2025-03-20
Here are the best things to do and visit in São Jorge, one of the nine islands of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
It has a rugged volcanic landscape that is as beautiful as it is magical. It’s as if a piece of land covering some 245 km² had been carefully carved out to form a small paradise, where the jagged coastline stands out for its countless fajãs.
It’s no coincidence that São Jorge is known as the Island of Fajãs, as the impressive number of these geological formations makes it unique in the world.
It is also called the “Island of the Sleeping Dragon” because of its elongated shape and peaks, an allusion to São Jorge, who in mythology defeated the dragon.
Pico da Esperança, at 1053 meters, is the highest point on the island, but it’s not always visible because it’s shrouded in fog.
Stories and myths aside, it’s a surprising territory! It’s impossible not to mention Queijo de São Jorge (DOP), one of Portugal’s most famous cheeses.
The island also has a strong heritage linked to the sea, including boat building and fishing, especially for tuna.
Whaling has long since given way to peaceful boat trips to watch whales and dolphins in the rough Atlantic waters.
Finally, São Jorge is authentic, the locals offer a warm welcome to visitors and, as I said at the beginning, it has all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip!
Best things to do and visit in São Jorge, Azores
Visiting the São Jorge cheese factory
It’s impossible to talk about São Jorge and not mention what is probably its most famous product: Queijo São Jorge DOP.
So my suggestion is that you take a tour of the cheese factory, followed by a tasting. It’s really worth it, believe me.
👉 Here’s what to expect from a visit to the cheese factory.
Exploring the center of Velas
Visiting the town center of Vela is an excellent way to continue discovering São Jorge Island, as it has a unique combination of historical, cultural and natural heritage.
Here are my top recommendations for tourist attractions in Velas.
The Mother Church of Velas has St. George as its patron saint.
Documents indicate that the construction of the current church began in 1664, but was altered over the centuries.
The cloisters and arcades of the former Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary in Velas are the remains of a building constructed between 1686 and 1696, whose purpose was to educate the daughters of the main local families.
The João Gabriel de Ávila Municipal Historical Archive‘s mission is to preserve and disseminate local history and it holds a collection of rare documents that show São Jorge over the last 500 years.
At the São Jorge Handicraft Support Center you’ll find textiles, ceramics, food products and other gifts to take home.
The old Conceição Fort has been refurbished and integrated into the Municipal Auditorium, but you can still see the guardhouses.
The Jardim da República has a secret: a bandstand whose bright colors contrast with the landscape.
In the Casa Museu Cunha da Silveira you can see items from local daily life, so I suggest you set aside a couple of hours to explore these rooms.
Discover the fajãs of São Jorge
Fajãs are small coastal plains formed by lava or landslides. They are the result of natural processes such as landslides, landslides or lava flows, forming flat areas by the sea.
Also, they are special because they have unusual landscapes, with dramatic views of the ocean in contrast to imposing rock formations. They are also ideal places for hiking, bird watching and seeing untouched nature.
In addition, fajãs tend to have very fertile land, as well as the ideal conditions for creating microclimates that allow, for example, the production of coffee and other exotic plants such as mangoes and avocados.
But how many fajãs are there in São Jorge? Well, more than seventy fajãs have been identified in São Jorge, which is unprecedented. As a curiosity, there are also fajãs on Madeira Island and in the Canaries, but nowhere near as many.
As you can imagine, it would be very difficult to visit all the fajãs in São Jorge, but maybe on future trips I’ll be able to explore a few more.
However, for now, I can tell you about the fajãs I saw: Fajã do Ouvidor, Fajã dos Cubres, Fajã da Caldeira Santo Cristo, Fajã de João Dias, and finally Fajã dos Vimes.
Fajã do Ouvidor
Fajã do Ouvidor is one of the largest fajãs on the island of São Jorge and is located in the parish of Norte Grande, in the municipality of Velas, on the north coast of the island.
This geological formation resulted from lava flows emitted by Pico Areeiro, located about 3 km away, approximately 2,530 years ago.
