do Calhau Trailhead near Candelária | Average Fare: €10 – €12 | Duration: 10 minutes
Bus from Madalena
Pico Island has very limited bus service (usually twice a day) run by Cristiano Limitada. In Madalena, the bus stop is at the ferry terminal, and the bus you are seeking runs in the southern direction – Carreira do Sul. Exit the bus at the Monte bus stop. The walk is about 20 minutes after exiting the bus to the trailhead at Calhau Port.
🚌 Bus Madalena – Monte | Bus Company Cristiano Limitada | Buses depart near the Ferry Terminal in Madalena | Average Fare: under €1 | Duration: 10 minutes | Check current schedules on Facebook
Alternative Ways to Visit Vinhas da Criação Velha
With a rental car, there is a free parking lot here. It’s near the windmill and the actual dirt paths that twist along the old vineyards. This is a casual way to walk through the Pico vineyards and not walk a linear trail.
Walk Among the Pico Vineyards & Coast on the Vinhas da Criação Velha Trail
The Vinhas da Criação Velha trail is not only stunning but also culturally significant to this Azores island. Along the way, witness the preserved aspect of wine cultivation for the past 500 years. In fact, the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the resilience of the first settlers on the island.
Vinhas da Criação Velha translates from Portuguese to “Old Creation Vineyard.”
The trail highlights the unique vineyards but other features like ”rola-pipas” which were sloping ramps that were carved into the lava rock to assist with transporting wine barrels from the field to the boats on the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for “relheiras,” or markings on the basaltic stones from ox carts, and “descansadouros,” spaces where grape pickers could relieve the baskets from their heads to rest.
The Vinhas da Criação Velha is a worthwhile hiking trail for lovers of wine and culture and those seeking beautiful views of Pico.
☛ Psst… One of the coolest places I saw vineyards was hiking the Grand Route of Santa Maria Island
Trailhead to Laja das Rosas (Natural Swimming Pools)
There is an official signboard for the Vinhas da Criação Velha wine trail near the Port of Calhau. The first section of the trail is along a not-very-busy road. Notice that many of the homes here are built with black volcanic stones. The red doors are a lovely contrasting touch.
There are stellar views of nearby Faial Island and the bustling port town of Horta. I could also see Monte da Guia on Faial, which I had hiked the day before.
The road continues to the natural swimming pools of Pocinho. Here, find a small picnic area and a place to rest. Make sure to follow the road Caminho do Pocinho. This requires a right turn and an ascent up a hill but provides those first glimpses of the grape vines growing in the protected stone terraces.
Follow the road downhill where there are more views of Faial and the vineyards.
The road leads to Laja das Rosas, natural swimming pools that boast a beach bar and restrooms. The Laja das Rosas Lounge & Bar offers an outdoor terrace with umbrellas and often during high season music throughout the day.
Laja das Rosas Lounge & Bar | Open During High Season: Daily, 10:00 – 23:00, opens at 11:00 on Sundays | Facebook Page
There is a small parking lot to access the swimming area and bar. The natural swimming area has no sand and is made of porous volcanic stone. There is ample place to set out a towel and on sunny days, there are small umbrellas set up.
🥾 Trailhead –Laja das Rosa Natural Pools | Distance: 2 Miles | Duration: +/ – 45 minutes
Laja das Rosas – Ilha do Pico Cooperativa Vitivinicola
After a quick dip or beverage, continue on the road to follow the wine trail. Make sure to look for the red and yellow blazes that will turn right to experience the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture. This also keeps visitors on the hiking trail and off of private property.
Be respectful to the landowners and do not pick any of the fruit. Besides the Pico island grapes, many fig trees grow alongside the grapes in the volcanic stone terraces.
This section of the Vinhas da Criação Velha wine trail showcases the black stone terraces and stone Adegas, or wine cellars. If the sky is clear, you may be able to see Pico Mountain looming in the backdrop. This is Portugal’s tallest mountain and is an impressive 7,713 feet (2,351 m). Pico is a dormant Stratovolcano and is the iconic landmark of the island.
The wine trail continues past the replica grain mill of Moinho do Frade, or Frade Windmill. This bright red windmill was rebuilt in 2003 & 2004. Continue on the trail that meets with the main road. This is where you can find the parking lot if you wish to drive to explore the vineyards.
The trail follows the coast along the main road until it officially ends at Porto Areia Larga just on the outskirts of Madalena village.
🥾 Vinhas da Criação Velha Trailhead – Porto Areia Larga | Distance: 4.3 Miles | Duration: +/ – 2 hours
Wine Tasting at the End of the Vinhas da Criação Velha Trail
When I reached the port area, I continued on to the Ilha do Pico Cooperativa Vitivinicola, the island’s largest wine cooperative. Simple follow the road of Av. Padre Nunes da Rosa.
