Top 5 Pico Art & Culture Spots: Reviews & Recommendations

When people think of the Azores, maybe they picture dramatic volcanic landscapes, whale watching, and, well, a super relaxing time. You get that for sure. Yet, the biggest treat, if you enjoy places packed with cultural richness and amazing art, Pico has surprises. Let’s talk about spots that highlight Pico’s heart and imagination, so, you can get some fantastic stops into your trip. That’s right; we’re getting right to the list.

1. The Pico Island Wine Museum (Museu do Vinho)

The Pico Island Wine Museum, called Museu do Vinho in Portuguese, definitely provides you a closer look than just drinking in Pico’s wine culture, which is an experience itself. Basically, what happened is, somebody took an ancient Carmelite convent, which definitely looks cool all by itself, and transformed it into an experience to uncover Pico’s history of winemaking. Instead of staring at boring labels, the Museu do Vinho walks you, like your best pal might, through what it was like carving vineyards out of tough volcanic rock and how they developed unique methods to beat back the strong ocean winds. More or less, its an appreciation for tradition, instead of some historical dry lesson. To go full circle, sample their delicious product. Cheers!

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Pico Island Wine Museum Tickets)

2. Handicrafts Cooperative School of Pico (Escola de Artesanato da Ilha do Pico)

The Handicrafts Cooperative School of Pico, in Portuguese the Escola de Artesanato da Ilha do Pico, really tells you how much Pico holds onto its traditions. More or less, it’s not just any learning institution. Just picture that you get a closer look into regional artwork by walking throughout courses focused specifically in arts linked deeply with Pico’s DNA, such as making hats or making miniatures made with scale. In this way, the Escola promotes innovation while remembering traditions. Also, as I was saying, its location makes seeing it a breeze. It’s super close to that cool harbor, Porto de São Roque do Pico, therefore its a piece of cake to combine into any exploration around São Roque.

Read our full review: Handicrafts Cooperative School of Pico Full Review and Details

3. Whaler’s Museum (Museu dos Baleeiros)

A bit from some joyful stops, you may see the Whaler’s Museum (Museu dos Baleeiros) located in Lajes do Pico, which remembers the tale of whaling, very, very important to Pico’s past. The shows exhibit real gear such as tools used for whaling and how the pursuit affected nearby villages. Now, I have to give you a warning. If you don’t like stuff talking about whaling, this might sting for a while, yet, this historical peek actually does shine a beam onto local traditions, like boat-building and the amazing spirit and dedication of those families that lived this dangerous life, really, a super dangerous line of business.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Whaler’s Museum in Pico Tickets)

4. Santo Amaro Interpretation Center (Centro de Interpretação de Santo Amaro)

To see an ocean view blended carefully with artwork by the locals, the Santo Amaro Interpretation Center shows exactly how much Santo Amaro prizes maritime customs while pushing forward contemporary creative abilities. It does, too, pay tribute to people who constructed ships here through several exhibitions, showcasing photos and miniature models that provide tourists close looks inside vessel production spanning generations of expertise in Santo Amaro. Still, it is that its contemporary art place draws particular regard. The display varies. Expect there to be unique artwork designed to encourage thought about shipping heritage plus contemporary society. So that gives the chance to see fresh stories brought forth.

Read our full review: Santo Amaro Interpretation Center Full Review and Details

5. Art Gallery – Atelier Marisa Melo

Maybe you are trying to add something more, such as diving right to local talent, you may very well want see Atelier Marisa Melo based around São Roque do Pico, basically an excellent local studio presenting an explosion in paintings plus unique artistry straight out from Ms. Melo’s own hand. As I was saying, people passing through comment that their artistry strikes someone personally and gives an image around the soul connected back specifically here across Pico: that kind among destination that strikes emotion right through unique material mixes. Be certain that, through a stop there or looking closer via seeing her portfolio displayed around town to those hoping toward getting something authentic – it will remain.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Atelier Marisa Melo Visit)