This Remote Azores Island Will Surprise You — Here’s How to See It in 7 Days
Out in the middle of the Atlantic, there’s a cluster of islands that somehow still feels under the radar—despite having some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.
The Azores are often described as a mix of Hawaii and Iceland, but that comparison doesn’t quite capture what it’s really like to be there.
Because it’s not just about volcanic peaks, crater lakes, or lush green hills rolling into the ocean.
It’s the way each island feels completely different from the next. The way some places are polished and easy to explore, while others feel raw, remote, and almost untouched.
And then there’s one island in particular.
It’s not the one you see all over Instagram. It’s not the one most travelers plan their trip around.
But it might just end up being the one you remember the most.
If you’re curious how to explore it properly, here’s exactly how to spend 7 days on one of the Azores’ most unexpected islands.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.
Sao Jorge Azores at a glance
São Jorge is one of the nine islands of the Azores archipelago, sitting in the central group alongside Pico and Faial. It is long and narrow, shaped by volcanic activity, with steep coastal cliffs that drop straight into the Atlantic and flat coastal platforms called fajãs at the base, formed by ancient lava flows reaching the sea.
It is not the most visited island in the Azores, and that is exactly why it is worth going.
I traveled to Sao Jorge twice, the first time for just a couple of nights so I didn’t bother to rent a car and joined a full day tour of Sao Jorge, which you can read about in my dedicated post.
Needless to say, I fell in love with the island and decided to go back and rent a car, this time with more time to explore every corner and so I did.
So, this is a six-day itinerary based on the trip that I took in late June. It covers where to stay, where to swim, what to eat, which trails to walk and how to make the most of your time there. I have also included all the major highlights of the island in an interactive map that you can duplicate and personalize with your own notes. You can get it for free here ⤵️
Get your Sao Jorge Interactive Map
Drop your email, and I’ll send you the map! You’ll get a link to the full interactive Sao Jorge map — with natural pools, landmarks, hiking trails and more — plus a short guide on how to make the most of it.
Getting to São Jorge and Getting Around
I arrived in Sao Jorge by plane from sao Miguel and left by boat as I was continuing my Azores trip to Pico Island (which I recommend you visit as well). But you can decide how to get there according to your travel plans, of course. Know that you have both options, either by plane or by ferry from Pico.
I got a taxi to Make it Happen Farm, where I stayed for a couple of nights to relax and enjoy a lovely walk in the area, and then rented a car for the rest of my stay. But you can rent a car when you arrive, so you can be independent from the start. Keep reading to learn more about my full itinerary.
Car rentals are available from the airport and from the ferry terminal, which are close to one another anyway. I also recommend checking out car rentals way in advance, especially if you travel in the summer, which is high season and implies scarce availability and very high prices.
I use Discover Cars to find the best deals.
BOOK YOUR CAR RENTAL WITH DISCOVER CARS
✔︎ Best Prices
✔︎ Full Coverage Option
✔︎ 48 hrs Cancellation policy
✔︎ 24/7 Multilingual Customer Service
✔︎ No hidden fees
Public transport on the island is very limited, and without a car, you will only see a fraction of what São Jorge has to offer.
Where to Stay in São Jorge
I am sharing the hotels where I have stayed, as well as those I have visited and recommend.
Make It Happen Farm
For the first two nights, I stayed at Make It Happen Farm, a rural guesthouse sitting directly in front of the Pico Volcano. Waking up to that view with a coffee in hand is a genuinely good way to start a trip. The rooms are private and comfortable, and the shared kitchen is well set up and stylish. Every morning, freshly baked bread appears with your name on it, along with butter, strawberry honey and fresh eggs so you can put together your own breakfast at your own pace.
They also have a small pantry shop in case you want to cook your own meal and you don’t want to dine out.
The farm also has a walking path that connects directly to the natural pools of Ribeira do Nabo, and from there to a coastal cycling and walking path that takes you all the way to the balnear zone of Portinhos. It is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, which is not a bad thing on an island like this.
