São Jorge

Looking like a green dragon emerging from the Atlantic Ocean, everything about São Jorge island is truly beautiful: from its range of mountains and its welcoming people to its delicious cheese and wonderful costal pools. If you want to be in contact with nature and love exploring breathtaking landscapes by foot, this island is all you can dream of. Some local secret spots are yet to be discovered by travellers as the gorgeous nature of São Jorge is full of surprises. There is so much to experience in one of the wildest and greenest island of the Azores. Lose yourself in the many Fajãs, take time to know this island because one thing is for sure: You will want to come back.

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Places you must visit in São Jorge island

Browse the best things to do to start planning your visit

Calheta de São Jorge

This little harbor is a gate to diverse outdoor adventures. It is one of the oldest settlements of São Jorge and once, this same harbor was a important place for trades in Azores.

Velas

Bordered by the Atlantic and displaying wonderful natural landscapes, Velas’ beauty cannot be denied. Discover unique waterfalls, and tiny villages with welcoming people.

Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo

It is a magical place! This nature reserve is considered a sanctuary for surf and bodyboard lovers. In this fajã, you can also go hiking or kayaking in the lagoon!

Fajã de São João

This is the biggest Fajã on the south coast of the island. Despite many attacks by privateers and a big earthquake, the village survived and is nowadays a popular summer getaway destination.

Fajã dos Cubres

This place presents a variety of landscapes with a vibrant green where we find endemic flora, such as Azores juniper and Holly, This is an iconic place in São Jorge.

Fajã dos Vimes

It is there that you can taste the coffee produced on the island. Don’t leave São Jorge without a sip of this unique beverage. Take also some time to wander in the village.

Ponta do Topo

This is “the end of São Jorge”. From there you can see the Islet of Topo. It’s believed that cows swim until there in the summer for greener pastures. Down the hill, there is a natural pool.

Pico da Esperança

The highest point of the island is the best place for stunning views. From up there, observe the “dormant dragon” as well as the other 4 islands around. It is quite a fantastic panorama!

Poça Simão Dias

It is one of the most beautiful and famous natural pools in the whole Azores. A dip in these crystal clear waters protected by lava rocks in curious shapes will refresh you for a lifetime!

Ponta dos Rosais

At the Western end of the island, there is an abandoned lighthouse hidden inside a deep forest. You can find as well a viewpoint up the hill, offering a great view over the ocean.

Urzelina

A quiet village by the ocean with a charming walk by the coast plenty of different landscapes, including typical windmills.

Calheta de São Jorge

This little harbor is a gate to diverse outdoor adventures. It is one of the oldest settlements of São Jorge and once, this same harbor was a important place for trades in Azores.

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks
– Swimsuit and towel

Best Season to Visit +

Velas

Bordered by the Atlantic and displaying wonderful natural landscapes, Velas’ beauty cannot be denied. Discover unique waterfalls, and tiny villages with welcoming people.

What to take? +

– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo

It is a magical place! This nature reserve is considered a sanctuary for surf and bodyboard lovers. In this fajã, you can also go hiking or kayaking in the lagoon!

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

Fajã de São João

This is the biggest Fajã on the south coast of the island. Despite many attacks by privateers and a big earthquake, the village survived and is nowadays a popular summer getaway destination.

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

Fajã dos Cubres

This place presents a variety of landscapes with a vibrant green where we find endemic flora, such as Azores juniper and Holly, This is an iconic place in São Jorge.

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

Fajã dos Vimes

It is there that you can taste the coffee produced on the island. Don’t leave São Jorge without a sip of this unique beverage. Take also some time to wander in the village.

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

Ponta do Topo

This is “the end of São Jorge”. From there you can see the Islet of Topo. It’s believed that cows swim until there in the summer for greener pastures. Down the hill, there is a natural pool.

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

This eastern end of São Jorge with its flat islet is very photogenic. Around it, you can find a hidden waterfall, a swimming pool by the rocks, a lighthouse, and a beautiful viewpoint. Vineyards are also present, sharing the land with corn plantations.