In terms of accessibility, it is possible to visit Fajã do Ouvidor by car, i.e. on a road in good condition.
If you want to explore Fajã do Ouvidor at your leisure, I recommend the Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Dores, dating from 1903, where the festival in honor of Nossa Senhora das Dores takes place on the third Sunday in September, as well as the Furna do Lobo, which is around 50 meters long and can only be reached by boat.
Also take a look at the waterfalls, the fishing port and Poça de Simão Dias, a natural pool with crystal-clear waters, although on the day I visited, it was barely visible due to the rough sea.
Fajã dos Cubres
Fajã dos Cubres is also on the north coast and is one of the most notable geological formations on the island of São Jorge in the Azores.
Its main distinguishing feature is the presence of a saltwater coastal lagoon, which on sunny days mirrors the crystal-clear waters of the ocean.
Unfortunately, on the days I visited, I caught some clouds and was unable to record the different shades of blue that are so characteristic of Fajã dos Cubres. So I guess I’ll have to go back one of these days!
In geological terms, this fajã is the result of the accumulation of debris resulting from the collapse of the adjacent cliffs and there is a paved road to get there from the village of Norte Pequeno.
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, in the parish of Ribeira Seca, in the municipality of Calheta, is one of the most emblematic geological formations in São Jorge, in the Azores.
And what distinguishes Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo? Well, firstly, the existence of a saltwater lagoon, which is quite rare in the Azorean archipelago.
Then, because it’s the only place in São Jorge where clams are cultivated. And because of the favorable sea conditions, this fajã is a sanctuary for surfers, as it attracts surfers from all over the world.
In addition, Fajã de Santo Cristo is only accessible by foot from Serra do Topo or Fajã dos Cubres.
In other words, on foot, and the route between Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is considered one of the most beautiful in São Jorge.
Fajã de João Dias
Fajã de João Dias is a small community of around 17 traditional Azorean houses on the north coast of the island of São Jorge. It is part of the parish of Rosais, in the municipality of Velas.
The fact that it has suffered from isolation over time has made it one of the best places in São Jorge for an authentic experience of rural Azorean life.
To get to Fajã de João Dias you’ll have to walk along a narrow, steep dirt track.
This trail starts next to the Fajã de João Dias swing and goes downhill from there.
Fajã dos Vimes
Fajã dos Vimes is another small community on the south coast of the island of São Jorge that has one of São Jorge’s best-kept secrets: coffee plantations.
It belongs to the parish of Ribeira Seca, in the municipality of Calheta, and you can get there by car.
Fajã dos Vimes is said to be the only region in Europe where coffee is grown, and visitors can try artisanal coffee at Café Nunes and visit the plantation at the back of the café.
In addition, the art of weaving on wooden handlooms, practiced since the 16th century, is a living tradition in the fajã.
It is one of the best places in São Jorge to see (and buy) the traditional Colchas de Ponto Alto.
Discover Vigia da Baleia
The Vigia da Baleia viewpoint is located in Fajã da Ribeira da Areia, in the municipality of Velas, and is one of the most impressive panoramic points in São Jorge.
The name “Vigia da Baleia” comes from the fact that the place was once used to spot whales at sea and indicate their location to the whalers.
To get there, you have to walk up a steep path with improvised steps, but I think it’s worth it.
This is because from there you can see Fajã da Ribeira da Areia, which is one of the wildest and least inhabited fajãs on the island.
What’s more, on clear days, you can see the other islands of the Central Group of the Azores (Pico and Graciosa).
Discover the Rosais Lighthouse
The Rosais Lighthouse is one of São Jorge’s most historic and emblematic sites.
Located on the northwestern tip of the island, in the parish of Rosais, it was inaugurated in 1958 and for years played a key role in navigation.
However, it was abandoned in 1980 when a strong earthquake damaged the structure beyond repair.
It is now in ruins, but it hasn’t lost its charm. And despite being off-limits for safety reasons, many visitors continue to walk along the road to the end of the line at Farol dos Rosais.
