Bandeiras: Coastal Settlements and Winegrowing Culture

Bandeiras combines coastal landscapes, winegrowing culture and historical traces to create a destination with diverse opportunities for discovery. On the coast of the Freguesia of Bandeiras in the Concelho of Madalena are the coastal settlements of Cachorro and Cais do Mourato. Both belong to the landscape of the island of Pico’s winegrowing culture, which was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Those who want to combine landscapes, culture and activity on a trip will find specific starting points here for their own planning.

Coastal Settlements Amid Lava, Walls and Winegrowing Culture

Cachorro can be reached via the Caminho do Poço. The coastal settlement is characterised by a black landscape in which the basaltic lava flows associated with Lomba do Fogo extended as far as the coast in the Cachorro area. The route between Cachorro and Guindaste also reveals dry-stone walls, functional buildings and winding vegetation. These details give the surroundings a distinct character and make them particularly interesting for travellers who want to get to know not only a viewpoint but also the landscape through its various traces.

Cais do Mourato is also located on the coast of the Freguesia of Bandeiras and forms part of Pico’s UNESCO landscape of winegrowing culture. The coastal settlement can be reached via the Caminho do Poço Velho.

Chapels and Living Memory

In the centre of Cachorro stands the Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, dating from the 17th century. In Cais do Mourato stands the Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Desterro, which dates from the 20th century. The difference in age between the two chapels adds two religious and historical points of reference to the landscape experience. Those interested in sacred architecture and local history can include both places in their travel plans without losing sight of the coast’s natural surroundings.

A particularly notable tradition is the pilgrimage to Nossa Senhora dos Milagres. It has taken place every year on 2 February since 1718, commemorates the volcanic eruption of 1718 and ends at the Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Milagres. In addition, oral traditions and preserved ruins suggest that Bandeiras may once have had eight traditional distilleries. The cautious wording of this tradition is itself part of the historical character of the place.

Trails for Hiking and Cycling

The Caminho da Costa connects Cachorro with Cais do Mourato. A route that runs predominantly along the coast also leads between Cachorro and Guindaste over approximately 25 km. Along this route, there is information at 29 points, two marked hiking trails and a cycling route. This allows you to shape your exploration around your preferred means of getting around. You should take the approximate length of 25 km into account when planning your day and trip; at the same time, the information at the individual points provides specific opportunities to take in the landscape step by step.

The Cais do Mourato bathing area was honoured with the “Zero Poluição” award for its excellent water quality. This aspect adds another coastal connection to the trails and historical sights. For families, it may be useful to consider, before looking for a holiday apartment, whether shared walks, cycling, culture or time on the coast should be the desired focus.

Choosing the Right Accommodation in Bandeiras

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Bandeiras, having a clear idea of your trip is more helpful than using a general place name. If you want to focus on the chapels and winegrowing culture, searching with Cachorro and Cais do Mourato in mind provides a useful geographical orientation. For active days, you should include the route between Cachorro and Guindaste, the two marked hiking trails and the cycling route in your plans. This allows you to choose the location of your accommodation based on the experiences that are actually meant to shape your trip, without limiting your stay to a single sight.

Other Places to Include in Your Travel Plans

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Bandeiras, you can also include Lajes Do Pico, Prainha De Cima, Terra Alta, Pontas Negras, Arcos, Arieiro, Madalena and Canto da Areia in your further selection.

For the broader travel overview: Pico.