2025-03-20
Here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do and visit in Velas, the Cheese Capital of São Jorge!
Nature, Culture and Gastronomy, Velas has everything you need for an incredible vacation.
In the four days I spent on São Jorge Island, I was amazed by everything I saw: the cliffs that plunge into the ocean, the unique fajãs that seem to come from another world, the trails surrounded by lush vegetation and the natural pools with crystal-clear waters.
As well as the landscapes, the local culture also won me over. After all, Velas is a town with more than 500 years of history.
I learned, for example, that the Velas Town Hall was built thanks to a tax on Vinho dos Casteletes, which was considered the best wine in Portugal.
Curiously, this wine was only consumed by the Portuguese Court, while the rest of the production was sold to the British Court.
And, of course, the gastronomy was one of the highlights of the trip! The cheese from São Jorge, with its unmistakable flavor, accompanied almost all my meals, and the fresh tuna, grilled meat and typical limpets left me wanting to return.
So, if you’re looking for a destination that combines adventure, history and unforgettable flavors, I believe Velas is the right place!
Things to do and visit in Velas, São Jorge
Visiting the São Jorge Cheese Factory
As Velas is the Capital of Cheese, it makes perfect sense that the first thing on your list of things to see and do in Velas should be a visit to the São Jorge Cheese Factory.
To find the cheese factory, you need to go a little way from the center and go to the União de Cooperativas Agricolas de Lacticínios de São Jorge.
It is there, right next to the Confraria do Queijo de São Jorge, that the famous São Jorge DOP cheese is produced.
And the good news is that as well as learning about the history and production of the cheese, the visit also includes a cheese tasting, paired with jams. Delicious!
You can also buy cheese at cheaper prices in the store, as well as other Azorean products. For example, Azorean wines, canned fish, cookies and other delicacies.
Admiring the Velas Natural Arch
The Velas Natural Arch is an impressive rock formation located on the coast of the town of Velas, on the island of São Jorge, Azores.
It is a volcanic structure, meticulously sculpted over thousands of years by both the wind and the sea.
It’s safe to say that nature has done an excellent job, as its natural shape results in a setting worthy of admiration.
In fact, it’s one of the most photogenic spots on the island of São Jorge and a must-see for anyone who, like me, likes to admire natural landscapes.
It’s also an excellent place for photography lovers. The day I went there, there was a giant rainbow adorning the sky, which made the experience all the more special.
Next to the arch you can see a stage, with dressing rooms and public toilets underneath, and this is where the summer festivals take place.
Discover the old Conceição Fort
There have been several forts in São Jorge, some of which have disappeared, but others that can still be seen today, such as Ponta das Eiras Fort, or Castelinho, Santa Cruz Fort, Ladeiras Fort, Manadas Fort and Conceição Fort, which we’re talking about now.
The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is located in the parish of Velas.
It was built in 1644 with the ultimate aim of defending the Velas anchorage against pirate and privateer attacks, which were quite common at the time.
From the old fort you can still see the sentry boxes, as the fort has been revitalized by Velas Town Hall and transformed into the Municipal Auditorium and Cultural Centre of Velas.
Watching the sunset from the Entre Morros viewpoint
The Entre Morros Viewpoint is located in the Baía de Entre Morros, in Velas, on the island of São Jorge, Azores.
It is a strategic viewpoint for those who want to have wide panoramic views of Morro Grande de Velas and Morro de Lemos.
These two hills are interesting geological formations because they are examples of secondary volcanic cones, i.e. formed by surtseyan (interaction between magma and water) or strombolian (explosive, but moderate) eruptions.
In addition, these hills contain volcanic tuff, or tuff stone, which is different from the basalt stone that is more common in São Jorge.
The best time to admire the magnificence of this area is just before sunset, so put this viewpoint on your list of things to do in São Jorge.
Stroll through the Jardim da República and see the colorful bandstand
The Jardim da República (Garden of the Republic) is a leisure area in the center of Velas, which occupies the area of the old local market.
It’s a very pretty and peaceful garden, with low walls and several flowerbeds that change color and shape throughout the seasons.
However, the highlight of the Republica garden is the colorful bandstand. In fact, this bandstand is a replica of the original, which was built in 1898, during the reign of King Carlos I of Portugal.
If you feel like exploring the area, I recommend that you take a look at the Velas Town Hall building, in the island’s Baroque style, as well as the Art Deco building of the Velas Philharmonic Society.
Visiting the Cunha da Silveira House Museum
The Casa Museu Cunha da Silveira is located at Rua Guilherme da Silveira, 36, in Velas, in the center of the town.
Its mission is to preserve and promote São Jorge’s heritage, especially with regard to the region’s ethnography.
The Casa Museu is housed in the magnificent Solar Cunha da Silveira and occupies several rooms, each dedicated to a specific theme.
In these rooms, more than 500 years of São Jorge’s history are mirrored and represented, covering topics such as agriculture, the sea, carpentry, weaving, weights and measures.
There is also a space dedicated to the history of the Cunha da Silveira family.
It is said that D. Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, stayed in this house on April 11, 1832, before the liberals landed on the beaches of Mindelo.
