São Jorge Island Must-See Highlights
The Azores is among the most lush and lovely islands in the world. One of the Azores Island's tiny havens of serenity, São Jorge (or as some call it San Jorge, Azores) is perfectly suited for every traveler seeking an idyllic escape to paradise. Boasting an abundance of captivating cliffs and craggy coastlines, and filled with picturesque fajãs peeking around nearly every corner, your Azores Island holiday will be time well spent – from land to sea – when choosing São Jorge.
So, what makes São Jorge so amazing and unique? Here is a list of our top highlights when visiting your Azores Islands vacation.
1. Municipality of Velas
As most capital cities go, São Jorge Island's capital of Velas is tiny by comparison. But don't let that deter you, despite its small size, Velas has an abundance of life, charm, and charisma that lend it to being among our top spots in São Jorge to make a day of it simply strolling around and soaking up the island's energy and history.
You will instantly feel a warm welcome from the locals in this open and inviting porty city, as island residents are known for their affable demeanors and are always happy to tell you all about their beloved island. As far as what there is to see in Velas, don't miss the Jardim da Praça da República, a gorgeous public square found right at the city's center. It seriously looks like it came straight from a movie set, like “Footloose” or some other grandiose film, with its cheery red bandstand and small-town vibe. Just be careful, this city is so appealing, that you might just never want to leave!
Find out our guided tours in São Jorge Island, here!
2. São Jorge Cheese
If you are a lover and appreciator of good food, especially amazing wine and cheese, a visit for a tasting tour of São Jorge Island in the Azores will be a highlight of your life. Although many amazing tastes and flavors are awaiting in the Azores to be tried when on your São Jorge Island vacation, you must be sure and sample the local island cheese. After all, there is a reason visitors travel from across the globe to get their hands on a wheel of this golden goodness!
Wannabe a part of São Jorge Cheese's Production, check our tour here!
3. Fajã do Ouvidor
The Fajã do Ouvidor stands as a silent witness to the raw power of nature, born from the fiery eruptions of Pico da Esperança and sculpted by the relentless forces of time. It emerges from the rugged cliffs of São Jorge's northern coast, a testament to the ever-shifting landscape of our world.
5. Poça Simão Dias
The Simão Dias natural swimming pool sits within the stunning landscape of Fajã do Ouvidor, a renowned lava fajã along São Jorge's Northern coast. Widely regarded as a natural paradise, Simão Dias Pond is among the most iconic attractions on the island. Its geological marvel lies in the display of prismatic disjunctions within the cliff faces, characterized by striking vertical columns of basalt.
You can also be a part of a snorkeling tour in Poça Simão Dias, learn more here!
4. Poça da Preguiça
Preguiça stands out as a premier bathing destination on São Jorge island, drawing visitors with its pristine shores and top-notch amenities. Boasting exceptional support facilities, this coastal haven offers everything from convenient access points to well-maintained facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. But it's not just the infrastructure that captivates; Preguiça's crystal-clear waters beckon to scuba divers, promising exhilarating underwater adventures amidst vibrant marine life.
5. Santa Catarina Tuna
São Jorge tuna is legendary, as the island's producers take the famously fresh tuna caught from the sea and place it directly in the tin. The taste tells the tale (or tail?!) and speaks for itself of the freshness difference. And when you go to Sant Catarina, where the famous factory is found in São Jorge Island, not only will you get to purchase your tuna straight from the producers, but you will also be able to save a bit (this popular tinned treasure is cheaper here than anyone else), and you will find a ton of varieties to choose among – so, you could have a different tuna every day of the week if you want! And if you want to go all out and immerse yourself in learning all about São Jorge, Azores tuna, you can even take a guided tour of the factory!
6. Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse
Found on São Jorge’s western coast, the panorama view afforded by lookout point Ponta dos Rosais will leave you speechless. Not only is the scenery stunning but a romantic relic will steal your heart here – an abandoned lighthouse overlooking the churning sea below. We think it honestly looks like it was taken straight from the book cover of a romance novel!
7. Espécies of São Jorge
You have undoubtedly heard the popular adage about sugar and spice and everything nice. Well, that describes the most popular regional sweet originating in São Jorge, fittingly called “espécies” (spices). Locals and visitors alike go wild over these tiny, ring-shaped cookies that are made from scratch on the island. Imagine savoring a sweet sampling of espécies – your palate picking up subtle and unique notes of anise, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. Mmmm, right? Talk about the best of both worlds! These tasty local treasures are sugar, spice, and quite nice!
8. Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo
This fajã, possibly one of the most beautiful and undoubtedly the most famous fajã on São Jorge island, lies between Fajã dos Tijolos and Fajã Redonda. In 1984, it was classified as a Natural Reserve by the Regional Government of the Azores, primarily due to the presence of clams in its lagoon called Lagoa da Fajã de Santo Cristo.
Later, it was designated as a site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance), recognizing its lagoon as a vital habitat for aquatic birds.
9. Fajã dos Cubres
The Fajã dos Cubres, carved from the crumbling cliffs along Ribeira Seca's northern coast, is a testament to nature's relentless power. This enduring debris field, shaped by the tumultuous dance between land and sea, tells a tale of resilience and adaptation. Each rock and pebble speaks of the eternal struggle for survival, weaving a narrative of destruction and creation. In its rugged beauty, the Fajã dos Cubres offers a glimpse into São Jorge's raw power, where nature shapes not just the land but also the human experience.
10. Moinhos dos Mistérios
Moinhos dos Misqtérios stand proudly along the coastal line of Urzelina, a testament to the island's rich history. Some are strategically positioned near the coast, harnessing the power of the sea winds. Among them, you'll find abandoned or incomplete mills of various types: two rotating wood mills of the "Faial" style, a rotating wood mill of the "São Jorge" style, and two fixed stone mills also of the "São Jorge" style.
11. Topo Islet
Topo Islet, also known as Ilhéu do Topo in Portuguese, is a lush, uninhabited piece of land located just off the extreme southeastern tip of São Jorge Island in the Azores. This picturesque islet remains untouched by permanent human settlements or structures. However, before its designation as a nature reserve, Topo Islet attracted visitors who came to camp and spearfish in its pristine waters. In acknowledgment of its importance as a habitat for marine birds, the regional Legislative Assembly of the Azores declared Topo Islet a "partial" nature reserve in 1984, ensuring its protection and preservation for generations to come.
12. Nunes Coffe Plantation
Café Nunes, renowned for its Café da Fajã dos Vimes, is located in Fajã dos Vimes on the southern coast of São Jorge Island, within the parish of Rica Seca, part of the municipality of Calheta. With a population of around 70 residents, this picturesque hamlet attracts many tourists eager to sample its delightful coffee, recognized for being the only coffee produced in Europe for a long time. Behind the café owner's home lies a small coffee plantation, lovingly tended by the family themselves, ensuring its organic quality and distinctive texture and aroma.
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!
