São Jorge Island Guide | Stunning Azores Island & Top 10 Places to See
Hear me out. São Jorge island may be one of the most stunning and worthwhile Azores islands to visit.
São Jorge feels untouched and rugged, and for its natural beauty sees fewer tourists than it should. This Portuguese Azores island is diverse and is blessed with stunning mountains, typical fajãs, steep cliffside hikes, natural swimming pools, and charming villages.
São Jorge is the Azores island for adventure lovers and is extremely underrated!
This general travel guide for São Jorge Island includes how to get to the island, the best things to do on São Jorge Island, the top São Jorge hiking trails, plus where to sleep.
Here’s how to make the most of a visit to the stunning island of São Jorge Azores.
Table of Contents
- What is São Jorge Azores Known for?
- Where is São Jorge Island?
- How to Visit São Jorge Azores
- How to Get Around São Jorge Island
- 10 Best Places to Visit on São Jorge Island
- Top-Rated São Jorge Hiking Trails
- Where to Stay on São Jorge Island
- Is São Jorge Island Worth Visiting?
- Conclusion | São Jorge Island A Truly Underrated Azores Island to Visit
What is São Jorge Azores Known for?
São Jorge is known as the “Brown Island” due to its rugged cliffs of shaded browns. The island is also nicknamed “Dragon Island,” and is actually how the island was named.
Legends say that Saint George (São Jorge) was able to slay a fierce dragon who lived on the island. Saint George is tied to many Christian stories as a “dragon slayer.” Today, the island is said to resemble a sleeping dragon.
The volcanic island of São Jorge is also known for the unique landforms of fajãs. Fajãs are a Portuguese word for the area at the foot of volcanic slopes where the land meets the sea. Fajãs are flat plains that are formed with a combination of volcanic activity and coastal erosion.
São Jorge is said to be home to over 70 fajãs and the island is constantly evolving.
São Jorge is also known for its distinct cheese.
Where is São Jorge Island?
São Jorge is one of the nine islands of the Azores archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal.
The island is oblong and extremely narrow. In fact, the island is only 5 miles wide (8 Km) and 35 miles (56 Km) long. São Jorge still has seismic volcanic activity and there are oftentimes voluntary evacuations with the last one happening in 2022.
São Jorge is within miles of both the islands of Pico and Faial, making it part of the “triangle group” of the Azores. Pico Island is known for its unique vineyards made from lava stone terraces and of course Portugal’s tallest mountain, Pico. Faial has the bustling port town of Horta and the Capelinhos Volcano which last erupted in 1957. Capelinhos can be included as part of the Ten Volcanoes hike.
How to Visit São Jorge Azores
São Jorge is part of the Triangle of Azores islands. The island has an airport and two ferry stations.
Both the airport and ferry terminals have plenty of car rentals. If visiting during the busy season during June, July, and August, rentals may be hard to find and must be booked in advance.
São Jorge Airport
The São Jorge Airport is located on the south of the island in between the ferry port cities of Velas and Calheta. SATA Azores Airlines offers frequent flights from both Lisbon and Porto.
There are also interisland flights between all the islands. The only non-stop interisland flights to São Jorge are from Terceira and the main island of São Miguel (Ponta Delgada).
Be mindful that flights can be canceled due to inclement weather. During my visit in June, multiple flights were canceled due to high winds and storms.
São Jorge Ferry Stations
Atlânticoline offers interisland ferry connections frequently between the triangle islands of Pico, Faial, and São Jorge. Ferry lines are labeled by color and some routes can be seasonal.
Always check the current schedule on the Atlânticoline website. Tickets can also be purchased online via the website. Ferries in the Azores are efficient and cost-effective and a few of the ferries have limited spaces for cars.
If renting a car be mindful that a majority of the car rental agencies do not allow cars to leave the island where it was rented. Therefore, if you rented a car in Pico you may not be allowed to take it on the ferry to São Jorge. Always verify with the car rental agency before booking a car space on any of the ferry lines.
➜ Green Line (Verde) | Connects Horta (Faial) and both ports of Madalena and São Roque (Pico) to Velas (São Jorge)
➜ White Line (Branca) | Connects Horta (Faial) to São Roque (Pico) to Velas (São Jorge) and continues to Terceira.
➜ Purple Line (Lilás) | Seasonal Line June – September | Connects Horta (Faial) to Madalena (Pico) to Calheta (São Jorge) and continues to Terceira
➜ Orange Line (Laranja) | Seasonal Line mid-June – mid-September | Connects São Roque (Pico) to Velas (São Jorge)
How to Get Around São Jorge Island
The easiest way to get around São Jorge is by renting a car. There are numerous car rental agencies throughout the island.
During June, July, and August car prices skyrocket with limited availability. There are also scooter rentals, but oftentimes the high mountains in the center of São Jorge are covered in fog and have limited visibility.
There are also numerous verified taxi drivers found throughout the island. Many of the hiking trails of São Jorge are linear (point to point), so a taxi driver should be arranged for pick up and drop off.
➜ Here is a list of car rental companies and verified taxis for São Jorge island
There is very limited public transportation on the island of São Jorge Azores. It is nearly impossible to rely on buses that run infrequently and stop at limited locations.
São Jorge Island Tours
Additionally, if short on time, it’s best to book a full-day tour of São Jorge.
➜ São Jorge Jorge Van Tour – Full Day with Activities hits the main highlights of the island and is highly rated on Viator.
➜ Those looking to hike and additionally see points of interest on São Jorge island can book this Walking Trail / Tour – Fajã Caldeira Santo Cristo
How Much Time Do You Need to Visit São Jorge Island?
If you love hiking, natural swimming pools, and experiencing the unique fajãs plains you’ll need more than one day in São Jorge. Three days is an ideal amount of time to see the highlights of this underrated Azores island.
Hikers will want to spend at least three days on São Jorge Island.
Personally, I fell in love with São Jorge and easily could have spent more time here. After three days, I was left wishing I could stay longer.
10 Best Places to Visit on São Jorge Island
Here are some of the top highlights of São Jorge Azores.
1 | Arco Natural de Velas & Swimming Pools
Don’t miss the beautiful natural arc found in Velas. The arch was formed by basaltic lava and is jet-black. On a bright sunny day, the arch contrasts with the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Nearby are two lovely natural swimming pools that also boast basaltic lava. Just to the west, find the Piscinas Naturais da Preguiça with a changing area and bathrooms. East of the arch are more natural pools that have amenities like umbrellas and chairs.
2 | Fajã do Ouvidor
Perhaps the most beautiful fajã on São Jorge island is Fajã de Ouvidor. Located on the rugged north side of the island, there are many highlights to see when visiting.
Take in outstanding views from Miradouro para a Faja do Ouvidor. This viewpoint is one of the most photographed spots on the entire island of São Jorge.
Head down to the lava plain and appreciate the scenic village. There is a small port and a natural swimming pool. Additionally, there is a cafe and one or two places to stay in the village.
Gazing near the shoreline, appreciate more basaltic lava arches.
Fajã do Ouvidor is also known as the access point to the Natural Pool of Simão Dias.
3 | Piscina Natural Simão Dias
Simão Dias is often called the most beautiful natural swimming pool in the Azores. Follow the rocky trail from Fajã do Ouvidor and be in awe of the intimate pool.
There are no facilities here and the pool is extremely rustic. One of the more unique features here is the prismatic lava columns formed during the cooling process.
Do not attempt to swim during rough weather and sea conditions. The black lava can be sharp on the feet, so it’s worthwhile to pack a pair of swimming shoes or hiking sandals.
On a clear and sunny day, no place on São Jorge island is more epic than the natural pool of Simão Dias.
4 | Fajã dos Cubres & Caldeira de Santo Cristo
Two more stunning fajãs on São Jorge’s north shore are Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo. Both of these fajãs are the only ones on the island that boast coastal lakes.
On the drive down to Fajã dos Cubres, stop at the Miradouro da Fajã dos Cubres and soak in those stunning views.
Fajã dos Cubres has a small cafe and only a handful of residents still live here. The town is picturesque and can be explored with ease. The coastal lagoon here is home to an old mill.
The scenic trail that connects this hamlet to Santo Cristo does not allow cars to use the road. The only way to reach Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is by foot or ATV. This village can alternatively be visited via the hilltop hiking trail PR01 SJO which includes both villages.
