São Mateus: Lava, Pilgrimage and Island Traditions

São Mateus combines a striking lava landscape with pilgrimage, whaling history and the vibrant traditions of Pico Island. Those looking for a holiday apartment in São Mateus will find a place where nature observation, cultural discoveries and special feast days come together to create a varied trip.

Lava, Coast and Paths through São Mateus

The Fajã lávica de São Mateus was formed from basaltic lava flows that emerged from the cinder cones Cabeço da Prainha do Galeão and Cabeço de São Mateus. The geosite encompasses significant parts of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Pico Island’s wine culture. This geological character gives São Mateus its own identity and provides a distinct landscape focus for planning your trip.

The sea is also part of the local scenery. São Mateus is listed in an official table as a coastal bathing water; for every year from 2017 to 2023, the classification recorded is “Excellent”. If you would like to take nature and water-based experiences into account when choosing your accommodation, this aspect is a useful part of your personal decision about the location.

For active days, there is the Santana–Lajido PR10PIC hiking trail. After the group of houses in Cabrito, it leads to the Ermida de São Mateus and also provides access to the Vigia da Baleia. The lookout point, built in the 20th century, was used to observe the sea in search of large whales. The trail thus combines a present-day hiking experience with an insight into the island’s maritime past.

Churches, Museum and Whaling History

The Casa do Bom Jesus presents visitors with the museum collection of the Santuário do Senhor Bom Jesus Milagroso. On display are jewellery, books and various gold and silver artefacts. The Casa do Bom Jesus also preserves the museum heritage of D. Arquimínio Rodrigues da Costa, the last Portuguese bishop of Macau, who came from this parish.

The religious heritage can be traced through several specific dates. The present structure of the Santuário do Bom Jesus Milagroso de São Mateus do Pico dates from 1838. Inside is an image of Senhor Bom Jesus Milagroso, donated by Francisco Ferreira Goulart in 1862. On 1 July 1962, the Igreja de São Mateus was elevated to a diocesan shrine by decree of Bishop D. Manuel Afonso de Carvalho.

Other independent stops include the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Porto de São Mateus, founded in 1753, and the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Alegria, built in 1970. São Mateus also preserves evidence of its whaling history in the form of old whale lookout posts and a boathouse at Porto de São Mateus. This allows you to tailor your stay more towards religious, cultural-historical or maritime interests, depending on your preferences.

Festivals and Island Flavours

The Festas do Senhor Bom Jesus Milagroso take place every year, attract thousands of people and include a traditional procession. On 21 September each year, the parish church of São Mateus on Pico Island celebrates its patronal feast. More than 3,000 Rosquilhas are distributed to passing pilgrims. This day is particularly interesting for planning your trip if you would like to experience São Mateus during a festive local event.

Smaller customs also give the trip a local touch. On Whit Sunday, Rosquilhas are distributed in São Mateus and Candelária. The São Martinho tradition in the parishes of Criação Velha and São Mateus includes roasting chestnuts and drinking young wine. Insula Vinus is a family business founded in 2006 that produces wine. These themes offer points of interest for travellers who would like to discover Pico’s culinary and community life alongside its landscapes and churches.

Choose a Holiday Apartment Based on Your Travel Focus

When looking for a holiday apartment in São Mateus, you can first consider which focus will define your trip: the lava coast, the PR10PIC hiking trail, the religious sights, the whaling history or a feast day featuring regional customs. Those travelling with different interests can consciously combine these themes and organise their stay around their own daily plans. The dates and traditions mentioned help you choose your travel period carefully without reducing São Mateus to just one single aspect.

For further orientation in the area, pages on Sao Joao, Baixa, Madalena, Prainha, Arcos, Piedade, Terra do Pao and Pontas Negras are also available.

For the overarching travel overview: Pico.