How to plan a trip to São Jorge Island in the Azores
It’s the perfect island destination for fans of canyoning, cheese and offbeat fajãs.
Together with Pico and Faial, São Jorge is one of the so-called “triangle islands.” Discovered around 1460 and settled 10 years later, the islanders endured pirate attacks, food scarcity, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions in the next centuries.
Today, the island is known for producing (and exporting) one of the finest trademarked cheeses in Portugal.
Narrow and long, the brown island resembles a sleeping dragon’s back when seen from afar, hence the name. According to Christian mythology, St. George slew the dragon that tormented a fictitious village in Libya.
São Jorge is famous for its steep cliffs that either end abruptly or smooth out into small flat areas at sea level known as fajãs: secluded, mysterious, and incredibly fertile to produce almost anything.
Top things to do in São Jorge island
São Jorge’s steep cliffs make it one of the best islands in the Azores for canyoning and climbing. However, if you’re not ready yet for extreme sports, hiking the marked trails is a great option to get the island under your skin.
Top cultural events in São Jorge island
St. George is celebrated in April, but the most talked about event on the island is the Cultural Week in Velas in July. The major events include local folklore, concerts, book fairs, and food festivals.
In July, the July Festival happens in Calheta with concerts, ethnographical parades, and sports activities.
Both the events attract people from all over São Jorge and, due to the proximity and excellent boat connections, folks from the neighboring islands.
What to eat in São Jorge
The (probably) Flemish-influenced local cheese is the star. Still, one can’t really make a substantial meal out of a dairy product, right?
By the way, there is no right answer to that question. I’m a biased Sao Jorge cheese enthusiast, so living off a cheese-and-bread diet for a few days is absolutely possible. But the island has other foodie favorites that I should tell you about.
Exceptional, tasty, meaty clams from the famous Caldeira de Santo Cristo (a Nature Reserve and Special Ecological Area) are rare on the island.
These are organic clams, not farmed, which means harvesting them may be subject to local environmental regulations. On the other hand, you’re not here to harvest them but to taste them, so ask around for restaurant recommendations.
Equally famous, the espécies are spicy and sweet treat horseshoe-shaped pastries with a filling seasoned with cinnamon, anise, and pepper. Don’t be alarmed by this combination; the spicy kick is surprisingly well-balanced and mild.
As much cheese as you can carry, bought directly from the local factory (there’s a chance you even get to take a look at how it’s done)
Local canned tuna Santa Catarina (Dolphin Safe certified), and handmade blankets called mantas de São Jorge.