Casa Mauro profits from a breathtaking ocean view, and was carefully renovated in 2005.  A large terrace and a balcony with magnificent sea views are everyone's dream come true.  House is 10 walking minutes from the typical village of Calheta de Nesquim, on the southern coast of Pico Island.
Casa Mauro (45 m² living area) consists of an upper floor with a combined living/bedroom (with double bed), equipped kitchen, a corridor and a bathroom;  in the lower floor there is an additional room that can be used as an additional bedroom.
Bed linen, towels and kitchenware are available.
Nearby it is possible to bath in the blue Atlantic waters.
Final cleaning:  EUR 30,00
If required, owners provide transfer from airport or follow-me service at the price of EUR 30,00 one way.
Sleeps 4 persons, self catering. 

Calheta de Nesquim is a parish in the district of Lajes do Pico in the Azores. The population in 2001 is 417, its density is 26.3/km² and the area is 15.85 km². It is the second smallest parish, 7 people larger than Riberinha and the second smallest parish in Lajes do Pico.

Calheta do Nesquim is an old and important port, a typical base for whaling, with its small tugboats and elegant canoes. It was here that the first boat was fitted out specifically for the purpose of hunting sperm whales.
 

Pico is the second largest island of the Archipelago with a surface area of 448 km2. It is home to the highest mountain in Portugal which reaches an altitude of 2351 meters.

The island of Pico is divided into three municipalities, “Madalena”, “São Roque”, and “Lajes”. Similar to the other islands the value of its’ architectonic patrimony is found in the churches and chapels of the different parishes:

- The “Santa Maria Madalena” Church in the town of Madalena, the “São Roque” Church and Convent and Church of “São Pedro de Alcântra” in São Roque, and the “Nossa Senhora da Conceição” Church and Chapel of “São Pedro” in Lajes, along with many others are examples of the island’s architectural patrimony.

The majestic mountain in Pico, classified in 1972 as Natural Reserve, is a prominent and consistent element in the island’s landscape.

Using the network of roads which pass through the interior of the island, along the mountainside and the coastline, Pico offers a landscape of indescribable beauty. Although it is almost impossible to highlight any one point of Pico’s landscape as better than the last or the next it is necessary to point out a few:

- Starting from the area of “Furnas” at the base of the mountain you will find thick forests up to an altitude of 1500 meters. From this point to about 2000 metres shrubbery takes over. After that bare lava, snow covered in winter, is all you will find. The mountain is peaked by Pico Alto, a round crater with a perimeter of about 700 metres and a 30 meter depth. Pico Pequeno is the volcanic cone which lies at the extremity of the crater. It rises about 70 metres and has fumaroles at its base. Sunrise as viewed from the summit is a spectacular and unforgettable sight;

- The “Capitão, Caiado”, and “Paúl” Lakes, among many others, set within a natural and entrancing environment;

- The “Mistério da Prainha”, between São Roque and Prainha, “Mistério das Bandeiras”, between Santa Luzia and Bandeiras, on the north coast and the “Mistério de São João”, on the south coast, are extensive fields of lava spilled from volcanic eruptions registered after settlement on the island. Much of the cultivated land was destroyed by the eruptions;

- The “Arcos do Cachorro”, an impressive lava flow is perforated by numerous tunnels and grottoes. The ocean passes thunderously in these grottoes and tunnels creating a notable effect;

- The Caves of the “Frei Matias, Silveira” and “Montanheiros”, are magnificent caves which are especially appreciated by speleologists;

- There are extensive virgin areas which are covered in exuberant vegetation, predominantly the “Cedro-do-mato” forest-cedar (Juniperus brevifolia), including  the Natural Reserves of “Caiado” Lake, “Caveiro” and “Mistério da Prainha”. All of these are sanctuaries of the rich endemic vegetation particular to the region.
While passing through Lajes, a stop at the “Baleeiros” (whale) Museum is necessary. All that pertains to the glorious whaling tradition is available to the public. Displayed are biographies, whaling canoes and every article needed for the activity. Due to present day concerns whaling has been halted but the spirit and the memory of the “sea-wolves” still lives. Of growing popularity is the parctice of whale watching. A growing number of enterprises offer spectacular expeditions to the interested tourist.

The vineyards of Pico are very distinctive. A maze of stone walls form corrals in which the grapevines are found. In this way the farmers were able to rid the soil of the many rocks and form shelter for their crops. The “maroiças” or pyramids were also built for the same reason and add an interesting aspect to Pico’s landscape. The product of these grapevines is the famous wine known as “Verdelho do Pico”, a superb aperitif.

Completing your tour of Pico at Madalena’s pier, a daily ferry to Faial is available. From the ocean the sightseer is left with a final portrait of the mountain island which includes the islets “Deitado” (lying down) and “Em-pé” (standing up) overshadowed by the magnificent mountain.
 

The country house comprises 1 bedrooms in total; 1 double. The property also has 1 double sofa bed located in the one double bed in living room's sleeping area. This gives room for up to 4 people. Bed linen and towels are provided for your use.

The country house has 1 bathrooms for your party's use.

The country house has television. The music system will play cds, radio.

There is room for 4 in the living room and 4 in the dining room. To prepare food you will find an oven, a fridge, a kettle, a toaster. You will also find a washing machine. The owner has also provided cutlery, crockery, glassware, cooking utensils.

Smoking is allowed in this country house.

Pets are not welcome 

Not suitable for wheelchairs 

The country house is in a very quiet area. It has a patio area, a balcony, sea views, panoramic views.

The country house is right beside walking.

Close to the country house you will find a beach, swimming, wind surfing, fishing, shopping areas, a restaurant, a food shop.

Within easy reach of the country house you will find sailing, boat hire, climbing, scuba diving.

The country house is....

35 km from Pico airport.
50 km from Madalena.
0.1 km from Beach.

Any day of the week.

Any day of the week.

3 days.

3 PM

10 AM

Maria says: "No quarrels with the property. Beautiful spot and well equipped. But insufficient information provided at the time of booking: e.g. specific location, limited amenities in village, no phone, no mobile coverage except some distance away. No contact made by agents/owners prior to departure, and not terribly helpful contact on arrival! Advantage of speaking at least a little Portuguese should be mentioned to those without the language, as it is not spoken in Calheta. The nearest padaria (bread shop) is a long distance away and requires a car. Opening times for the minimarket in the village and bus timetables etc would also be helpful - the notes in a folder in the house give phone numbers for contact but as i said above, there is no phone in the house and mobile coverage is not close! When we were there the water supply did not work for a whole day. We understand this "sometimes happens" in the area. "

Owner reply:
Pico Island, in the Azores archipelago is known for being a volcanic island of unspoilt Nature, where industrialized world has only barely touched. It is this kind of wilderness and the direct contact with Nature that attracts visitors from all over the world. There are absolutely no other points of interest in the island.

We are always pleased to answer any questions concerning the destination, but when guest do not make any questions we expect them to know the basics of the destination.

We regret the guests disappointment and can only suggest that they request and collect as much information as possible before deciding their next trip to a new destination.

Kind regards,

Frederico Santos

Click here for more reviews...