São Roque Do Pico combines whaling history and church architecture with old paths, birdwatching and natural rock pools. If you’re looking for accommodation in São Roque Do Pico, you can choose where to stay based on your travel interests: culture, exploring trails and spending time at the bathing area each offer a different focus.

Whaling history and architecture

The Museu da Indústria Baleeira in São Roque do Pico is the first public industrial museum in the Azores. On display are objects used to cut up and process sperm whales, documents about the factory’s activities, and photographs of whaling and the port of São Roque do Pico. Miniatures of sperm whales and whaling boats complete the collection. Together, they present different aspects of the local whaling industry: processing, the factory and work at sea.

The Igreja Matriz de São Roque also offers a specific architectural point of interest. Its floor plan is shaped like a false Latin cross, and its façade has two bell towers. The floor plan and façade describe different aspects of the church: its layout from above and its outward appearance. The São Pedro de Alcântara Convent adds another historical landmark. It dates from the 17th century and is classified as a building of public interest.

Old paths and birdwatching

The Caminho dos Burros is an old footpath used by people and animals, frequently taken by travellers between the towns of Lajes and São Roque do Pico. Along the path’s paved Ladeira are five disused watermills. A system of levadas connects the mills to one another and to the Ribeira Seca. The route’s connections, mills and waterways give it a historical focus.

The Ladeira dos Moinhos is a circular hiking trail that starts near the Igreja Matriz de São Roque. The Garajau trail has different points of interest: the circular route is about 7.80 kilometres long and begins and ends at the natural pools of Furna in Santo António, São Roque do Pico.

Several bird species can be spotted along the Garajau trail: Sandwich terns and roseate terns, Cory’s shearwaters, Atlantic gulls, rock doves and Azores wood pigeons. For travellers interested in birdlife as well as hiking, the route brings together these two specific themes.

Rock pools and bathing area

Piscina do Cais do Pico in São Roque do Pico is a natural rock pool surrounded by a garden. Paved access points and a children’s area are part of the facilities. This makes the bathing area a distinct point of interest alongside the hiking trails.

The Cais do Pico bathing area also has changing rooms in the garden and a car park. Facilities are available there for visitors with reduced mobility.

Discover more destinations: Cabeco Chao, Santo Amaro, Piedade, Terra do Pao, Sao Joao, Candelaria, Madalena, São Mateus.

For the broader travel overview: Pico.