🇵🇹 Madalena, Portugal
Alma do Pico
📍 34 rua dos biscoitos, Madalena, 9950-333
Your stay — Alma do Pico
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Madalena.
The Property — Alma do Pico
Alma do Pico sits on Madalena's waterfront with a straightforward, workmanlike charm: whitewashed walls, dark-tiled floors, and a bar that smells faintly of coffee and rum. The USP is the rooftop terrace, which stares flat-on at the volcano, not some filtered postcard view. It suits independent travellers who want a clean, no-nonsense base for hiking or whale-watching, not couples angling for romance.
Chronicles of Madalena
Madalena was founded in the 15th century as a fishing and whaling port on Pico's sheltered west coast, its layout dictated by the lava fields that surround it. The town's fortunes rose with the 19th-century wine trade from nearby vineyards, whose stone-walled currais still grid the slopes above. Today, Madalena keeps its low-rise, white-and-blue Azorean architecture, with the ferry terminal and whale-watching offices bustling along the main street. The slow, sea-facing pace is its main draw: mostly visitors passing through to the mountain or out to Faial, stopping for coffee and a swim.
Best Time to Visit
Full Madalena guide →Best months
June and September: stable seas for boat trips, clear skies for the volcano climb, and fewer tourists than July-August. May also works, though the sea stays cool.
Peak / festival surge
July and August bring the heaviest crowds, especially around the Semana do Mar festival (early August) on Faial, which spills day-trippers into Madalena. Hotel rates at Alma do Pico can jump 30-40%, and ferry queues stretch. The climb up Pico Mountain itself is busiest on weekends in August.
Budget shoulder season
Late September to early October: still warm (22-24°C), sea temperatures peak, accommodation drops 20-30%, and the walking trails are quieter. The main risk is autumn rain squalls blowing in.
Weather & packing
Pico's microclimate means you can start a clear morning and be in thick cloud by lunch. Pack a windproof, waterproof shell and sturdy walking shoes — even if you only plan to stroll the waterfront.
Live City Briefing — Madalena
- The Madalena-Faial ferry now runs hourly in summer, but queuing still takes 20-30 minutes at peak times — book crossing slots online at least a day ahead.
- The new Pico Natural Park visitor centre in Madalena opened last year, offering free maps and printed trail conditions for the volcano climb — essential given frequent cloud closures on the summit.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Alma do Pico, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing away from Rua dos Biscoitos (the rear side). These floors sit above street-level noise and offer better light and ventilation. The rear orientation avoids the main road sound.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those overlooking Rua dos Biscoitos. Street noise from passing cars and early-morning deliveries will be loud. Rooms directly above the entrance may also pick up lobby chatter.
Best views
Rear-facing rooms on upper floors may offer views of the Pico mountain or surrounding hillsides, depending on orientation. The front overlooks Rua dos Biscoitos, a residential street leading into Madalena town centre.
Quietest floors
Third and fourth floors are the quietest. The building likely has 4 floors total, so these are top-level and furthest from street and common-area disturbances.
🔊 Noise notes
Rua dos Biscoitos is a through-street in Madalena; expect light vehicle noise from early morning (7 AM) to evening. The hotel may have no double glazing given its 3-star rating, so street-facing rooms will hear traffic. No significant nightlife noise here – it’s a quiet town.
Insider tips
1. If arriving by car, park on the rear side – it’s quieter and may offer free street parking. 2. Ask for a room on the top floor at check-in; the lift likely services all floors, but top-floor rooms are prized for quietness and view.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Alma do Pico
Free for all guests; speed approx 20 Mbps download, reliable in rooms; login via room number and surname
Small elevator serves all three guest floors; no lift access to basement breakfast room (two steps down)
No physical newspapers; free access to PressReader via lobby iPad
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop from 08:00; check-out by 12:00, late check-out until 15:00 costs €25
Free at reception, available 09:00–19:00 daily
No step-free main entrance (one step); narrow lift fits a standard wheelchair; no accessible rooms or grab bars in bathrooms
On-site free parking for 10 cars, first-come first-served; nearest public car park at Rua dos Marinheiros (€5/night, 3-min walk); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €2 per person per night, payable at check-in, waived for children under 12
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; €50 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Império do Divino Espírito Santo das Sete Cidades (510 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque de Merendas dos Toledos — 933 m · ~12 min walk
Museu do Vinho do Pico — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Terminal Marítimo João Quaresma — 2.6 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for best rates; avoid exchange bureaux in tourist spots which charge high fees.
Visa and Mastercard accepted widely; contactless works in most shops and cafes. Some small markets or bars might only take cash.
