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The Azores (Açores), Portugal

Porto do Cachorro, Island of Pico (March 2001)

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Porto do Cachorro

Porto do Cachorro Streets
Porto do Cachorro can be found on Pico's northwestern coast. It is an old, traditional town with narrow streets along a rugged coastline of rapidly cooled lava flows. When people settle the island they naturally used locally available building materials. On Pico that meant charcoal-black volcanic stones. The buildings and walls of these rural towns looked different than just about anywhere else in the Azores.

Wine Cellar

Wine Cellar

Vineyards are common along this stretch of Pico's coastline. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added the "Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture" to its World Heritage Center list in 2004 based on an outstanding interaction with the environment and an exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition. Wine is cellared in a number of old stone sheds in Porto do Cachorro. The classic wine is known as "verdelho" which is a style recognized as particular to the area and is technically an aperitif. Viticulture is making a comeback on Pico and red and white wines are also produced along with the more traditional style. Vines are protected from the elements by low stone walls. One of the agricultural cooperatives produces a commonly available brand known as "Terras da Lava."

Porto do Cachorro Coastline

Porto do Cachorro Coastline

Just outside of town is a stretch of coastline known as the Arcos do Cachorro, which when translated into English means literally "Arches of the Puppy," so the town would be "Port Puppy." This odd sounding name may be due to a nearby rock formation that resembles the muzzle of a dog. The entire area sits atop on an old lava flow. Hot magma and cool ocean water reacted vigorously to produce tunnels, caves, arches, rocks and all sorts of unusually twisted coastal features.