👉 Check out rates and availability for Make it Happen Farm
Residência Livramento (affordable option)
After Make It Happen Farm, I moved into Velas and stayed at Residência Livramento. It is modest and nothing special to look at, but it is clean and centrally located, has parking outside and a cafe nearby for coffee in the morning. It is one of the more affordable options on the island. They do offer continental breakfast, but it was not appealing to me as they offer instant coffee and instant juice, which is like drinking medicine. No, thanks! But there is a coffe shop right below the hotel so you are safe! 🙂 All in all I enjoyed my cheap stay there and as a base for daily car exploration, it does the job well.
👉 Check out rates and availability for Residência Livramento
Cabañas da Viscondessa (Luxury Chic)
I did not stay here, but I was lucky to meet the owner, Jorge, who kindly showed me around the beautiful property, and I would go back to Sao Jorge just to stay there, I swear. It’s stunning.
I ate dinner at the Zaphyr cafe, a cute French restaurant inside the property and went back for breakfast the next morning, and I will be recommending it every chance I get.
Cabañas da Viscondessa is a boutique hotel in the center of the island with individual cabins overlooking Pico Mountain. The restaurant, now running under the name The Cozy Bar with a new manager named Nibedita, who makes you feel completely at home, serves some of the best food I’ve had on the island. Dinner was excellent, and breakfast the following day, with freshly baked bread, homemade jam and fresh eggs in a beautifully decorated dining room with those views, was even better. You will need a car to get there, but that should not be a problem if you followed the advice above.
👉 Check out rates and availability for Cabañas da Viscondessa
Hotel São Jorge Garden (Luxury Classic)
If you are looking for a more classic upscale option in Velas, Hotel São Jorge Garden is worth considering. The rooms are standard in style but the garden and terrace have genuinely impressive views. The hotel is also right next to the Piscinas Naturais da Prejuíça, a set of natural pools that are easy to walk past without noticing but are considered the best natural swimming spot in town.
👉 Check out rates and availability for Hotel São Jorge Garden
The 6 Day Sao Jorge Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Make it Happen Farm – Settle In and Take It Easy
The first day was intentionally slow. I decided not to rent a car and get to the hotel by taxi, as I would just enjoy my stay in the hotel, take some walks and work on my laptop.
After arriving and settling into Make It Happen Farm, I followed the path from the property down to the natural pools of Ribeira do Nabo and then continued along the coastal path to Portinhos, also popular natural pools, where I spent a few hours in the sun and took a swim in what I can only describe as very refreshing water in late June.
Lunch was at the kiosk in Portinhos, where I tried a francesinha, a hearty dish originating in Porto that features layers of meat and bread in a thick, spiced sauce. I didn’t like it, too heavy for me, but it’s definitely a must-try if you go to Porto, as it’s their signature dish. I walked back to the farm in the afternoon and called it a day.
PRO TIP #1 – If you want to cover more ground from the start, pick up your rental car on arrival and use the afternoon to explore. But there is also nothing wrong with easing into it.
PRO TIP #2 – If you prefer staying in a self-catering accommodation, you should check out the cute bungalows at Intact Farm Resort. You can see them from the coastal walking pack to Portinho.
Day 2: Natural Pools and the Eastern Coast
After picking up my car rental at the ferry terminal, I drove first to Miradouro Entre Morros just outside Velas. It is a quick stop but a good one. The viewpoint overlooks the coastline, where the cliffs drop sharply into the ocean, giving you a clear sense of the island’s geography before you head out for the day. I came back later at sunset from a higher viewpoint nearby, and that version is even better.
From there, I drove about 20 minutes to Piscina Natural Simão Dias, one of the most popular natural pools on the island. It is a lava rock formation with seawater flowing in from the ocean, and it tends to stay calmer than the open sea even when conditions are a bit rough. The setting is simple and unpretentious, which suits the place.
Piscina Natural Simão Dias practical info
You can park the car just outside the entrance (which is free), wherever you find space. There are no defined parking spots. Just make sure you are not blocking the road.
You will have a nice walk on a natural trail that leads you to the pools. Nothing challenging. Once you arrive at the pools, there is not much space to lie down and sunbathe, just enough to leave your stuff and enjoy a swim. I would recommend avoiding weekends, especially if you are traveling in the high season.