🥾 Fajã dos Cubres – Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo | Flat & scenic trail shared with ATVS (no cars) | Round Trip Distance: 5.25 miles (8.5 Km) | Duration: +/- 2 hours of walking, more for photos, stops, etc
The Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is part of the protected landscape area of the island. What’s unique about the lake of Caldeira da Fajã do Santo Cristo is that it is the only place on the island where clams are harvested.
The rough shores of this area make ideal conditions for surfers.
A great place to grab a drink or meal is Taberna O Convés, with a lovely outdoor patio and romantic and cozy interior. Make sure to stroll through the village and appreciate the many viewpoints throughout the hamlet.
5 | Cascata do Cruzal
While São Jorge isn’t especially known for its waterfalls, there is a nice waterfall located on the eastern side of the island. Not far from Topo is the small parish of Santo Antão. A short walk from the main road is the small but lovely waterfall. The falls have a small pool to swim or soak your feet.
Just down the road from this waterfall is the Finisterra Cheese Factory of Topo.
☛ Psst… Some of my favorite waterfall hikes are on São Miguel island, like the special Janela do Inferno hike, or the two waterfalls of Salto do Prego and Cagarrão, and the hike to Salto do Cabrito that includes an option to stop at the most local hot springs on São Miguel.
6 | Cafe Nunes
Cafe Nunes is a coffee shop on São Jorge island that also boasts its very own coffee plantation. In fact, this is one of the few coffee plantations in Europe and the only one in Portugal!
Cafe Nunes is located on the south coast of São Jorge on the scenic Fajã dos Vimes. The Fajã dos Vimes is another lovely fajã on the island that has a few places to stay.
The coffee is organic and picked by hand. It grows in the garden right behind the coffee shop and is run by a friendly local family. Stop in for a tour, or simply savor a fresh cup of coffee that comes literally steps away from the table. Cafe Nunes also sells pastries and cheesecakes.
The family also utilizes traditional weaving techniques on looms. Purchase anything from quilts to other handicrafts.
7 | Miradouro do Morro Das Velas
The Miradouro do Morro Das Velas is not an officially registered trail on the island, but is more of a local hiking trail. The trail is not well marked, but easy to follow. An offline map will definitely come in handy.
The trail begins behind the Ermida Nossa Senhora do Livramento and climbs up the hillside. Appreciate the views of the unique rock formations and the goats that now graze on the green pastures of the crater rim. There are also lovely views of Velas village.
The ruins that remain are of an old whaling lookout. To visit this beautiful place safely, stay on the trail and avoid stepping too close to the steep drop-off edges of the cliff.
Even without hiking to the viewpoint, there are nice views of the rock formation from Miradouro Entre Morros.
8 | São Jorge Cheese Factory (Uniqueijo)
Uniqueijo is a large cooperative cheese factory on São Jorge island. The factory oversees four cooperatives on the island including Finisterra, Lourais, Beira, and Norte Pequeno. São Jorge is a DOP cheese, meaning that it is a Protected Designation of Origin product. The island has been making artisan cheese since the 15th century.
The cheese is made from cow’s milk and is semi-cured or hard-cured cheese that has a little bit of a spicy zip. The cheese is cured for a minimum of three months with the stronger cheeses being cured up to 24 months.
The Uniqueijo Cheese Factory produces, stores, cures, and distributes the delicious São Jorge cheese.
It’s possible to visit the cheese factory and watch the entire process from the early stages of fitting the cheese in a mold and walking through the storage facilities. Notice the packaging? It’s Saint Jorge riding his horse and slaying a dragon.
There are no photographs allowed during the tour. You’ll be handed sanitary overalls, hair nets, and shoe covers before entering the processing area. All jewelry must be removed and stowed in lockers. Tours are available in English.
The Cheese Factory Tour on São Jorge is well done and is informative and worth it!
Before or after the tour, stop in the cafe where there are free São Jorge cheese samples. There is also a cafe with limited snacks available.
Uniqueijo Cheese Tours São Jorge | Find it here: Canadinha Nova | Tours Available: Monday – Friday: 9:30 -11:30 & 13:00 – 16:00, but may have to wait for availability | Duration: 45 minutes | Tour Price: €5 | Facebook Page
9 | Ponta dos Rosais
Ponta dos Rosais is located on the most western point of São Jorge island. The area is part of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark and includes an abandoned lighthouse.