After walking the Vinhas da Criação Velha trail I was ready to sample some of Pico’s unique wines.
🥾 Vinhas da Criação Velha to Ilha do Pico Wine Coop | My personal Distance: 4.75 Miles | Duration: 2 hours
Picos is famous for its white wines that almost have a salty taste since they are blessed with extremely close proximity to the Ocean. Walking the Vinhas da Criação Velha is one of the best examples of this. However, there are also red wines that come from Pico and liqueurs.
Ilha do Pico Cooperativa Vitivinicola is the largest and oldest cooperative on Pico Island. The cooperative works with over 250 local grape farmers and has been in operation since 1949. They are committed to revitalizing and maintaining the ancestral methods of the wine culture, which means the grapes are hand-picked.
Wine Tasting at Ilha do Pico Cooperativa Vitivinicola
Ilha do Pico Cooperativa Vitivinicola offers a variety of different wine tastings. I showed up at the cooperative and asked if they had any open spaces. Luckily, there was a wine tasting happening in 15 minutes that I could join.
Wine tastings range from sampling 3 – 9 different wines. Most tours run around 40 minutes, but those with more wines can last for up to an hour and a half. Most tours follow a daily schedule, so check out all their wine tastings here.
I was able to join the “From Land to Sea” Wine tasting that included 5 Pico island wines in a mixture of white, red, and liqueurs. My sommelier was extremely enthusiastic about the wines and offered a few extra pours.
Wine Tastings at Ilha do Pico Cooperativa Vitivinicola start at 15 Euros and top out at around 50 Euros.
From Land to Sea wine tasting is 20 Euros, takes around 45 minutes, and includes cheese and crackers.
Wine Tours on Pico Island
While there aren’t any guided tours along the entire length of the wine trail of Vinhas da Criação Velha, many tours do stop and visit them.
➜This Private Pico Island Wine Tour highlights a walk through the Criacao Velha and stops at other unique places in Pico that showcase the history of wine. This tour also offers wine tastings.
➜ This is a popular Wine Tour that includes tastings and walks through the vineyards
➜ A Wine & Food Tour is a must for those travelers looking to soak in the food and wine culture of Pico Island
More Places to Learn About the Pico Wine Culture
On the north side of Picos Island are also more vineyards that are part of the UNESCO Protected Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture. This area is referred to as the Lajido de Santa Luzia.
The Centro de Interpretação da Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico (Wine Interpretation Center) in Lajido village is a small and free museum that showcases the wine cultivation process on Pico island.
The town of Lajido de Santa Luzia is beautiful and is worth a stroll. Walk down towards the ocean to see the “lajidos,” or lava fields where it’s possible to witness the actual path that the lava flowed.
Nearby, Cachorro has some of the most apparent ”rola-pipas” where wine barrels were loaded onto boats. Cachorro has a viewpoint of the rugged seas and a restricted walking area to experience the cliffs. Do not walk off the path.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay on Pico Island (Ilha do Pico)
Explore Portugal’s Azores Islands
The Azores Islands are an archipelago of nine islands found in the Atlantic Ocean almost 1,000 miles to the west of Portugal. The archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal, with each island having an almost unique personality, highlights, and hiking trails.
Picos Island is part of the “triangle” islands of the Azores. The other two islands are Faial and São Jorge.
Faial has a bustling port town in Horta, the Capelinhos volcano area, and a Caldeira that can be hiked into only with a guide. One of the more unique ways to see this volcanic island is by hiking the challenging Ten Volcanoes hike. São Jorge island is a rugged and underrated island that boasts unique landscapes of fajãs. The two fajãs of Fajã dos Cubres to Caldeira Santo Cristo make for a casual and great day hike.
The most visited Azores island is São Miguel, which is also the largest Azores island. Hikers should not miss the best hiking trails of São Miguel. like Salto do Prego, the beautiful Janela do Inferno, and the Salto do Cabrito trail. São Miguel is home to numerous hot springs, tea plantations, and colorful crater lakes. The Gorreana Tea Plantation is an awesome way to spend a half day walking the tea plantations and hiking the lesser-known Caminho da Água da Gorreana route.
Conclusion | Vinhas da Criação Velha a Worthwhile Walk in the Vineyards of Pico
In short, this is how to hike the awesome Trilha de Vinhas on the west side of Pico Azores. The Vinhas da Criação Velha trail is part of the Protect Landscape and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This casual hiking trail is scenic, historical, and cultural. From old vineyards, natural swimming pools, and ocean views with a volcano backdrop, don’t miss the Vinhas da Criação Velha trail.
The best way to end this hike is by sampling the wines of Pico at the Wine Cooperative.
Did you walk the Vinhas da Criação Velha Pico wine trail? What did you think?
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