Of all the items on display, some stuck in my mind, such as an ox cart that takes up an entire room, as well as an intriguing diver’s suit.
Visiting the São Jorge Handicraft Support Center
The São Jorge Handicraft Support Center is located on Rua Poetisa Belmira de Andrade, in the town of Velas, and is a space where various activities take place.
First and foremost, its mission is to value and promote not only local handicrafts, but also São Jorge products.
So expect to see delicate handicrafts, textiles, ceramics and creative basalt stone pieces.
And if you like to buy gastronomic products, then you’ll feel like you’re in heaven when you see traditional sweets, São Jorge cheese, honey, canned tuna and even coffee.
You can also visit the upper floor, where there are training sessions with local artisans, so that the arts don’t get lost, as well as show cooking sessions, where typical local products are highlighted.
Checking out rare books at the João Gabriel de Ávila Municipal Historical Archive
The João Gabriel de Ávila Municipal Historical Archive is housed in the Velas Town Hall and pays homage to the historian João Gabriel de Ávila (1923-2006), a native of Velas who stood out for his studies on the history of São Jorge.
What few people know is that this place has an incredible collection of several hundred rare manuscripts from the 15th century and onwards.
I also learned what a “Rol dos Confessados” is, a common practice until the 18th century in which parish priests recorded people’s confessions in a book.
Seeing the Tiles in the Cloisters/Arcades of the former Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary in Velas
The Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary, established by Father Amaro Teixeira de Fagundes between 1686 and 1696, was an important convent for nuns of the Order of Santa Clara in Velas, São Jorge.
However, today only the arcades of the old cloister remain, which have the particularity of using tuff stone in their construction.
In other words, the tiles we see in the arcades are contemporary and are the responsibility of António Pedroso.
In these beautiful tile panels we can see both the history of the convent and the history of the town of Velas.
Visiting the Mother Church of Velas
The Mother Church of Velas is dedicated to St. George, has three naves and the most valuable collection is the altarpiece dating back to 1680.
However, it is also possible to see paintings of St. Peter, St. Andrew and St. Augustine, among other pieces of sacred art.
In fact, the church includes a Museum of Sacred Art, with artifacts dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries, which were collected by the former parish priest of Velas, Father Manuel Garcia Silveira.
Visiting the Velas Municipal Market on Saturdays
The Velas Municipal Market is an emblematic space located in the historic center of the town of Velas.
It is open every Saturday morning at the back of the Casa Museu Cunha da Silveira and sells surplus produce from local producers.
Although I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the Municipal Market, I do recognize that it’s something very interesting to see.
And to whet your appetite, I’m sharing a photo of an old car on display where the market is located.
Diving in Poça dos Frades
There are only two bathing areas in São Jorge with black sand, of volcanic origin and which are tiny beaches: Zona da Preguiça and Poça dos Frades.
Poça dos Frades is one of the best-known natural pools in the Azores, and no wonder!
The place is beautiful, and with the arrival of summer, it fills up with vacationers, sun hats and deckchairs.
Accommodation in Velas
When it comes to choosing a place to stay, I have no hesitation in recommending Quinta da Magnólia!
It’s a boutique hotel with an incredible swimming pool overlooking the Pico Volcano and the Atlantic Ocean.
What’s more, breakfast is always included and is a real temptation, with freshly baked bread, São Jorge cheese, cakes and homemade pastries.
👉 Don’t miss the opportunity to stay at Quinta da Magnólia. Book today!
Everything you need to know before visiting Velas, São Jorge
How many days do I need to visit Velas?
In my opinion, you need at least two full days to visit Velas. However, the ideal is to stay between 3-4 days, so that you have time to see and feel the region in its entirety and without rushing from one place to another.
Why is it called Velas?
Although the origin of the name Velas is uncertain, many believe it is related to the sails (velas) of the Portuguese caravels from the Age of Discovery.
Restaurants in Velas
During my trip to São Jorge I had the opportunity to try two restaurants in the center of Velas that I recommend: São Jorge Restaurant and Açor Restaurant.
Location and how to get there
Velas is the main town on the island of São Jorge, in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. It lies on the south coast of the island and is one of the region’s main urban centers.
The best way to get there is by rental car, and from São Jorge Island Airport you can expect a journey of around 5.5 km, which takes around 10 minutes.
👉 Need a rental car in São Jorge? Check it out here!
Is it worth visiting Velas?
Yes, it’s well worth visiting Velas, on the island of São Jorge, because it’s a charming town with lots of places to see and history around every corner.
*I traveled to São Jorge at the invitation of Casas Açorianas – Associação de Turismo em Espaço Rural, sponsored by Grupo SATA.
You May Also Like:
- Looking for hotels in São Jorge? I recommend Quinta da Magnólia!
- Discover São Jorge: Land of Fajãs and the Sleeping Dragon
- I Visited the São Jorge Cheese Factory, and You Should Too!
We are a Portuguese Family traveling around the world and sharing our journey and experiences at passaportenobolso.com. Here you can find plenty of family budget travel tips as well as practical information about numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. We have visited 40+ countries and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. From time to time I travel alone… Follow everything on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
