Calhau Port

Category: Nature > Beach

District: Açores > Madalena > Calhau

Location:

Porto do Calhau is located on the coast of the parish of Candelária, in the municipality of Madalena, on the stunning Pico Island, Azores. Integrated into a coastal landscape of unique beauty, this location offers an authentic perspective of the island environment. Its surroundings are marked by a natural setting where volcanic land meets the ocean, a distinctive feature of this part of the archipelago.

A Port with History:

This port, still used today for fishing and recreational activities, has a history linked to Pico's rural and maritime life. Originally, the area was marked by the presence of manor houses and production facilities, such as stills and warehouses, strategically positioned near the maritime access. These constructions were part of extensive properties where vineyards and fig trees were cultivated, shaping the local landscape.

After the phylloxera period, which profoundly altered viticulture, small, traditionally designed wineries, many with only one floor, proliferated on the periphery of the port. These structures are now predominantly used as seasonal housing, giving the site a blend of heritage and contemporary living. In the past, there was also a hermitage dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazareth) in Porto do Calhau, of which only memories remain today.

Testimony to the Wine Culture:

Porto do Calhau is an integral part of the _Vineyard Culture Landscape of Pico Island_, an area recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2004. This title highlights the unique way vines have been cultivated on this volcanic soil, through stone walls that create an extraordinary cultural landscape.

On site, the presence of two _tide wells_ underscores human ingenuity in adapting to the island environment. These wells were fundamental for ensuring water supply to the resident population of Monte and, likewise, for the operation of the stills working near the port, demonstrating the interconnectedness between maritime life and agricultural production in the region.

A Coastal Setting:

The atmosphere at Porto do Calhau is serene and authentic, reflecting the traditional character of the Azores. The port, with its fishing and recreational activities, offers a glimpse into local life and its connections to the sea. It is a place that invites one to appreciate the tranquility of the coast and the uniqueness of the volcanic landscape, complemented by the stone constructions that bear witness to the island's history.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt