5+ Years on Pico Island — WOULD WE CHOOSE IT AGAIN? | Our Honest Azores Q&A - Ep 289

Welcome back to the channel, friends! It’s been a few years since our last Q&A, so we thought it was time to sit down and answer some of the questions we’ve been hearing from our viewers and followers. After more than five years of spending time on Pico Island, we’ve experienced a lot of changes — not only in our own journey, but also around the island and throughout the Azores. In this Q&A, we talk openly about what it’s really like spending extended periods of time on Pico, what has changed over the years, the growth of tourism, and whether we would still make the same decision today. We also talk about our experience with Villa Vinelava, what we’ve learned from operating a vacation rental in Portugal, some of the challenges and rewards of hosting, and what we have planned for the next couple of years — including the future of Villa Vinelava and our plans for the next phase of the business. We’ll also answer some of the bigger questions people have about the Azores: • What is everyday life really like on Pico Island? • Has tourism changed the island? • Would we recommend Pico to someone considering moving to the Azores? • What have we learned from running a vacation rental? • What are our plans for Villa Vinelava? • Do we see ourselves continuing to spend time on Pico long-term? • What surprised us most about life in the Azores? • And, perhaps most importantly — would we still choose Pico Island today? We’ve learned a lot over the past five-plus years, and we’re happy to share both the good and the not-so-good with you. Whether you’re considering visiting Pico, spending more time here, buying property, starting a tourism business, or simply curious about what life in the Azores is really like, we hope this Q&A gives you a better picture of our experience. Thanks for being part of our journey and for continuing to follow along with us. Carlos & Laura xoxo #PicoIsland #Azores #IslandLife #DolphinWatching #AzoresLiving #DayInTheLife #AzoresPortugal #LajesMarina #ExpatLife #SlowLiving #AzoresRealEstate #PicoIsland #Azores #LivingInThePortugal #ExpatLife #BuyingLandAbroad #AzoresLiving #IslandLife #PortugalRealEstate #RelocateToPortugal #CoastalLand #AzoresExpats WHY YOU MIGHT LIKE OUR CHANNEL: 1 - Perfect for those who enjoy visiting islands, not to many left on the planet like the Azores. 2 - If you are looking to live on an island; full or part time. Azores is peaceful, safe & affordable. 3 - Learn from our Azores Island experience; purchase & renovate property, health, cost of living, quality of life, food, people, culture, tradition etc. 4 - Explore Pico Island with us; Road trips, hiking, kayaking, feasts, island hopping & much more. TAKE NOTE: Feel free to contact us if you are considering spending time at our own vacation rental or the rentals offered by our island partners. On beautiful Pico Island, you can choose from a wide range of types of places to stay. This part of the world is sought out by people who love nature, and who also want to be in a safe, peaceful friendly destination. You can choose to do a straight rental, or a package including a car. You may want to stay for just a week, a month or longer. Pico Island is one of the 9 islands of the Azores, part of one of the 7th region of Portugal. Welcome to Villa Vinelava - Our Pico Island rustic vacation rental https://www.picoholidayexperts.com/ou... Our coastal land for sale - (we take you for a tour of the property)    • Azores: High-Quality Islands, Exceptional ...   Festa de Bom Jesus - 2025    • 2ND LARGEST FEAST IN AZORES - BOM JESUS MI...   Insula Atlantis Winery https://www.insulaatlantis.com/pt/vinhos Link to the coolest rental in Baia De Canas. Contact me if you want more information!    • AZORES LAVA COTTAGE - PICO ISLAND HERITAGE...   Our Exploration packages https://www.picoholidayexperts.com/az... Playlist of our the property we bought on Pico Island    • We bought a house in Portugal - Azores - P...   Hike on Pico Island Azores - Sao Mateus vineyard coastal village    • AZORES -TOP LEVEL HIKING IN PORTUGAL - A s...   Our rainbow video    • ISLAND RAINBOWS ARE THE BEST -Especially i...   Learn about our channel - (Trailer)    • OUR ISLAND LIFE YOUTUBE CHANNEL  - Our Jou...   What is the Camino De Santiago https://www.caminosantiagocompostela.... The village of Baixa/Ribeirinha    • DRAMATIC AZORES COASTAL VILLAGE OF BAIXA -...   Sao Mateus Village - Enjoy both the country side & ocean    • AZORES VINEYARD VILLAGE - SAO MATEUS - Cou...   Real Estate - Pico Island - Azores    • PORTUGAL REAL ESTATE - ARE THE AZORES STIL...   Expats love the Azores    • AZORES EXPATS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE C...