In Lajes Do Pico, travelers encounter whaling history in exhibitions, architecture and memorial sites. A circular walking trail and places for observing nature add further topics to consider when planning a trip to the town.
Whaling History and Exhibitions
The Museu dos Baleeiros is housed in a group of three 19th-century whaleboat houses. It is considered the only museum in Portugal specializing in whaling. The Núcleo da construção naval section explores the techniques and process involved in building an Azorean whaleboat. It also displays a life-size Azorean whaleboat. The building process and the full-size boat offer different ways to explore this part of maritime history.
The Centro de Artes e de Ciências do Mar is housed in the former SIBIL whaling factory. Its offerings include a permanent industrial collection and the multimedia exhibition “Gigantes do Mar.†The exhibition explores the biology and ecology of large whales and other large marine mammals. Another memorial site is the Monumento à Baleação, dedicated to the former whalers of the municipality of Lajes do Pico.
Convent, Church and Townscape
The Convento de São Francisco was founded in 1641 and is considered the oldest convent on Pico Island. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição has a Latin-cross floor plan; a severe fire destroyed the church in 1830. Traditional houses with towers, known as “torrinhas,†also shape the townscape: they can be seen on the central streets of Lajes between the Cruzeiro and Largo de São Pedro, near the coast.
The annual Procissão de Senhora de Lourdes is part of the religious tradition. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates in advance. This keeps the annual event distinct from the specific dates of your stay.
Circular Walking Trail and Nature Watching
The Rota da Cultura da Baleia is a circular walking trail that starts and ends in the heart of Lajes Do Pico. Penedo Negro, near the Ermida de São Pedro, is listed as the starting point. There, an old stone path preserves visible traces of wagon wheels. Castelete and the adjacent cliff form an important breeding area for Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea borealis).
The Plataforma Costeira das Lajes do Pico is a dedicated spot for birdwatching. Commonly sighted groups of birds there include waders, herons, gulls and terns. At the southern end of Lajes do Pico is the Zona Balnear da Maré, a natural swimming pool within a protected area for habitat or species management. Alongside the historical attractions, there are also clearly identified natural sites, without needing to combine them into a specific route.
Practical Information for Visitors
Forte de Santa Catarina includes a public garden, a viewpoint, a space for events and open-air performances, and restroom facilities. The Posto de Turismo de Lajes do Pico provides tourist information about the island and the region. It also has a shop selling local and regional products. These specific points of interest can complement your plans if you want to consider the townscape, events or nature watching as well as the whaling exhibitions.
Discover more destinations: Sao Joao, Calhau, Bandeiras, Canto da Areia, Arcos, Santa Luzia, Arieiro, Terra Alta.
For the main travel overview: Pico.
