The Azores, to be more specific the waters south of Pico and Faial have often been referred to as the best Whale-Watching opportunity world wide. It’s the diversity of almost 30 different species that makes our waters a unique spot on this planet. We are happy to help you pick the best season or your whale encounters and we can also book the activities for you beforehand. Just let us know about you plans when booking your room.
Despite the lack of sandy beaches, there are many breathtaking bathing opportunities. Many of the bathing areas are well protected and the access to the sea is realized by natural pools. Just around the corner of Calma do Mar is a swimming pool and a natural pool, which invite you to swim safely. We are happy to provide you with and tricks about how to find the best pool in which weather.
Goethe once said ‘You’ve only really been there if you did it on foot’ – and those who have discovered the Islands of the triangulo – Pico Faial and São Jorge – on foot will totally agree. We will show you the most beautiful and exciting routes on those islands. Whether it's a walk, demanding day's stages or multi-day hikes, hike with our directions on your own or let us accompany you at your own pace. Send us an inquiry for more information.
Relax in our garden, at the coast, at the natural swimmingpool or in front of the fireplace while reading a book. Feel the slowdown of your everyday life.
Our running routes are bringing you along the coast and across volcanic ridges at distances of 5 to 30 km. From almost flat elevation profiles to demanding mountain stages, amateur runners and professionals will find their personal challenge. Some of the routes start right in front of the door. In order to explore remote landscapes of the islands, we organize the necessary transportation. We also provide GPX files for your GPS device or smartphone for the routes.
Freedom, adventure, tranquility & a fresh breeze. Discovering the islands by bike let you experience the originality and naturalness of the Azores. Combine coastal trips with the refreshing effects of the Atlantic. For every level of skill we have prepared a variety of routes that you can follow using our maps and GPS devices. We have good quality bikes directly at our house and our car is equipped to carry 4 bikes & bikers around the island. Contact us for information.
The Gulf Stream and the geographic position in the open ocean guarantee for surprising encounters under water. The Azores are particularly famous for diving with blue sharks in crystal-clear water and for excursion to far-offshore banks to dive with devil rays and other large fish. Visibility often exceeds 25 m. But also for less experienced divers and already from May the dive sites around the island are beautiful to discover. Pico is also an ideal place to learn to dive. Just ask us!
There are many ways to explore the island by car, scooter or quad. We are happy to organize a vehicle for you and provide you with all the necessary information about the island. Those who want to leave the driving and the organization to us are best off on a discovery tour with us. We show you our favorite places, go to museums or swimming spots. We explain the volcanic formation of the Azores and you learn a lot about the exciting history of the islands.
Today as yesterday life on the islands, far away from continental land, has called for inventiveness. Vineyards, orange plantations, figs production; whaling, transatlantic cables, trade and pirates; volcanic eruptions and politic changes have left there traces that can be tracked in some of the islands museums. Other parts of the settlement history are already forgotten, but can still be discovered. We are happy to do so during your stay with us.
Weather on the Azores is subject to fast changes but a lot better than its’ reputation! But even if it rains our house with its fireplace, fast internet and a small library offers good and cosy shelter. Go for a tour through the museums or visit the impressive lava tunnel is an alternative as well. Often a lot of rain means a lot of wind also, which brings big swells to the shore and turn into very big waves and give spectacular picture opportunities.