Lajes Do Pico: Discover Whaling History and Nature

Lajes Do Pico combines impressive evidence of whaling history with trails, viewpoints and special opportunities to observe nature. Those looking for a holiday apartment for their stay can plan their days around different interests: cultural discoveries in the town, a circular hiking trail with historical connections or observations along the coast. This keeps the trip varied without requiring every day to follow the same rhythm.

Whaling history in several special locations

The Centro de Artes e de Ciências do Mar is located in the former SIBIL whaling factory. The permanent exhibits there include the industrial collection and the multimedia exhibition “Gigantes do Mar”. The exhibition focuses on the biology and ecology of large whales and other large marine mammals. Another highlight is the Museu dos Baleeiros, housed in a group of three 19th-century whalers’ boat houses. The Museu dos Baleeiros is considered the only museum in Portugal specialising in whaling.

In the Núcleo da construção naval, a life-size whaling boat from the Azores is on display. This area also deals with the techniques and process involved in building the Azorean whaling boat. The Monumento à Baleação additionally commemorates the municipality of Lajes do Pico’s former whalers. Those interested in maritime history, craftsmanship and the island’s development will find several different approaches here to a shared theme.

Hiking, whale watching and coastal nature

The Rota da Cultura da Baleia is a circular hiking trail that begins and ends in the heart of Lajes do Pico. Its starting point is at Penedo Negro, near the Ermida de São Pedro. There, an old stone path preserves visible traces of cart wheels. The trail thus combines exercise with historical landscape features, without requiring you to commit to a programme focused exclusively on museums.

Nature observation is also part of the character of Lajes do Pico. Castelete and the adjoining cliff form an important breeding area for Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea borealis). The Plataforma Costeira das Lajes do Pico is also a birdwatching location; waders, herons, gulls and terns are frequently spotted there. Vigia da Queimada is the only two-storey whale-watching station on the island of Pico. The first company for observing whales and other marine mammals was also established in Lajes do Pico.

At the southern end of Lajes do Pico lies Zona Balnear da Maré, a natural swimming pool within a protected area for the management of habitats or species. This location adds another landscape impression to the cultural sights. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on museums and local history, trails and nature observation, or a mixture of both.

Churches, monastery and characteristic houses

The Convento de São Francisco was founded in 1641 and is the oldest monastery on the island of Pico. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição has a Latin-cross floor plan. A severe fire destroyed this church in 1830. Such historical landmarks make a walk through Lajes do Pico particularly interesting for travellers who want to combine religious architecture with island history.

Traditional houses with towers or “torrinhas” can be seen on the central streets of Lajes between the Cruzeiro and Largo de São Pedro, near the coastal area. Forte de Santa Catarina includes a public garden, a viewpoint, an area for events and open-air performances, as well as sanitary facilities. The Procissão de Senhora de Lourdes takes place every year and is therefore also part of the town’s traditional religious life.

Practical guidance for finding accommodation

The Posto de Turismo de Lajes do Pico provides tourist information about the island and the region. There is also a shop selling local and regional products. This information can be helpful when searching for a holiday apartment if you do not want to plan your days around just one attraction. What matters instead is whether you want to use Lajes Do Pico as a base for culture, nature, observation opportunities and local impressions.

More places for planning your trip

For further orientation, you can also visit the pages for Ribeiras, Baixa, Arieiro, Sao Joao, Santo Amaro, Arcos, Bandeiras and Candelaria.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pico.