Fajã das Almas: A Paradise Forgotten in Time

Fajã das Almas lies by the sea and boasts an enormous wealth of fauna and flora, making it a rural paradise forgotten in time. There are currently only around five permanent residents in this Azorean town. Fajã das Almas is located in the parish of Manadas, in the municipality of Velas, on the south coast of the island of São Jorge. Here, you can enjoy walks along the coast surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. In this article, we’ll talk about this beautiful fajã and point out the places of interest that you can’t miss during your stay on the island.

What is Fajã das Almas

The many fertile cultivated areas and one or two white houses that line this magnificent seaside landscape characterize Fajã das Almas, also known as Fajã do Calhau. In 1891, Fajã do Calhau had a population of 78 inhabitants, but over time, this number has decreased significantly, currently reaching approximately five permanent residents.

However, due to its easier accessibility, there has been an increase in the number of reconstructions, mainly carried out by emigrants. This beautiful Fajã is rich in ancient customs and traditions, one of which is handicrafts. Here, artisans handcraft wicker baskets, which people mainly used for harvesting and other agricultural work in the past.

In addition to the natural heritage, take the opportunity to discover the various tourist attractions of Fajã das Almas. Here, you can enjoy peaceful moments with your family and friends.

Fauna and Flora

Fajã das Almas lies by the coast and is surrounded by green slopes, making this place uniquely beautiful on the island. The Fajã is currently part of the Fajã das Almas Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species.

Did you know

The Fajã das Almas Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species covers around 97.1 hectares.

In this protected area, you can find various species in their habitat. You will, therefore, be able to observe the fauna here:

• Birds: Roseate Tern and Common Tern; Cory’s Shearwater; Gull; Sparrowhawk; Blackbird; Kite; Mallard; Goose, among others.
• Pisces: Chicharro, Mackerel, Conger, Fork beard, Rockfish, among others.

In terms of flora, you’ll find the following specimens: heather, beech, white wood, Vidalia, and sea fennel, among others. Given its agricultural past, the region commonly features yam, banana trees, coffee, and maize.

What to Do in Fajã das Almas

In this parish, as well as enjoying unique moments, you can take the opportunity to visit and get to know the region’s two monuments:

• Ermida de Santo Cristo: built in 1876. However, in September 1880, the chapel suffered a fire, and its reconstruction was promoted by the Baron of Ribeiro and blessed in January 1882;
• Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Almas: curiously, this Christian temple also suffered a fire in which it was practically destroyed — reconstruction work was necessary;

Don’t forget to visit the natural heritage of Fajã do Calhau:

• Fajã das Almas Viewpoint: with breathtaking views over one of the most beautiful fajãs in São Jorge and the island of Pico;
• Poça da Fajã das Almas: a bathing area with clear water and magnificent views over the island of Pico;
• Fajã das Almas Harbour.

Plan Your Visit to Fajã das Almas

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Fajã das Almas, on São Jorge Island, Azores, is during the spring (April to June) and summer (July to September) months. During this period, the climate is milder, and the temperatures are more pleasant for exploring the region and enjoying the natural landscapes. In addition, the flora will be lush, and many outdoor activities, such as hiking, boat trips, and visits to vineyards and orchards, will be possible. The climate in the Azores can be unstable throughout the year, so you should be prepared for weather variations, even during the warmer seasons.

How to Get to Fajã das Almas

From the town of Velas, in the direction of Fajã das Almas, you have to travel around 16 kilometers via the N1 and EN1 to reach your destination. To travel this route, you have several options at your disposal, so you can choose to drive yourself:

• Car: 20 minutes;
• Public transport: 2 hours and 30 minutes;
• Bicycle: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

However, if you choose to hike, you can do it on foot. It will take approximately 4 hours.

Nearby Attractions

Discover Urzelina

Urzelina is a true seaside paradise, located 7.5 kilometers from Fajã das Almas. This pretty village is a parish in the municipality of Velas, on the island of São Jorge. This village lies by the sea, where you can enjoy beautiful walks along the coast, surrounded by typical windmills and breathtaking landscapes.

In this parish, you can enjoy unique moments with your family and friends, and you can take the opportunity to visit and get to know the region’s vast cultural and historical heritage. Here are some suggestions:

• Tower of the Church of Urzelina;
• Church of São Mateus;
• Furna das Pombas (Cave);
• Urzelina Volcano;
• Ponta dos Casteletes Viewpoint;
• Urzelina Natural Pools.

Explore the Municipality and City of Velas

Velas boasts a rich historical, cultural, and religious heritage, including museums, churches, and forts, offering a captivating architectural variety. So, if you’re passing through, take the opportunity to stroll through the city’s typical streets and explore its true essence. In addition, this city is the largest on the island and affectionately carries the nickname Cheese Capital of the Azores, offering a wide range of São Jorge cheeses to taste.

Here, you will also find the natural pools of Poça dos Frades and the Preguiça bathing area, which offer a unique diving experience. Volcanic rocks surround the crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the islands of Pico and Faial are also available.

Inland, the Fajãs offer exuberant landscapes:

• Fajã do Ouvidor, with the Poça Simão Dias natural pool;
• Fajã d’Além with its beautiful orchards full of fruit trees.

Visit Calheta de São Jorge

Calheta de São Jorge was founded in 1483 and formally declared a town in 1534. It is a peaceful town on the south coast of São Jorge, in the Azores. With around 4,000 inhabitants, it has an iconic 16th-century church that has withstood fires and earthquakes and been rebuilt three times. From Calheta Harbour, visitors can enjoy exciting activities such as coasteering on the cliffs or canoeing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest on São Jorge Island: Fajã das Almas | Fajã dos Cubres | Fajã de Santo Cristo | Fajã do Ouvidor | Fajã dos Vimes | Urzelina

Complementary Information

Best Season to Visit the Azores

The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.

→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

How to Get to the Azores

The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place.

For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!

• Azores airports 🛬
• Flights between islands ✈️
• Ferries between islands ⛴️
• Which island to choose? 🏝️
• What airlines fly to the Azores 🛩️

→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!

Azorean Travel Essentials

Essential Information for Your Azores Trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️

Useful Tools & Apps

The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.

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Conclusion

Fajã das Almas has a unique beauty, the result of the singular landscapes that surround it. This is the ideal place to enjoy walks by the sea with your family and friends, taking advantage of the serenity and tranquility. This is the destination of choice for those looking for an area to rest and relax. Visitors can also visit many natural tourist attractions and historical monuments. What are you waiting for to visit São Jorge Island? Come and discover this rural paradise forgotten in time.

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