Lajes do Pico, Pico - all you need to know

Lajes is the second-largest town on the island of Pico and a popular tourist destination, as well as one of the departure points for whale-watching cruises.

The small town lies on the south coast beneath steep mountain slopes and also serves as the commercial and administrative centre of the eastern half of the island, offering a wide range of services.

Book accommodation in Lajes

Sights and attractions

Stop off in Lajes on your road trip around the island and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of this small harbour town.

What’s there to see in the town?

Moinho das Lajes– a small windmill, painted in its characteristic red colour, stands in a dry lava field by the sea, accessed via a footbridge. It is this very windmill, photographed against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Pico, that serves as the symbol of Lajes.
Santíssima TrindadeChurch – the town centre is adorned by a beautiful little church, so typical of all Azorean towns.
Whaling Museum – Lajes was historically one of the centres of whaling on the island of Pico, and you will also find a small museum here; see the official website. However, a larger museum is located on the northern side of the island in São Roque do Pico.

Lajes

Moinho do Lajes

Accommodation in Lajes

Lajes is a popular place to stay on the south coast if you’re looking for a town with amenities but want a quieter setting than in Madalena.

There are no traditional hotels in Lajes, just smaller local guesthouses.

We’ve selected the 3 best-rated places to stay right in the town centre.

How to get there

Lajes do Pico lies on the main ring road and is therefore very easily accessible by car. The town of Madalena is 36 km away, as is Pico Airport.

You can park for free, for example, in the large car park along the seafront, about a 3-minute walk from the centre, near the windmill.

Bus route number 2 also runs to Lajes do Pico along the Madalena – Lajes – Piedade – Ribeirinha route, operating 2–3 times a day on weekdays and once a day on Sundays. The service is operated by UTC, and you can find the exact timetable at:utcpico.pt/Schedule.