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Vinhas do Calhau

Vinhas do Calhau

The Azores, Portugal

Located on the west shore of Pico Island, Vinhas do Calhau consists of six spacious apartments with all the modern amenities. The buildings are constructed from the volcanic stone that gives Pico its nickname — the Grey Island — and the hotel blends gracefully with the rugged shoreline landscape. You’re conveniently located within walking distance of the ferry pier.

Apartments here can accommodate up to four people. All of them have kitchenettes and terraces, but differ in views — four look out over the ocean, while the other two overlook the island’s namesake peak. Each has a distinctive decor but they all share an airy, modern style.

OUR OPINION:

We think this hotel is a great option for those who want to relax and enjoy Pico’s remarkable scenery or that of nearby Faial.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Audley Travel specialist Cara

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Rooms

The six apartments all share a modern style and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with sunlight. Four offer sweeping western views over the ocean, framing the sunset over the water every evening. The other two face inland toward the vineyards and Mount Pico, the island’s namesake stratovolcano, which forms a distinctive silhouette.

Each apartment has a spacious terrace complete with loungers and a fire pit. They also have a kitchenette, a bedroom that sleeps two, and a living room with fold-out sofa that can sleep two.

Location

Pico is known for its grey landscape created by past eruptions of the island’s stratovolcano, whose pointed silhouette dominates views from almost anywhere on the island. Staying here, you can easily explore the rugged terrain, visit the UNESCO-designated wine region, or hop on a ferry to nearby Faial — the pier is a short walk away. You can also go whale watching from April until October.

Food and drink

  • Breakfast is delivered each morning.
  • Located a ten-minute drive away, the town of Madalena has many eateries.
  • Kitchenette in each apartment for self-catering.

Families

  • Sofa bed folds out to accommodate two.
  • Small play area.

Tour ideas in The Azores

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Vinhas do Calhau as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Hiking Pico’s wine region
      Windmill, Criação Velha, Pico

      Hiking Pico’s wine region

      Hiking Pico’s wine region

      Take a guided walk around the UNESCO-protected vineyards of Pico, an island cultivated with vines since the 15th century. Learn about the history of viticulture here and the unique growing conditions before sampling local wines at the island cooperative.

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    • Kayaking at Furnas Lagoon
      Furnas Lagoon, São Miguel

      Kayaking at Furnas Lagoon

      Kayaking at Furnas Lagoon

      A crater lake cradled by a dormant volcano, Furnas is surrounded by lush hills, geothermal fields and small villages. Paddle around the lake with a local guide to learn about its volcanic heritage as well as its plant and animal life.

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    • Ponta Delgada walking tour
      Aerial view Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

      Ponta Delgada walking tour

      Ponta Delgada walking tour

      Tour the narrow, cobbled streets of Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, with a local guide. Learn about its foundation, architecture and defences and its heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries when wealthy merchants constructed imposing Baroque buildings.

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    The Azores and nearby places