Port information & tips for Madalena (Pico, Azores)
Madalena is the charming gateway to the Azorean island of Pico and impresses with its spectacular location at the foot of the imposing volcano of the same name. The town welcomes visitors with a unique mix of maritime flair, striking black lava rock, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wine regions. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the informative Museu do Vinho and the impressive Gruta das Torres lava tube, while the striking Cella Bar sets both architectural and culinary accents. Cruise ships use the central Terminal de Passageiros da Madalena, which is located directly in the lively town center. Thanks to this prime location, guests can easily reach cozy cafes, shops, and the famous vineyards of Criação Velha within a few minutes' walk.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The port of Madalena on Pico, Azores, serves as the island's central maritime gateway, ideally suited for smaller cruise ships, while larger vessels use the anchorage. Thanks to its strategic location and the modern "João Quaresma" ferry terminal, it is well connected to the neighboring islands.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region typically takes place by plane to Pico Airport (PIX), located only about 7 to 8 kilometers from Madalena. Flights to Pico usually include stopovers, often in Lisbon or on larger Azorean islands such as São Miguel or Terceira. After landing, you can easily reach the center of Madalena by taxi in about 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, bus line 1 runs between Madalena (Gare Marítima) and Pico Airport.
Ferry
Madalena is an important hub for ferry traffic within the Azores and offers numerous connections to the surrounding islands. The short and frequent ferry connection to Horta on the neighboring island of Faial, which takes only around 25 to 30 minutes, is particularly popular. In addition, there are regular ferry connections to the islands of São Jorge (Velas, Calheta) as well as to Terceira (Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória) and Graciosa. Car ferries are also available for most of these routes.
Car & Pre-Cruise Hotel
The roads on Pico are well-developed and allow for a pleasant exploration of the island, with speed limits of 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on open roads. As public transport on Pico is limited, a rental car is recommended for individual tours. Parking in Madalena, including at the ferry terminal, is usually free and straightforward. Due to the sometimes long journey from the DACH region with necessary island changes, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel on Pico or a nearby island is strongly recommended to start your cruise relaxed.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
Even during the journey, the following applies: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