Visiting the Church of Santa Bárbara (National Monument)
The Church of Santa Bárbara is located in the parish of Manadas, in the municipality of Velas, and is a remarkable example of the Baroque style. In fact, it has been a National Monument since 1950.
It was built in 1770 to replace a church dating back to the 15th century and what’s amazing is that it has remained almost unchanged since then.
The exterior is simple, but when you enter the church it’s hard not to be amazed by the architectural details.
Check out the alfarge ceiling in local cedar, with depictions of St. George and the Holy Spirit in the central medallions, various tile panels with scenes from the life of St. Barbara and altars dedicated to St. Ignatius and St. Francis Xavier, just to name a few points of interest.
Exploring the Silveira Recreational Forest Reserve
The Silveira Recreational Forest Reserve is a nature park in the parish of Ribeira Seca, in the municipality of Calheta.
It covers an area of about 10 hectares and although I spent some time exploring the park, I would have liked to have stayed longer.
There is so much to see in this part of São Jorge.
So, in terms of trees and plants, expect to see araucarias, pines, tulip trees, oaks, cypresses, plane trees and tree ferns.
In addition, the water mills, or old watermills, with dark basalt stones and red doors, stand out in the landscape.
Seeing the Topo Islet
Ilhéu do Topo, or Topo Islet, is a small uninhabited islet about 100 meters off the coast.
It is a sanctuary for various species of seabirds, as well as a grazing ground for cows and goats.
In addition to the Topo Islet, I recommend that you take some time to explore the area, such as the 1927 Topo Lighthouse, from the 18th century, São João Baptista Church and the Pontinha do Topo Natural Swimming Pool.
Although you’re not directly in Topo, you can take the trail to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo from this area.
Finally, if you visit Topo in June, you can take part in the festivities in honor of São João Baptista, the parish’s patron saint.
Visit the only coffee plantation in Europe
I’ve mentioned Fajã dos Vimes before in this article, but the existence of a coffee plantation in São Jorge, Azores, is so unusual that I feel the need to return to it.
So, this rare coffee plantation in Europe is run by the Nunes family, and you can not only taste the local coffee, but also take a look at the coffee trees at the back of the Nunes café.
👉 Want to know more about this strange phenomenon? Read the article Coffee in the Azores? Yes, it exists and it grows in Fajã dos Vimes!
Accommodation in São Jorge
I stayed at Quinta da Magnólia, in Urzelina, and I recommend it!
It’s a boutique hotel, the perfect size for a unique stay. In fact, the idea is to have an experience in an Azorean house.
For my part, I have to say that I found the rooms comfortable, the breakfast that is always included was delicious and the infinity pool overlooking the Pico Volcano and the Atlantic Ocean won my heart.
I will definitely return to Quinta da Magnólia!
👉See how much it cost to stay at Quinta da Magnólia.
Everything you need to know before traveling to São Jorge, Azores
How many days does it take to visit São Jorge?
I’d say you can see the main places in São Jorge in a week. I stayed four days, but on the last day I didn’t want to leave.
Therefore, I recommend that you stay in São Jorge, in the Azores, for at least a week.
Are there direct flights to São Jorge?
There are only direct flights from Terceira Island and São Miguel Island, so if you’re traveling from Lisbon, Porto, Faro or another European city, Canada or the United States of America, you always have to make at least one stopover.
I flew from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto with a stopover in Terceira, but as the return stopover was more than four hours, I still explored a bit of Terceira Island.
Do I need to rent a car in São Jorge?
Yes, I believe it is necessary to rent a car in São Jorge, as you can only visit the places I mention in this article with your own vehicle.
In any case, if you don’t want to rent a car, you can always join an organized tour or group, or travel by cab.
The truth is that the island isn’t that big and you can get from one end of São Jorge to the other in less than two hours.
👉 Need a rental car in São Jorge? Check it out here!
**I traveled to São Jorge at the invitation of Casas Açorianas – Associação de Turismo em Espaço Rural, sponsored by Grupo SATA.
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