Calheta do Nesquim - Pico PRC11PIC

This small circular route on the south coast begins and ends in the harbour area, in front of the church of São Sebastião, from 1852, in Calheta do Nesquim, village with a rich tradition in the history of Azorean whaling. It is possible to visit here the House of Whaling Boats, nowadays transformed in a local museum of high cultural interest.

Along the way and whenever the trail follows along tarmarc roads, walk carefully and on the side of the road. It is advisable to follow the clockwise direction to better profit the views. 

Follow the marks parallel to the coastline until you reach the harbour of Feteira, a small leasure area accessing natural swimming pools. From here, the trail enters its ascending stage passing by several areas covered in mixed vegetation, namely the wood of Fetais. At the end of the climb, follow on your left hand side along the dirt road and profit the elevation to enjoy the view over the village bellow but also towards Pedra Aguda and Cabeço do Silvado (small elevations of volcanic origin).

In the area of Cascalheira, the trail begins its descending stage, starting on the tarmac road and after, on a dirt road, that crosses a wood of mainly australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) and that will give place to agricultural fields, pastures and the traditional wine culture of small scale.

Roughly by the middle of the descend, you will see a whale watching tower where you can profit to enjoy the view and rest a little bit. Continue until you reach the road, choose to go to your left hand side, until you arrive to Poça das Mujas, a small bathing area and where you can also visit the windmill of Morro do Cão (Murricão). According to the legend, a dog named Nesquim, guided in this area, with his barks, three castaways, being immortalized in the coat of arms of the village.