The first thing you see when you enter Baía da Barca is the salt water swimming pool that adjoins the hotel. Walk beyond the pool, to the raised platform, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the Atlantic ocean lapping quietly beyond the basalt rocks. Another island in Azores, São Jorge, is seen from a distance.
Baía da Barca salt water pool with views of the Atlantic
The eco-friendly four star hotel was built in 2009 and features 12 self-catering apartments on Pico Island. While I was traveling solo in Portugal, these hotel rooms would be ideal for families looking to save on restaurant dining dollars. A full breakfast is also included in the price of your hotel room.
Families and couples will also enjoy the pool – with its ocean view – sauna and hot tub.
You’ll know that you have landed on Pico Island, as most everywhere features the basalt, either on land or in the composition of the buildings and houses. Baía da Barca shines white and bright against the rocky shore landscape.
Baía da Barca shines bright against basalt of Pico Island
The location of the hotel, in the village of Madalena, is a good launch point for discovering the many thing to do on Pico Island. Visitors to the second largest island of the Azores may go whale watching (in season), hike the mountain, go horseback riding, wine tasting or relax and hang out in your living room or by the pool.
Rooms feature mountain or ocean views. My apartment featured a small kitchen, living room with fireplace and television, bathroom with combination tub and shower and two single beds looking on to the Atlantic ocean.
Family-friendly living room at Baía da Barca on Pico Island.
For those who don’t like to disconnect from technology, Baía da Barca offers complimentary internet access.
Check prices at Baía da Barca 351 292 628 750
You can also check online at for rates at Booking.com.
Baía da Barca review and photos by San Francisco-based travel, food, and wine writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Baía da Barca.
