4 Best Hotels in Pico, The Azores

Built from local materials including lava stone and cryptomeria wood, this charming collection of cottages on Pico’s northeast coast, all with kitchenettes, washing machines, and pellet stoves, offers superlative views of Santo Amaro Bay.

Owners Jose and Louisa, former sociologists from Lisbon, have transformed their summer vacation property into a truly unique place to stay, with a collection of six elegant volcanic rock cottages and two sophisticated two-bedroom villas, all decorated with artifacts collected during their extensive travels around the world. Just outside are a vineyard, walking trails, and a swimming pool. Every room is different, though all are a mix of the traditional (beamed ceilings and stone walls) and the modern (carefully selected furnishings from South America, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere). All guests get a lovely breakfast with homemade products, and there’s an honesty bar with drinks available. The owners also produce a limited amount of their own Pocinho Bay white wine.

Within the lush surroundings of this sprawling complex are six lava stone structures housing the guest rooms, a well-regarded restaurant serving local cuisine, a cliff-top swimming pool, and direct access, down rather steep stairs, to a rocky swimming area by the sea. Good-sized country-style rooms have wood embellishments, while suites have their own fireplaces. 

Though you can’t expect luxury, these simple wooden cabins in the woods make a peaceful getaway. The Italian owners pride themselves on their extremely personalized and friendly service, taking time to suggest the best things to do around the island. In either butterfly or larger turtle configurations, the cabins have kitchenettes as well as breezy verandas. There’s an inviting outdoor pool with mountain and water views, as well as a yoga room where yoga is led by the owners.