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São Jorge
São Jorge is situated
in the same group of islands as Faial and Pico, some 15 km from
the island of Pico. Its size is 53 km (east-west) by 8 km (north-south).
The island has some 10,500 inhabitants. On São Jorge there are many
places with beautiful nature, which inspires to walks
into the countryside.
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São Jorge
is well known for the tasteful cheese produced on
the island. São Jorge is just as many Azorean islands
a volcanic island, without sandy beaches. It is possible
to take a ferry from São Jorge to Faial, Pico and Terceira.
The ferry to Pico and Faial departs several times
during the daytime. The ferry to Terceira Faial departs
a few times a week. The airport is situated close to Velas.
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São Jorge Highlights
Villages and Culture
- Velas, the island capital: the city hall ( Pacos
do Conselho), Jardim Botanico, Igreja Matriz
de Sao Jorge, Arte Sacra Museum, de
Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, Forte de Nossa
Senhora da Conceicao and the City Hall and the Marina
- Calheta: Igreja da Santa
Catarina, Santa
Casa da Misericordia, city hall and touris info.
- Manadas: - Igreja de Santa
Barbara (national monument)
- Topo, located at the east
point of the island: Igreja
Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosario, Convento
Franciscano de Sao Diogo, Ponta do Topo
- Ribeira Seca: Igreja
de Sao Tiago Maior,and the Casa Gaspar Silva
- Urzelina: Torre
da Antiga Igreja de Sao Mateus (Bell Tower rises
from the lava), Igreja de Sao Mateus, Forte de
Castelinho, Centro de Exposicao Rural
- Fajã da Caldeira
do Santo Cristo is famous for its’ delicious cockles
Nature
- The Topo islet,
at the east end of the island, is a nesting and resting
area for many resident and migratory birds. The islet has
been classified as Natural Reserve and excellent examples
of endemic Azorean flora are found here.
- Pico da Esperança (1,053
meters) presents an interesting panorama over the island.
- The surrounding area of Pico
da Esperança which
extends from Pico do Areeiro to Pico das Caldeirinhas,
is noted for the endemic vegetation of great botanical value.
- Viewpoints
spread throughout the island, Ribeira
do Almeida, Fajã das Almas, Urzes, Fajã
dos Cubres and Norte Pequeno.
- The Recreational Forest Reserves
of Sete Fontes (Rosais)
and Silveira (Ribeira Seca)
- One of
the most beautiful walks goes from the main road with a grade
of 600 meters to Faja Da Caldeira.
During the decent it's possible to take a "shower" under
the waterfalls. Further along the coast you reach Faja
dos Cubles. The walk takes about 3-5 hours incl.
some breaks. The views are breathtaking.
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