Those who fly to the archipelago of the Azores , which is part of Portugal, usually visit several islands. Under no circumstances should you miss the almost 234 square kilometre island of São Jorge, which would be called Saint George in English. Once upon a time, apart from local guests, it was mainly surfers who got lost here. This is no wonder, because São Jorge has breathtaking cliffs where rough waves crash. For experienced surfers, the island’s beaches continue to be a true paradise. In the meantime, hikers and nature lovers are also attracted to São Jorge. There are some exciting volcanoes to climb. In addition, São Jorge captivates with enchanted-looking mountain villages, some of which can only be reached on foot even in the 21st century. The ideal place for all those who want a mixture of relaxing idleness and an active holiday in the best climatic conditions.

Climate and the best time to visit São Jorge

As in the other Azores islands, São Jorge has a subtropical oceanic climate that always remains stable. The seasons blur here and a difference between summer and winter is hardly noticeable. Between June and October, temperatures reach around 25 degrees. In winter, they hardly fall below 17 degrees. However, since rough winds blowing from the Atlantic are to be expected, storms can occur in winter that thwart one or the other hiking adventure. So if you want to be on the safe side in terms of weather, visit São Jorge between spring and autumn. Then the beaches of the island also invite you to swim without having to fear heat stroke.

A visit to the island’s capital Velas

The island’s capital, Velas, is located in the southwest of the 53.5-kilometre-long island. With almost 2,000 inhabitants, almost a quarter of the island’s population lives here. Velas is the administrative center of São Jorge, but it seems clear and a little sleepy. You don’t need a car here, because due to the tight dimensions of the city, everything is within easy walking distance. The town centre is formed by stately buildings in the Portuguese style. Visitors often reach the island of São Jorge at the ferry port of Velas. From there you walk directly to the Igreja Matriz de Velas church on the main square.

There is also the Museu de Arte Sacra, which deals with local church art. Outside the town centre, the Piscina Natural da Poço dos Frades is well worth seeing. This is a naturally formed rock arch directly by the sea. If you then climb the Miradouro das Velas viewpoint, you have a wonderful view of Velas and the sun rising or setting over the Atlantic, especially in the morning or evening hours. Romantic hours are guaranteed here.

The Fajãs of São Jorge

The fajãs of São Jorge are unique. Fajãs are fertile coastal plains that owe their existence to previous lava flows or landslides. The island has about 75 fajãs to date. Fajãs are characteristically difficult to access and are often a little hidden. But that’s exactly what makes them perfect hiking destinations. The locals have used the fertile fajãs since time immemorial to grow crops, coffee, oranges or bananas. Sometimes only one family settled near a fajã, sometimes a small village was built there.

Many fajãs are still farmed today, although the younger generation is increasingly turning their backs on the arduous life of the fajãs farmers. So if you want to gain an insight into traditional life on São Jorge, you should definitely visit some of the Fajãs on foot. The views from the edges of the Fajãs are also spectacular, as they are located near the cliffs of the island.

Hiking on the Grand Route of São Jorge and other trails

If you want to make a real hiking holiday out of your stay on São Jorge, you can actually hike half the island on the Great Route of São Jorge, over a distance of 41.5 kilometers. The well-flagged hiking route is considered challenging and can be completed in two or three days – depending on your pace and fitness level. On the way, it goes up and down constantly, up to the 1,053-meter-high Pico da Esperança, which is the highest mountain on the island. Like all of São Jorge, it is of volcanic origin. When the weather is nice, the surrounding Azores islands of Pico, Faial and Graciosa can be seen from the crater top of Pico da Esperança. Alternatively, you can also reach Pico da Esperança via several other hiking trails. The ascent to the 1,019-metre-high Morro Pelado is also worthwhile.

A sea of leisure activities

Tourists who don’t like hiking, or simply want a little variety, can also explore the volcanic island by mountain bike. There are numerous routes of all levels of difficulty. Around Urzelina, climbing enthusiasts meet in a natural rocky landscape. Near the towns of Montoso and Bocas do Fogo, speleologists get their money’s worth. In addition, a lot of different bird species settle on the island, which you can constantly encounter during all activities. Thus, São Jorge is the perfect holiday destination for all bird lovers. After all the efforts, you should enjoy the culinary delights of the island. The freshly caught seafood and locally grown coffee are outstanding. In addition, São Jorge is famous for its cheese, which is produced in many variations.

