The municipality of Madalena is located along the Western coast of the island of Pico. The total area of the municipality – 147, 1 sq. m, has a population of slightly more than 6 thousand people. The Eastern part of the territory of the municipality goes to the active stratovolcano Pico and the narrow Strait, which is often called the channel Faial. This channel separates the island of Pico from Faial island, channel width is about 7 km Almost entirely the territory of the municipality is bordered by the Atlantic ocean, except on the East side. From the South, the municipality borders with San Jose, municipality of Lajes do Pico) and Santo antónio (são Roque do Pico).

The municipality of Madalena was established in 1723. In XV-XVI centuries the cultivation of the vine was the main activity, not only in this municipality but also on the entire island. For the first quarter of XVIII century Madalena has strengthened its position in the community of winemakers. In 1793 and 1800-1802, the share of the domestic market of the municipality in wine sales accounted for 80% of sales share of Pico. It was decided to build a port in Madalena to redistribute the flow of goods. But as a result of diseases affecting vineyards, began to develop other activities: the cultivation of citrus trees and whaling. In the twentieth century was rapidly developing branch of tourism is ecotourism.

The municipality of Madalena consists of six districts: Bandeiras, Candelaria, criação Velha, Madalena, são Caetano, são Mateus. It is the area of Bandeiras the municipality owes its prosperity in winemaking, in addition, on the territory of this district is the chapel, known among the pilgrims. Criação Velha is the founder of the famous wines Verdelho, and Sao Mateus is one of the oldest neighborhoods on the island.