Calheta do Nesquim

Short circular trail along the south coast of Pico, starting and finishing near the port, in front of the Church of São Sebastião, built in 1852. We are in Calheta do Nesquim, a parish closely linked to the history of Azorean whaling, and it is worth taking a look at the whaling boat house, now transformed into a local museum of considerable cultural interest. Preferably do the route in the opposite direction to the clock’s hands and, on the asphalt sections, stay carefully along the roadside.

From the port, follow the marks along the coastline to Feiteira port, a small leisure area with access to natural pools. From here, the path enters the climbing phase, crossing patches of mixed vegetation, including the Fetais forest.

At the top of the climb, turn left onto a beaten earth path and take advantage of the elevation to look at the parish below, but also at Pedra Aguda and Cabeço do Silvado, two small basaltic scoria cones born from a single eruptive phase. Already in the Cascalheira area the descent begins, first on asphalt and then on a footpath that crosses a woodland dominated by incense trees (Pittosporum undulatum), then giving way to cultivated fields, pastures and small vineyards of local tradition.

Roughly halfway down the descent you will find a whale watching point, good for a pause and to appreciate the landscape. When you reach the road, turn left towards Poça das Mujas, a small bathing area where you can still see the mill of Morro do Cão (Murricão). Legend has it that it was a dog called Nesquim who, with his barking, guided three shipwrecked sailors to this place, which is why he was immortalised on the parish’s coat of arms.