Il nostro soggiorno all'isola di pico è stato straordinario grazie a joao Alla sua disponibilità e simpatia . consiglio a tutti di andare a pico ! Grazie joao !!!!

We feel privileged to have had Joao as our guide and introduction to life on Pico. Joao and Helena are amazingly welcoming people with a wealth of information about the Azorean and Portuguese history and culture. Joao certainly knows his hiking trails, gorgeous sights, and very special places to share with his guests. He is also a gifted chef who loves to cook and share his knowledge about gourmet techniques and unique touches. We had two delicious meals at his home, delighting in the delicacy and traditional tastes of Azorean regional dishes and also in the incredible hospitality. Joao is charming, inviting, and aware with a large world view, a wide variety of experiences to offer, and an open, kind heart. Helena is involved in the artisan community and is a gentle soul with a creative spirit. We can't wait to return to the Azores, and we will definitely seek out the help and knowledge of Joao.

I have met Joao and his wife Helena  two times in my live , in 2013 when I was visiting Sao Miguel Island and in 2014 when visiting Pico and Flores. At the verry beginning  his warm welcome and hospitality have made great impression on me. He arranged everything I needed during my 2 week stay on Azores.  So I have lovely situated small rural house with gorgeous view on the ocean, low budged car and….big basket of sweet, fresh tomatoes from his own garden and even lemon grass tea !! > I have spent a couple of days with him not only visiting the most interesting places he love to show and talk about but also testing some real Portugese & Azorian dishes. > > I will never forget the lessons of preparing octopus with Joao and the smell and the taste of this > > For not experienced photographers I do recommend to follow his remarks as he is also specialist in photography. You can travel  trought  Azores with studying The Bradt Guide or any other printed guides from a travel office. But for  those of you who want to taste these islands, the culture, cusine and the way of live I do recommend Joao's assistance Joao , Helena ! Thank you very much !

We have traveled around São Miguel with João numerous times. His warmth, charm and friendliness radiates as he shares the history and culture of his beloved island. Each and every time he surprised us with marvelous new experiences that we would never have found on our own. This man loves to cook and eat - he knows food. Be prepared to be introduced to the best regional eateries in every village and town you visit. Thanks in large part to João we have come to love São Miguel and we return every winter. Read about our adventures in the travelogues on our web site: http://www.thetravelzine.com Don and Linda TheTravelzine.com