I then continued east, stopping whenever something caught my eye, passing through the higher terrain of Serra do Topo with its wide open views, and eventually reaching the eastern tip of the island and the Piscina Natural da Pontinha do Topo. This one feels more remote. Fewer people make it out this far, the volcanic rock is rougher, and the open ocean feels closer. I did not swim here but I was glad I stopped.
You can go on a very short hike around the extreme point of the island, right in front of a small island and also above the natural pool, to enjoy the views. I would recommend spending some time by the pool and enjoy some swimming.
The drive back along the northern coast at the end of the day, with the light changing over the cliffs, was one of the better parts of the whole trip.
In the evening I enjoyed a beautiful sunset from the Miraduro do Canavial (see picture below)
Day 3: The PR1 SJO Hiking Trail
I have always wanted to do at least one of the beautiful hikes in Sao Jorge, and I decided the PR1 SJO was perfect for me. The full name is Serra do Topo to Caldeira do Santo Cristo to Fajã dos Cubres, and it is a linear route, meaning it starts and ends at different points.
So I left the car at the Eolic Park parking area near Serra do Topo, and I was hoping to find a taxi at the arrival destination. I didn’t arrange it in advance, although I could have, because I had no idea how long it would take for me to get there. Consider that I make many stops for photography and videos, and I stopped at Caldeira do Santo Cristo for lunch and to take a breath.
The trail is long and physically demanding, though it does not require any technical skills. It passes through high altitude terrain with sweeping views, descends through dramatic landscape and finishes at the coastal fajãs. I have a full dedicated video on this trail where you can see all the spectacular landscape and hear my voice talking about the trail.
Day 4: No Plan, Just Driving
Day four had no itinerary. I left the camera behind, attached the GoPro to the car and just drove. No map, no stops planned, no content goals. Sometimes when you are traveling and documenting everything, you need a day where you are not thinking about any of it, and you can just be somewhere. São Jorge is a very good island for that kind of driving.
The roads are quiet, the scenery changes constantly, and there is always something around the next corner. You can actually check out my dedicated video that is all about driving around the island.
However, worry not, I won’t leave you dry. Here are the stops you could make during day 4.
✅ Visit a coffee plantation
Did you know that in Sao Jorge there is a coffe plantation? That’s right, and you can go and check it out. It’s located in Faja dos Vimes, and you can sip it there and buy your coffee to bring home. It definitely makes a unique souvenir.
✅ Explore the town of Calheta
This pretty town on the south coast of Sao Jorge offers natural pools, hiking trails and sweeping views. You can park the car at the port and wander around, have a swim or just have a meal in one of the local restaurants. If you love hiking, you can check out more trails on the official Azores trails website.
Day 5: The Northwest, the Forest Park and a Very Good Dinner
Day 5 was my last day with a car and I had to make the most of it. In fact, this was probably the most packed day of the trip.
I started by driving out to Ponta dos Rosais, another important landmark of the island on the northwest tip of the island. The headland is officially classified as a Special Area of Conservation within the Natura 2000 network, an Important Bird Area and a geosite of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Farol de Ponta dos Rosais, the lighthouse at the edge of the cliffs, was built to help ships navigate the rough and often foggy channel between São Jorge and the neighboring islands. It is no longer staffed, but it used to be home to lighthouse keepers who lived there full-time because of how remote and inaccessible the location was. Standing at the cliff edge there, that isolation makes complete sense.
Before getting to the Ponta dos Rosais, you can make a stop at the Vigia da Baleia, where you can find spectacular views over the old lighthouse and rock formations.
Keep in mind that the last part of the drive is on a dirt road, but don’t let it intimidate you. You are fine to drive, unless it has been raining a lot in the recent days. If you see that it’s too muddy, maybe just get back and reschedule the visit for another day.
From there, I drove back to Parque Florestal das Sete Fontes, a forested park in the western part of the island that is a popular spot for local families on weekends. It is a calm and shaded place with a small animal area where you can find deer and ducks in enclosures.