The Portuguese archipelago of the Azores is considered particularly attractive. Among the most picturesque islands is the fifth largest island, Faial, also known as Ilha Azul (Blue Island). The island got its affectionate nickname because of the blue blossoms of the hydrangea hedges that characterize the island. From the sophisticated island capital to the beautiful beaches and the volcanic landscapes, the Portuguese island paradise has a lot to offer.

Horta – the island’s capital with international flair

Faial played a very special role among the Azores islands and this is also reflected in the development of the fashionable island capital Horta. Discovered by Henry the Navigator, the island of Faial was settled in the first half of the 15th century. The city of Horta was shaped by the large landowners who settled here and ensured a townscape befitting their status. This is evidenced, among other things, by the Igreja Matriz Sao Salvador in the center of the city, which catches the eye with its monumental baroque façade. From the In the 19th century, the influence of the American whalers was added and at the beginning of the In the 20th century, the relay station for submarine cables was built in Horta, which was an important communication hub between Europe and America. All this provided the international flair of the city, which still fascinates visitors today.

Today, Horta is the epitome of a picturesque coastal town with its mansions, churches and a charming waterfront. Especially the old town area with its magnificent buildings inspires and surprises at the same time. Beautifully landscaped gardens and parks invite you to linger, the marina provides maritime flair and the colourful displays of the town’s small shops invite you to go shopping, as does the city’s large market hall. Beautiful little cafés and restaurants entice you with specialties of the island cuisine, but also with international specialties.

Faial’s fascinating volcanic landscape

With its bizarre volcanic landscapes, Faisal is particularly worth seeing. Characterized by the volcanic crater Caldeira do Cobeco Gordo, which is located in the center of the island, the island has many special features. The volcanic crater impresses with a diameter of two kilometers. At the western tip of the island there is a particularly bizarre landscape, because a new mountain was built here from 1957 to 1958. This natural wonder dates back to the eruption of a volcano lying under the sea. The visitor centre located here vividly presents the eruption and the emergence of the new landscape.

Caldeira do Faial – the wilderness surrounded by civilization

Nature lovers should not miss the Caldeira do Faial. Here at the crater, which is up to 400 meters deep, there is vegetation untouched by humans. It is particularly attractive to walk around the crater. A corresponding hiking trail leads along the crater rim, so that the circumnavigation takes about 2.5 hours. From the crater, however, you can also enjoy a magnificent view and the Azores island seems to be at the feet of hikers. In good weather, the view extends to the neighboring islands of Pico and Sao Jorge and even to Graciosa.

Tips for carefree beach fun

The beautiful Azores island offers beautiful beaches that invite you to relax. One of the highlights is the Praia do Porto Pim beach, which is located at the foot of Monte de Guia and not far from the city of Horta. Where once the whalers moored their boats, beachgoers can now enjoy carefree bathing pleasures on the bright fine sandy beach.

North of Horta, on the other hand, the Praia do Almoxarife beckons. The dark sandy beach is a good 4 km from the ferry port and looks wildly romantic. The beach of volcanic origin is a great place to enjoy the sun, but the current can be treacherous, so families usually prefer Praia do Porto Pim.

A fantastic natural swimming pool can be found in the former Varadouro spa. Here in the southwest of the island, bathing becomes a nature experience, because the natural lava pools are particularly pleasant and located in a particularly picturesque environment.

Watching whales in their natural environment

One of the impressive possibilities offered by a holiday in Faial is whale watching. All year round, different species of whales and dolphins can be observed around the island paradise. In the period from February to June, nature lovers can also observe the giants of the seas in the form of humpback whales and blue whales and listen to their distinctive songs. The impressive animals weigh up to 200 tons and impress with a length of up to 33 meters. In addition to boat tours for whale and dolphin watching, the whaling museum with its impressive exhibits and the whale watching posts on land are also recommended.

