Madalena, located on the stunning island of Pico in the Azores, offers a unique experience, shaped by the powerful presence of the volcano and its proximity to the Atlantic. This municipality is a living testament to human resilience and its capacity to adapt and thrive in challenging landscapes.
Its lands are unmistakable, marked by the lajidos—fields of solidified lava that define much of the coastal territory. It is in this arid, yet fertile in history and culture, setting that the remarkable Vineyard Landscape of Pico Island, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, developed. The vineyards, protected by the iconic currais—walls of black basaltic stone—stretch for kilometers, creating a unique geometric mosaic that blends with the maritime horizon.
Madalena's connection to the sea is equally profound. Life here is intrinsically linked to fishing and seafaring, reflected in the atmosphere of its ports and local gastronomy. The imposing presence of Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal, looms over the municipality, serving as a majestic backdrop to this landscape of contrasts, where the black of the volcanic rock, the green of the vineyards, and the intense blue of the ocean create an unforgettable color palette. In Madalena, one observes a harmonious coexistence between the brute force of nature and the delicacy of human labor, resulting in a rich and truly Azorean cultural identity.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
Barnacles are a peculiar seafood, harvested from the volcanic rocks of Pico's coastline. This bivalve, resembling a small pyramidal shell, is cooked in seawater and served plain, preserving its intense and salty flavor, which evokes the purity of the Atlantic and the geological strength of the island. They are a rare and highly appreciated delicacy, deeply linked to the maritime identity of the municipality.
This robust and comforting dish reflects the richness of the Azores seas. It consists of a stew of various fish, often local species such as conger eel, forkbeard, or wreckfish, combined with potatoes, yams, and fresh vegetables from the land. Its slow cooking allows the flavors to meld harmoniously, resulting in a meal that translates the fishing tradition and the abundance of the island's natural resources, being a pillar of local cuisine.
Pico Cheese is a soft or semi-soft cheese, produced from raw cow's milk, with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Its unctuous texture and slightly spicy and salty flavor, with notes of aging, are influenced by the island's flora and volcanic pastures. It is an emblematic product that reflects the local livestock tradition and the symbiosis between the animal, the landscape, and the producers' mastery, being an excellent representative of the island's agricultural richness.
Pico Wine, particularly the Verdelho grape variety, is the ex-libris of local viticulture, produced in the island's famous black stone <i>currais</i> (enclosures). The vines grow protected by volcanic stone walls, absorbing minerals from the soil and the sea breeze. This white wine is characterized by its minerality, freshness, and saline notes, resulting in a unique drink that mirrors the volcanic <i>terroir</i> and the arduous dedication of the municipality's winegrowers.
Weather Madalena
On-duty Pharmacy Madalena