Things to do on São Jorge, Azores: from Fajãs to hikes and canyoning
São Jorge Island, part of the Azores archipelago, offers a rich blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Known as the Island of Fajãs, São Jorge is celebrated for its stunning coastal plains, vibrant marine life, unique volcanic landscapes, and beautiful beaches, making it a top destination for hiking, fishing, scuba diving, and surfing.
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo
As a protected nature reserve, it features an underground cave, a lagoon, and stunning views of the Atlantic. The lagoon is famous for its fleshy cockles, a delicacy in the island’s gastronomy, found only in this region of the Azores. It’s also a prime spot for surfing, thanks to its impressive Atlantic swells, drawing surfers from all over the world. For hikers, the trail to this fajã offers breathtaking views of the island’s cliffs, flora, and coastline.
Pico da Esperança
The island’s highest peak at 3,455 feet (1,053 m), Pico da Esperança offers panoramic views of the Azorean central group islands. The hike up the peak provides incredible vistas, making it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers.
Photo by Pedro Sousa on Unsplash
Topo Islet
Located on the eastern tip of São Jorge, the Topo Islet is a designated natural reserve and an essential breeding ground for gulls and other migratory seabirds. This small islet is an ideal spot for birdwatchers, as it is home to various species that travel through the Azores.
Photo by Paul Taton on Unsplash
Urzelina and Furnas da Pombas
Near the town of Urzelina, visitors can explore Furnas da Pombas, a unique volcanic rock formation inhabited by wild pigeons. Urzelina is also home to the iconic tower of an ancient church, the only remnant of a building destroyed by the 1808 eruption of Pico da Esperança. This historic site adds cultural depth to the island’s natural landscape.
Manadas Village and Santa Barbara Church
Manadas is a charming village known for its traditional country houses surrounded by orchards and farmland. The village’s standout attraction is the Church of Santa Barbara, built in the 18th century. This baroque-style church features a beautifully carved cedar roof and a collection of hand-painted tiles illustrating scenes from the life of Saint Barbara. The intricate details and historical significance make it a must-see for visitors interested in Azorean heritage.
Outdoor Adventures
Fishing and Scuba Diving
The coastal waters around São Jorge are rich in marine life, making the island a paradise for sports fishermen and scuba divers. Divers can explore diverse underwater ecosystems teeming with fish, while fishermen can enjoy abundant catches along the coastline.
Hiking and Trekking
With its fajãs, deep ravines, and volcanic cones, São Jorge is often considered the best trekking destination in the Azores after São Miguel. The island’s hiking trails offer thrilling landscapes, including wildflower-filled meadows, views of extinct volcanic cones, and steep ravines that descend to the sea. Trails like the route to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo are especially popular among trekking enthusiasts.
Surfing
For surfers, Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is a must-visit spot. Known for its consistent swells, this fajã has become one of the most popular surfing destinations in the Azores, attracting surfers looking for challenging waves set against a stunning natural backdrop.
Canyoning
São Jorge’s rugged landscape, filled with waterfalls and deep ravines, makes it a prime location for canyoning. Adventure seekers can experience the thrill of rappelling down waterfalls, jumping into natural pools, and exploring hidden canyons in areas like Fajã dos Cubres and Ribeira Funda.
Top Beaches on São Jorge Island
While São Jorge’s rugged coastline is known for its dramatic cliffs and fjord-like fajãs, the island also has some lovely beaches that are perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the unique landscape. Here are the top three beaches in São Jorge:
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo
This popular beach is part of the famous Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo nature reserve, known for its lagoon with clear waters and beautiful views of the coast.
Fajã dos Vimes
Fajã dos Vimes is a picturesque spot on São Jorge’s southern coast, known for its unique coffee plantations and warm, welcoming beach area. The beach here is perfect for swimming and relaxing, with the added charm of being close to local artisans who produce handicrafts like hand-woven quilts.
Fajã das Almas
Fajã das Almas is located on the south side of the island and features a small, charming beach surrounded by lush green hills and volcanic rock formations. Known for its natural pools, this beach offers a calm area for swimming and snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore São Jorge’s underwater beauty. It’s a quieter, more secluded beach, ideal for a relaxing day in nature.
Know more about São Jorge or the other Azores islands! Book your perfect vacation now with our tour packages for one or more islands!