The whaling industry in Capelas, on São Miguel Island, began in the 1880s, and played a significant role in the Azorean economy. For instance, the whale oil produced in the Azores was used for lighting in London.
The remnants of this now extinct industry are still visible. The walking route starts at the ramp of the whale station, where the whaling boats would depart for the sea. It passes by the ruins of the factory where whale oil was produced and stored, and ends at the Vigia do Morro das Capelas, a privileged observation point for watching the sea along the north coast of the island.