The west coast of São Jorge is prone to strong storms, earthquakes, and rockslides and the surrounding grounds near the lighthouse are extremely fragile.
It is not possible to enter the lighthouse. Additionally, the area around the lighthouse has steep jagged cliffs. The land is fragile and unstable and is prone to powerful storms and seismic activity. The lighthouse caretakers were evacuated in the 1980s, and since then, the lighthouse has been powered by automatic lamps.
A popular lookout in Ponta dos Rosais is the Vigia da Baleia observation deck. This viewpoint was originally used by locals to spot whales.
10 | Pico da Esperança
Pico da Esperança is the highest point on São Jorge island. The mountain top is 3,455 feet tall (1,053m) and makes for an awesome viewpoint. On a clear day, have stunning views of Pico island and the tallest mountain in Portugal, Pico. There are also stellar views of Faial.
Sadly, the high mountains had cloud coverage my entire visit, so I was not able to see Pico da Esperança even though I passed it a few times!
Top-Rated São Jorge Hiking Trails
São Jorge island is a hiker’s paradise. Many of the trails are untouched and see very few visitors.
There are 7 officially registered day hike trails on São Jorge island and one grand route consisting of two stages.
Many of the hiking trails on São Jorge are steep! Make sure to wear a good pair of trail running shoes or a supportive hiking boot. With steep ascents, hiking poles are useful, especially with muddy trails.
Always carry a well-stocked day pack with a first-aid kit, emergency blanket, battery pack power bank, refillable and lightweight water bottle, and rain jacket!
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Fajã de Além PRC05 SJO
Just to the west of Norte Grande is the fabulous loop trail of Fajã de Alêm. This epic trail is short in distance, but is steep, making it a challenge.
The trail begins near a hermitage chapel and boasts epic views of São Jorge’s north shore. On a clear day, it might be possible to snag a very distant view of the Terceira and Graciosa islands.
The steep downhill trail has views of the Alem Fajã almost the entire way. There is a chance to walk by beautiful stone homes and agricultural crops. The black stone homes are stunning with the green-covered mountains in the backdrop.
A highlight is seeing the old watermill of “Moinho do Sr. Moisés.”
Begin the climb back up the hillside. The steep ascent includes a trickling waterfall and epic views of the fajã you were walking on moments ago.
The trail turns to concrete where there is a bench and viewpoint. Follow the signmakers back to the chapel where the trail began.
- Loop Trail | Fajã de Além – PRC 05 SJO
- Trailhead: Near the Chapel here
- Official Trail Markers: PRC 05 SJO is well-marked with red and yellow blazes and wooden signboards
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Total Distance: Almost 3 miles (4.7 Km)
- Excursion Duration: +/- 3 hours
- My Personal Hiking Stats: 3.06 miles / 2 hours 15 minutes / Wikiloc Trail
Norte Pequeno PRC06 SJO
Norte Pequeno is another rare loop trail found on São Jorge Azores. This trail starts near the church of Igreja de São Lázaro in the village of Norte Pequeno. The trail descends to Fajã do Mero, continues to Fajã da Penedia, and onto Fajã das Pontas.
After visiting Fajã das Pontas, head back and follow the steep trail back up to the church.
This loop trail includes viewpoints of the fajãs and steep ascents and descents through the fertile green landscapes.
- Loop Trail | Norte Pequeno PRC 06 SJO
- Trailhead: near São Lazaro Chruch Norte Pequeno
- Official Trail Markers: PRC 06 SJO is well-marked with yellow and red blazes
- Difficulty: Moderate for the steep ascents and descents
- Total Distance: 6.75 miles (10.8 Km)
- Excursion Duration: +/- 3 hours
- My Personal Hiking Stats: 5.6 miles / 2.5 hours
Serra do Topo – Caldeira do Santo Cristo – Fajã dos Cubres PR01 SJO
By far one of the most popular hiking trails in the Azores is the PR 01 trail that starts from the Eolic Park of Serra do Topo. The official starting point twists down the mountains and visits two beautiful places on São Jorge island, Caldeira de Santo Cristo, and Fajã dos Cubres.
