The island of São Jorge, marked by an extensive volcanic mountain range made up of 350 cones and its famous fajãs, is undoubtedly a paradise for nature lovers and for those passionate about hiking between the blue of the sea and its vast, uniquely lush green flora.
The visit starts in the Canavial Viewpoint, between Morro Grande de Velas and Morro de Lemos, both originated by eruptions of basaltic nature with different ages and evolutionary states, which occurred underwater. This mandatory stop is one of the most iconic geolandscapes in São Jorge.
We continue to the Caldeirinhas, visible along the central volcanic mountain range that shapes all of São Jorge’s relief and landscape. Along a short walking trail, we are surprised by the richness of the surrounding flora, surrounded by several endemic Azorean species that remain here in a wild state.
The Fajã do Ouvidor, formed by lava flows from Pico Areeiro, is known for its bathing area marked by numerous tide pools and natural swimming pools, among which the Poça Simão Dias stands out. We dive into its translucent waters and admire the striking prismatic jointing in its cliffs, which appear to have been hand-carved.
After lunch, we visit the São Jorge Island Ecomuseum and Park House, an essential place to learn about the island, where visitors can obtain a wide range of information about the areas of the Natural Park, as well as the biodiversity, geology, and the built, material, and intangible heritage of this unique island.
We continue to Urzelina, an area marked by the 1808 eruption. This explosive volcanic activity caused heavy ash fall over Urzelina and Manadas, as well as basaltic lava flows that destroyed several houses and the Church of Urzelina, of which only a bell tower remains, now standing as a silent testimony to that eruption and to Azorean life, shaped by the rhythms of its volcanic origin.
Finally, we visit the parish of Manadas and are captivated by the richness of the Igreja de Santa Bárbara, which, according to oral tradition, was built in honour of this martyr saint after the first settlers found a small wooden box containing an image of Saint Barbara inside it in this bay. A must-see.
