The bay of Porto Pim is situated in Angústias, one of the three freguesia (“civil parish”) that make up the city of Horta. It has great historical importance, since it was here that the first settlers of the island arrived in the 15th century. Porto Pim became a natural refuge for the first colonists, where they could easily load and unload cargo and supplies. Along the southern coast, where Casas Três Pico is location, is the area of Pasteleiro, which became the site of the first commercial businesses.
At the beginning of the 17th century, several new military/defensive structures were built in order to protect the growing community, including the Military Doors of Porto Pim (Portões Miltares do Porto Pim), and the Fort of São Sebastião, located just outside our front door to the right.
By the late early 19th century, Angústias had become the central node in the trans-Atlantic submarine cable network. The basing of English, American and German telegraph companies in Angústias resulted in urban and social growth. Many of the buildings constructed during this period have become integral to the landscape of the parish. The commercial port of Horta was then constructed and it became an important trans-Atlantic point, as an Allied port during both World Wars, a stopover for hydroplanes crossing the Atlantic and way-point for Dutch Atlantic tugboats. In the early years, the dock came to supplement, then supplant, the harbour of Porto Pim for whaling vessels involved in the North Atlantic whale hunt. The old Fabrica da Baleia in Porto Pim has been renovated into a museum and is a must see during your time with us.
Porto Pim now exists an escape within the city, where locals and tourists alike can come and sit back and enjoy great food, beers and take in the scenery and sea air. There are restaurants for finer dining, as well as snack-bars and bakeries to enjoy a more relaxed Azorean feel on the seafront. The beach is the only white sand beach in the Azores and spans across the bases of the two mountains. The beach is manned by lifeguards in the summer months, has shower and toilet facilities and a small café if you want to grab an ice cream. The best thing about this beach is how unspoilt it is, sitting amongst nature, without any commercial enterprises ruining the view. Grab a towel and parasol and pitch up your spot
Getting to Casa Três Picos
We are regularly asked if it’s necessary to hire a car. The answer is no, but it depends on your own taste and budget. The house is perfectly placed near the beach, volcanic rock pools and all the amenities of Horta, so you are able to walk most places.
Address
Rua do Castelo 66, Horta, 9900-069
Arrival by Air and Renting a Car
If you have rented a car and arrive by plane, then exit the airport turning right at the main road and take this EN1-1A towards Horta. When you reach the first roundabout in Feteira, take the first exit to continue on the EN1-1A toward Horta and Lajinha. Take this coastal road until you reach the next roundabout, where you again take the first exit onto Rua do Castelo, a beautiful cobbled road next to the ocean. The house is located on the left a few houses down from the Forte de São Sebastião that you will pass on the right. You can park anywhere on this road on the left hand-side.
Arrival by Ferry and Renting a Car
To reach the house from the ferry terminal, take the last exit on the roundabout onto Av. 25 de Abril, towards the centre of Horta. Take this road all the way through town. There is a strange junction when the road curves to the right, but you have right of way so continue on. As you pass the harbour, there is a fork in the road and you must take a small road to the right called Rua Vasco de Gama. Take the first left back down towards the harbour (note that oncoming vehicles have right of way) and immediately take a right, driving past the front on the Hotel do Canal. When you reach the cross roads take a right and continue until you are able to take a left hand turn (most the roads are one way), along the road Rua Zeferino de Oliveira. At the end of this road turn left and you have arrived. If you go too far and reach the roundabout, simply take the last exit and you will be on Rua do Castelo where you will find the house on the left, a few houses down from the Forte de São Sebastião that you will pass on the right.
Arrival by Air or Ferry and a Taxi
Upon landing at the airport or ferry terminal, if you are not renting a car, take a taxi from outside and direct them to Rua do Castelo, 66 (sometimes called Pasteleiro 66) in Porto Pim, close to the Forte de São Sebastião. The journey from the airport will take about 15 minutes and cost between €10-€15. From the ferry terminal the journey is 5 minutes and should cost around €5.
If you get lost the house Casa Três Picos is a pinned hotel on Google Maps.
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