Sao Jorge Island, Azores: Fajas, Cheese and Hiking

São Jorge is a long, narrow mountain ridge rising out of the Atlantic, with sheer cliffs dropping to the sea and tiny flat strips of land at their feet called fajãs, where villages, vineyards and lagoons cling to the coast. It’s a hiker’s paradise and home to one of Portugal’s best cheeses. Here’s how to visit São Jorge.

Quick answer: hike down to the fajãs (especially Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, with its lagoon and clams), taste São Jorge cheese at a cooperative, enjoy the views of Pico across the channel, and stay in Velas. It’s linked by ferry to Pico and Faial.

The fajãs

Fajãs are small flat platforms of land at the foot of the cliffs, formed by landslides or lava flows. Many can only be reached on foot.

• Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo: the most famous, with a lagoon known for its clams and a surf break. Reached by a beautiful coastal hike from Fajã dos Cubres.
• Fajã dos Cubres: a lagoon and little village, reachable by road.
• Fajã do Ouvidor: natural lava swimming pools.

São Jorge cheese

The island’s famous firm, spicy cow’s milk cheese is aged for months. Visit a cooperative to taste it. See Portuguese cheese.

Other things to do

• Velas: the main town, with a harbour and a natural arch.
• Viewpoints along the ridge, with views to Pico and Faial.
• Hiking: many marked trails between the ridge and the fajãs.
• Canyoning in the island’s gorges, with local guides.

Getting there

• Ferry: the “Triangle” ferries link São Jorge with Pico and Faial daily.
• Flights: São Jorge’s small airport has inter-island flights.
• Car: useful for reaching trailheads.

Places to stay in Velas. More: Azores island hopping, Pico and Faial.

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