Pico da Esperança

The highest point of the island is the best place for stunning views. From up there, observe the “dormant dragon” as well as the other 4 islands around. It is quite a fantastic panorama!

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

Poça Simão Dias

It is one of the most beautiful and famous natural pools in the whole Azores. A dip in these crystal clear waters protected by lava rocks in curious shapes will refresh you for a lifetime!

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks
– Swimsuit and towel

Best Season to Visit +

Ponta dos Rosais

At the Western end of the island, there is an abandoned lighthouse hidden inside a deep forest. You can find as well a viewpoint up the hill, offering a great view over the ocean.

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks

Best Season to Visit +

Urzelina

A quiet village by the ocean with a charming walk by the coast plenty of different landscapes, including typical windmills.

What to take? +

– Comfortable shoes
– A raincoat or jacket
– Sunscreen and hat
– Camera or smartphone
– Water and snacks
– Swimsuit and towel

Best Season to Visit +

What people think about

more than 15.000 reviews

It’s impressive that we haven’t found anybody during our walking tour. It was amazing the communion with nature. It feels that nature is still untouched.

Andrea Sievers, Germany

Plan your visit

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the top things to do and see on São Jorge island?

São Jorge island is a paradise for nature lovers, with its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and lush vegetation. Top attractions include the Fajãs, unique coastal plains formed by volcanic activity, and the Pico da Esperança, the highest point on the island, offering breathtaking views. Other must-see places are the Caldeira de Santo Cristo, a natural lagoon, and the Velas marina, the island’s main town, famous for its traditional architecture and picturesque harbor.

When is the best time to visit São Jorge island?

The best time to visit São Jorge island is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed fully. However, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall also offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit. Winter months can be chilly and wet, but it’s also the time to witness the island’s lush green landscapes and blooming flowers.

How do I get to São Jorge island?

You can reach São Jorge island by plane or ferry. SATA/Azores Airlines operates regular flights to the island from the main airports in the Azores, including Ponta Delgada and Terceira. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the neighboring islands of Pico or Faial.

What are the best places to stay on São Jorge island?

São Jorge island offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. The most popular areas to stay are in Velas, the island’s main town, where you can find a range of options to suit all budgets and preferences, or in the countryside, for a more tranquil and scenic experience.

What is the weather like on São Jorge island, and what should I pack?

The weather on São Jorge island is mild and temperate, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in winter to 22°C (72°F) in summer. It’s important to pack accordingly, including waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes for hiking. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen for the beach!

What airlines fly to Sao Miguel, Azores?

What to do in Sao Miguel when raining?

The weather in the Azores isn’t always sunny, as you may already know. But fortunately, there is a lot to be seen other than the incredible volcanos and some other outdoor spots. Only in Ponta Delgada you have a lot of interesting museums, beautiful churches, the Farmer’s Market, the Gruta do Carvão, between many other interesting places to visit.

Check out our Search Tours to find all the different experiences we offer and get in touch with us via chat, email, or phone if you need some extra help to decide what to do.

What is the best season for bird watching in São Miguel island?

It all depends on what you want to see. For resident species, the best season is summertime, even if they are here all year round, this is the time of the year we can easier spot them. For migratory birds, the best time is at the end of winter, during the springtime and also at the beginning of autumn.

Quick Facts

ABOUT

Language

The native language is Portuguese, although the accent varies between the islands according to the cultural roots of the island’s first settlers.

The Azoreans easily master English, French and German.

Currency

The unit of currency is the EURO (€).

Only banks exchange money, which are open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Visitors can use credit cards, usually with the establishments that accept them displaying stickers indicating this.

Transportation

Air: All the islands of the Azores are served by air, through the operator Sata Regional – Air Açores.

Sea: Sea connections between all the islands are provided from May to October by the Atlânticoline shipping company, and the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge have connections all year round by Transmaçor and Expresso do Triângulo.

Land: There is a network of buses, cabs and rent-a-cars on all the islands.