The archipelago of the Azores, which belongs to Portugal, is not necessarily one of the most visited tourist destinations. That’s exactly her big plus. Because despite a pleasant climate, wonderful flora and fauna, great beaches and excellent food, you can relax here in peace and quiet and also actively relax. The archipelago of the Azores is often visited by tourists in their entirety. This means that a round trip across the islands is often undertaken. If you don’t visit the second smallest Azores island Graciosa, you’re missing out. The name of the island, which is only 61 square kilometers in size, keeps its promise. Translated into German, Graciosa means something like dainty. Like the other Azores islands, it is also of volcanic origin. Graciosa is considered flat and exceedingly green. A perfect place for relaxed walking and cycling trips. Since 2007, the island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

A visit to the island’s capital Santa Cruz da Graciosa

With just under 1,800 inhabitants, Santa Cruz da Graciosa is not only the island’s capital, but also the largest town on the Azores island of Graciosa. Just like the entire island, the capital Santa Cruz da Graciosa is more rural and looks more like a village than a city. Here, visitors can easily reach all the sights on foot, because Santa Cruz da Graciosa is clearly arranged. The center of the city is the Rossio, i.e. the town square. Here, quaint cafés are lined up and invite you to sit in the sun with a coffee and watch the hustle and bustle. Tall dragon trees line the Rossio and provide shade at lunchtime.

The neat residential buildings in the inner city area come from the 18. and 19th century and give an impression of how the place was laid out in earlier times. The main church of the city, the Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz, is absolutely worth seeing. It dates back to the early 16th century and has been expanded and rebuilt again and again over the years. Its church tower dates from 1732. There are several other small churches, chapels and monasteries in the city. A little south of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, the city’s local mountain, Monte da Ajuda, can be climbed. Here, on the volcanic hill that makes up Monte da Ajuda, there are three pilgrimage churches with colorful interiors. A walk of about 20 minutes leads from the city center up to the summit.

In addition to the churches, a bullring can also be visited here. If you want to learn about the wine-growing and whale-making tradition of the islanders, visit the Museu da Graciosa after this walk. In earlier times, the islanders lived mainly from whaling. It was banned here in 1982. You can swim at the foothills of the city in natural lava pools, the Piscinas naturais. Here the water is shallow and always warm.

With the courage of discovery to the Caldeira da Graciosa crater

The Caldeira da Graciosa crater is extremely impressive. With a diameter of 1.6 kilometres on one side and 800 metres on the other, it has a depth of 270 metres. The best way to climb is via the designated hiking trail to the Furna da Maria Encantada cave. Or you enter a tunnel, also marked as a hiking trail, which leads you into the volcanic crater itself. The crater is covered in wonderfully lush green. On the way there, hikers pass lush vegetation of sticky seeds and acacias, Japanese sickle firs and fir trees. The sulphur grotto called Furna do Enxofre forms the interior of the volcanic crater. You climb the 40-metre-deep grotto through a brick tower that was built at the beginning of the 20th century. This will take the adventurous to a lake inside the volcanic crater. Furna do Enxofre can be imagined as the chimney of a volcano. This somewhat mystical volcano and cave adventure impresses adults and adventurous children alike.

Relax at the Carapacho Thermal Spring

After the exciting volcano adventure, visitors are probably in the mood for a little relaxation. And that’s what the island of Graciosa also has to offer. The Carapacho thermal spring has been bubbling here since 1750. Not only is it close to Furna do Enxofre, but it is also directly connected to it. The thermal water of the Carapacho spring comes directly from the volcanic crater. It contains numerous minerals that can alleviate rheumatic diseases, for example. In the 19th century, the small town of Carapacho was famous as a spa in circles of wealthy Azoreans and Portuguese. Today, a modern spa house invites tourists and locals alike to enjoy spa treatments. The thermal water has a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. There is both an indoor and an outdoor area. In the outdoor area, visitors bathe in a naturally created sea bathing facility.

Windmill idyll in the village of Praia

If you travel by ferry to the Azores island of Graciosa, you will land in Praia, because this is where the island’s ferry port is located. On this occasion, you should take a look at the traditional windmills of the village. They are true tourist magnets and have been lovingly restored for this reason. In some of the windmills, tourists can even spend the night. South of the harbour stretches a romantic sandy beach, from where excursions can be made by boat to the uninhabited offshore Ilhéu da Praia. The nature reserve there is home to a variety of rare seabirds.