Weather is a big factor on this hike as the elevation at Serra do Topo is just under 2,300 feet (700 meters) and descends to almost sea level. Serra do Topo is the starting point for two trailheads. Make sure to follow the trail north in the direction of Santo Cristo and not south to Fajã dos Vimes.
This is a point-to-point trail, so a taxi is essential for at least one leg of the hike.
- Point to Point Trail | Serra do Topo – Caldeira do Santo Cristo – Fajã dos Cubres – PR 01 SJO
- Trailhead: Serra Topo Parking & Information Board
- Official Trail Markers: PR 01 SJO is well-marked with yellow and red blazes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total Distance: 6 miles (9.5 Km)
- Excursion Duration: +/- 2.5 hours
I couldn’t do this hike due to bad weather in the high mountains. Alternatively, the path from Cubres to Santo Cristo is worth walking, especially if you have a rental car. The enjoyable path can be done as an out-and-back trail from Faja dos Cubres.
Grand Route of São Jorge Island Azores | GR01 SJO & GR02 SJO
São Jorge island has its grand route that moves from east to west across the island. The route starts in the eastern village of Topo and follows the south coast. The route crosses to the north shore of the island and ends at the western point of Ponta dos Rosais.
Due to mudslides, unstable grounds, and rockslides, sections of the Grand Route of São Jorge can be shut. I found the Tourist Information Center in Velas to be extremely helpful in showing which trail sections were closed. Currently, a trail section on GR 01 SJO is closed.
This Grand Route spans almost 92 Km (57 miles), typically takes 4 or 5 days, and includes a majority of the highlights of São Jorge island. Be mindful that there is little infrastructure along the trekking route, so guesthouses and local stays should be arranged beforehand. Wild camping is forbidden in the Azores.
- Point to Point Trail | Great Route of São Jorge GR 01 & GR 02 (Two Stages)
- Trailhead: Topo Village
- Official Trail Markers: The Grand Route is well-marked with yellow and red blazes and informative signboards
- Difficulty: HARD
- Total Distance: 57 miles (92 Km)
- Excursion Duration: 4-5 days
☛ Psst… The Grand Route of Santa Maria is an amazing Azores multi-day trek with awesome infrastructure.
Places to Stay on São Jorge Island
São Jorge is quite remote so some people only visit the island as a day trip with an organized tour.
Most people stay in the municipality of Velas. Another popular place to stay in São Jorge is the municipal of Calheta, which has the Azores Youth Hostel of São Jorge.
Most São Jorge accommodation options are found along the south coast.
I loved staying at Marficas Hostel near Urzelina. Tania welcomes guests and is a super host. She truly wants all of her guests to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of São Jorge island. Tania goes above and beyond to assist her guests with restaurant recommendations, taxis, treks, and more. The hostel itself has a fantastic kitchen, shared and private rooms, balconies, and a parking lot, and is super clean.
Urzelina Pueblo has everything you need
Those who want to appreciate the solitude of the north coast can stay at the luxurious self-catering apartments of Kuanza Nature Experience on Fajã do Belo near Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo. In Caldeira de Santo Cristo, find the top-rated Caldeira Guesthouse.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay on São Jorge Island (Ilha São Jorge)
Is São Jorge Island Worth Visiting?
Yes! São Jorge island is worth visiting. In fact, it was my favorite Azores island that I had the privilege to explore. São Jorge is best for travelers who love hikes and adventures, getting off the beaten path, and wish to discover the unique beauty of the fajãs.
The tourism infrastructure isn’t as established as other Azores islands, but that’s kind of the charm of São Jorge island.
Conclusion | São Jorge Might Be the Best Azores Island to Visit
In short, this is the complete travel guide to São Jorge Azores. This stunning and underrated island is known for its distinctive fajãs, or lava plains formed by erosion. São Jorge is also known as the Dragon Island for its folklore with Saint Jorge.
São Jorge shines with epic natural landscapes, charming towns, cheese factories, a coffee plantation, worthwhile hikes, and waterfalls.
Rugged São Jorge may be the most memorable Azores island to visit.
Have you been to São Jorge Island of the Azores? What did you think?
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