While exploring, I found the Miradouro Ferra Afonso nearby, a viewpoint with dramatic views of the northern coastline, where I launched the drone and spent some time taking shots.
I headed back toward Portinhos for a swim and lunch at one of the restaurants along the road, though the wind was too strong to fly the drone again.
Then I continued to Zona Balnear Manadas in Urzelina, a swimming area right in front of the Igreja de Santa Bárbara, which also deserves a visit.
Church of Santa Bárbara – Manadas, São Jorge
Nestled in the parish of Manadas on the island of São Jorge, the Church of Santa Bárbara stands as one of the Azores’ most remarkable examples of religious heritage. Its origins trace back to the earliest days of the island’s settlement, when the fertility of the land, prized for wine production and cattle farming, made Manadas a natural choice for parish status in the second half of the 16th century.
The church’s stonework has endured through the centuries, with the original masonry still forming the bones of the structure. Over time, the building has been thoughtfully expanded and restored, most notably with the addition of the bell tower in 1736 and the reconstruction of the church body in 1770.
Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by an exceptional wealth of Baroque decoration. Elegant pilasters, ornate entablatures, and a harmonious interplay between portal, window, and niche create a sense of grandeur and spiritual depth. Intricate tile panels line the walls, while gilded carvings and fine religious statuary add warmth and devotion to every corner. Among the many highlights is a magnificent bench in the sacristy, a testament to the skill of local craftsmen who left their mark on this sacred space.
Following recent restoration works, the church is now open to the public and welcomes visitors for guided tours, offering a rare opportunity to explore its layered history up close.
Each year, on the first weekend of December, Manadas comes alive in celebration of its patron saint, Santa Bárbara, with a traditional religious festivity that continues to bring the community together in faith and reverence.
As I was searching for a place to have dinner, the Zaphyr restaurant (above mentioned) caught my attention, so I drove there, and found a beautiful setting with sweeping views of the Pico Volcano right in front of the dining terrace.
I had spotted it on the map because the photos looked good, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. I ended up meeting the owner, Jorge, who showed me around the property, including the beautiful Cabañas da Viscondessa, luxury vacation self-contained cabanhas that I definitely recommend.
I made a reservation for breakfast the next morning before I left.
Day 6: A Last Morning and a Slow Goodbye to Velas
Breakfast at Cabañas da Viscondessa was as good as dinner had been. Freshly baked bread, homemade jam, fresh eggs and those views of Pico Mountain across the water.
After that I drove to Miradouro da Ribeira do Almeida, a lookout point I had returned to several times during the week, for one last look over Velas before dropping the car back at the terminal.
If you check the flight schedules and plan your visit accordingly, you can enjoy watching flights arrive and prepare for landing against the backdrop of the volcano, and see them land at Sao Jorge Airport. They look so close, it’s a thrill.
The rest of the day was on foot. I visited Poça do Frades, the natural pool in the center of town, and the Piscinas Naturais da Prejuíça near Hotel São Jorge Garden, which are tucked away and easy to miss.
I also stopped into the hotel itself, which has a garden terrace with views that are genuinely hard to beat for a town hotel. In the evening, I walked the promenade, as every evening, stopped at the natural arch at sunset and had dinner at one of the kiosks along the waterfront. A good way to end my trip to Sao Jorge.
Do I Need a Car in São Jorge
The short answer is yes, unless you decide to join organized tours. Otherwise, you must have a car if you want to explore the island, there is really no way around it. São Jorge is not like a city break where you can get by on foot or public transport. The island is about 55 kilometers long, and the places worth visiting are spread out across it.
The natural pools, the hiking trailheads, the best viewpoints, the forest park, the lighthouse at Ponta dos Rosais, and most of the accommodation outside Velas are all only reachable by car. Even if you are staying in Velas and spending the odd afternoon walking the promenade or swimming in the town pools, you will be frustrated very quickly without wheels for everything else.
Rental cars are available at the ferry terminal in Velas and at the airport. The roads are generally in good condition, though some routes into more remote areas can be narrow, winding and unpaved. If you are not used to mountain driving, take it slow. The views from the road are worth your full attention anyway.
