Calheta de Nesquim Hike in the Azores

During this circular trail through a traditional village and surroundings, we will discover how it was and is today living in the countryside on an island in the middle of the Atlantic. It is 20 minutes by van west of Lajes, Calheta de Nesquim is located in the most remote part of the island. It was here that in 1876 was constituted the first whaling armament of the Azores. Fortunately, nowadays whaling is prohibited. Even thus represents an important local heritage and has marked this population. It is worth noting that whaling has always happened manually with simple and rudimentary equipment and tools. We will begin our walk in the small fishing port near the boathouses, where some of the old speedboats that have been recovered are still kept today and are occasionally used in sailing or rowing regattas. We will also pass through other testimonies from the whaling era, such as a lookout that today is used for cetacean observation activity. In addition, we will have the opportunity to see one of the iron pots used to melt the whale’s lard. The trail guides us through streets between natural pools, along ancient paths, through houses and backyards, through the forest, through pastures and between cellars. Arriving again at our starting point, in the centre of Calheta de Nesquim, we will return to Lajes do Pico.