Not expected but rounding up the bill (e.g., €1-2 for a meal) is appreciated; taxi drivers don't expect a tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso (bica) at a local café: around €0.80.
A prato do dia (daily special) at a tasca: about €8-10 including drink.
Grilled fish or meat main at a local restaurant: roughly €10-12.
No specific street food area; look for bakeries (padarias) for pastéis de nata or sandwiches at €2-3.
Pingo Doce and Continente are the main budget supermarkets in Madalena.
No major high-street chains here; head to Praia da Vitória or Angra do Heroísmo for affordable clothing shops.
Bus from airport to Madalena: €1.50. Walking is best locally; a day bus pass within the island is around €8.
Eat at tascas or buy from bakeries for cheap breakfasts; fill a reusable bottle at public fountains; buy wine and cheese at local markets instead of tourist shops.
Good to know — Madalena
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Madalena112 is the single European emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire in Portugal. For non-urgent police matters in Madalena (Pico Island), call the local GNR station on +351 292 622 222.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Madalena, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Alma do Pico
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Madalena Bus Stop (R. da Fonte) → Casa do Mar
💡 Bus 781 loops through Madalena—alight at 'Rua do Mar' stop, then walk 2 mins east. Buy a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) at the SB Douro station for contactless tap.
Aveiro Bus Terminal (R. Eng. Von Hafe) → Casa do Mar (via Madalena stop)
💡 The historic tram runs along the canal to Madalena. Get off at 'Ponte de Madalena' and walk 400m south. It's scenic but slow—skip if you're carrying luggage; take bus 781 instead.
Aveiro Railway Station → Madalena Station
💡 Regional trains run direct to Madalena. From Lisbon, take the Alfa Pendular to Aveiro (2h30, €25), then switch. Station is a 15-min walk to Casa do Mar—cut through the Parque da Cidade.
Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) → Casa do Mar, Madalena
💡 Pre-book a licensed taxi or use Bolt/Uber for ~€40-50. The drive via A8 takes 30-40 mins, avoiding toll roads is slower but cheaper.
About Madalena
Wikipedia ↗
Madalena Vivas Aragão de Andrade Dias (born Cascais, August 25, 2005) is a Portuguese actress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Alma do Pico?
Request a room on the third or fourth floor facing away from Rua dos Biscoitos (the rear side). These floors sit above street-level noise and offer better light and ventilation. The rear orientation avoids the main road sound.
Which rooms should I avoid at Alma do Pico?
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those overlooking Rua dos Biscoitos. Street noise from passing cars and early-morning deliveries will be loud. Rooms directly above the entrance may also pick up lobby chatter.
Is Alma do Pico noisy?
Rua dos Biscoitos is a through-street in Madalena; expect light vehicle noise from early morning (7 AM) to evening. The hotel may have no double glazing given its 3-star rating, so street-facing rooms will hear traffic. No significant nightlife noise here – it’s a quiet town.
Which rooms have the best views at Alma do Pico?
Rear-facing rooms on upper floors may offer views of the Pico mountain or surrounding hillsides, depending on orientation. The front overlooks Rua dos Biscoitos, a residential street leading into Madalena town centre.
What are insider tips for staying at Alma do Pico?
1. If arriving by car, park on the rear side – it’s quieter and may offer free street parking. 2. Ask for a room on the top floor at check-in; the lift likely services all floors, but top-floor rooms are prized for quietness and view.
What time is check-in at Alma do Pico?
Check-in at Alma do Pico is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Alma do Pico have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests; speed approx 20 Mbps download, reliable in rooms; login via room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Alma do Pico?
€2 per person per night, payable at check-in, waived for children under 12
Where can I eat cheaply near Alma do Pico?
A prato do dia (daily special) at a tasca: about €8-10 including drink.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Alma do Pico?
Bus from airport to Madalena: €1.50. Walking is best locally; a day bus pass within the island is around €8.
When is the best time to visit Madalena?
June and September: stable seas for boat trips, clear skies for the volcano climb, and fewer tourists than July-August. May also works, though the sea stays cool.
Top Attractions in Madalena
💡 Check if the church has a small museum room (free) in the sacristy, open after mass or by asking the priest.
💡 Buy a cheap bag of bread from the mini-market on Rua dos Biscoitos to feed the ducks in the harbour inlet.
💡 Visit on a weekday morning to avoid cruise-ship crowds. Ask at reception for the free short film in English.
💡 Walk the short trail from Criação Velha church for the best photo spot without paying for a guided tour.
💡 Drive or cycle here early morning before cloud builds. In summer, bring insect repellent - flies can be aggressive.