What to Pack and What to Wear in São Jorge
São Jorge has a mild Atlantic climate, but the weather can change quickly, especially at altitude and along the exposed northern coast. The general rule is to pack for layers rather than for a single temperature.
For clothing, bring a lightweight waterproof jacket regardless of when you are visiting. Even in summer, rain showers are common and the wind along the cliffs and at viewpoints can make it feel much cooler than the temperature suggests.
Light trousers or long sleeves are useful for hiking and for evenings. During the day in summer you will mostly be in shorts and a t-shirt, but conditions can shift fast.
For footwear, a good pair of trail shoes or hiking boots is important if you are planning to walk the PR1 SJO or any of the other trails. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy in sections. Sandals or water shoes are useful for the natural pools, where the lava rock can be sharp and slippery.
For the water, the natural pools are open ocean pools rather than heated facilities, so the temperature will surprise you if you are not expecting it. In spring it is genuinely cold. In late summer it is more manageable. A thin wetsuit or rash guard is worth considering if you plan to spend a lot of time swimming, particularly earlier in the season.
Other things worth bringing: sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a small daypack for hiking, and a portable charger if you are using your phone for navigation. Mobile signal is decent in most of the island but can drop in more remote areas. Download an offline map before you head out for the day.
WATER-TO-GO FILTER BOTTLE
✔ Eliminates 99.99% of bacteria of all sorts, illness-causing contaminants, including those as small as a virus, pesticides and nitrates, heavy metals…
✔ Available in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
✔ Easy to use.
✔ Three-month shelf life in total.
✔ Better protection for you and the planet. The filter replaces 400 plastic bottles, and the bottle is made from sugarcane.
If you are bringing a drone, check current regulations for the Azores before you travel and be prepared for wind to ground you along the coast on many days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting São Jorge
How many days do you need in São Jorge?
Five to six days is a good amount of time to see the island properly without rushing. You could do it in three or four days if you are tight on time, but you would have to skip the slower moments that make the island worth visiting in the first place.
When is the best time to visit São Jorge?
Late June through September offers the most stable weather and the warmest water temperatures. Spring is green and dramatic but cooler and wetter. The island is much quieter outside of summer, which has its own appeal if you prefer fewer people around.
Is São Jorge suitable for families with children?
Yes. The natural pools in Velas are calm and accessible, Parque Florestal das Sete Fontes has a small animal area that younger children tend to enjoy, and the pace of the island suits a relaxed family trip. Some of the more rugged pool locations and the PR1 SJO trail are better suited to older children and adults.
Is the PR1 SJO trail difficult?
It is long and tiring rather than technically difficult. There are no exposed scrambles or dangerous sections, but it is a sustained walk with significant elevation change. Good footwear, water and an early start are the main requirements. Arrange your return transport before you begin.
Can you visit São Jorge without hiking?
Completely. The natural pools, coastal drives, viewpoints, restaurants and town of Velas all give you plenty to do without setting foot on a trail. Hiking is the main draw for many visitors, but it is not a requirement.
Is São Jorge expensive?
It is one of the more affordable islands in the Azores unless you are traveling in June, July or August. Accommodation, food and car rental are all reasonably priced compared to Western European destinations. Eating at local restaurants and kiosks keeps costs low, and most of the best experiences on the island, the pools, the drives, the viewpoints, cost nothing.
Do people speak English in São Jorge?
In Velas and at most tourism-facing businesses, yes. In smaller villages and more rural areas, Portuguese is more common. A few basic phrases in Portuguese go a long way and are appreciated.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Pick up your rental car the moment you arrive. You will want it from day one. Book it in advance if you are traveling between June and September. Water temperatures in the natural pools are noticeably cooler in spring, warmer from July onwards, and the pools can become unsafe or close when the sea is rough, so it is worth checking conditions before you head out. If you are planning to walk the PR1 SJO, arrange your return transport before you start the trail. And if you are anywhere near the center of the island around dinnertime, go to Cabañas da Viscondessa.
