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View Full Version : Points of interest in Sao Jorge Island - All About Portugal



Atlantic Islander
03-14-2014, 08:25 PM
(So I saved my island for last :P)


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Points of interest in Sao Jorge Island are many and varied. Natural wonders, natural swimming pools and ancient heritage are amongst the Island’s highlights

Points of interest in Sao Jorge Island are linked to the natural beauty of the Island and its heritage.

The landscape is highly influenced by the innumerous volcanic eruptions that created the Island, giving it the curious shape of a straight line.

The coastline is steep with almost vertical cliffs. The cliffs are sometimes interrupted by small flat rocky areas named Fajãs. These are some of the most famed points of interest in Sao Jorge Island.

My favourite points of interest in Sao Jorge Island

The Fajãs are my first choice on what comes to points of interest in São Jorge Island. The rare beauty of these flat surfaces extending into the ocean charms all visitors. The Fajã of Caldeira do Santo Cristo, Ribeira Seca, is my favourite thanks to its underground cave and lake. It is a protected nature reserve. Fajã de São João is also worthy of a visit. Here the traditional stone houses with the famed three-part sash windows are the highlight.

Topo islet had to be on this list of points of interest in Sao Jorge Island for being home for migratory species of sea-bird. It is a natural reserve.


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The unique volcanic rock formation Furna das Pombas is one of the most original points of interest in Sao Jorge Island. This cave may be visited by boat during summer when the sea is calm. Furna das Pombas is close to Urzelina, a lovely parish that was almost entirely destroyed by the 1808 eruption of Pico de Esperança.

The picturesque village of Manadas has its place on this top list of points of interest in Sao Jorge Island. The Port of Manadas was once of vital importance to Sao Jorge. From its lookout’s hut, built in 1647, it was possible to control shipping in the Sao Jorge Channel. Besides, during the era of piracy, pirates were hanged from this hut to discourage pirate’s attacks.

Algar do Montoso is one of the commendatory points of interest in Sao Jorge Island for all amateur speleologists. However, be sure to take the right equipment and hire an experienced guide.


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On what comes to municipalities, Calheta and Velas are the top points of interest in Sao Jorge Island. They are worthy of a visit due to their heritage and architecture.

The natural pools formed in the middle of the rock formations are some of the most popular points of interest in Sao Jorge Island. Don’t miss the chance to go for a swim!

source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/points-of-interest-in-sao-jorge-island/)

Sao Jorge Island history - All About Portugal


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Sao Jorge Island’s development started with agriculture but recently tourism is also boosting the economy of the Island, which settlement began around 1460.

Sao Jorge Island history goes back to the 14th century when the Azores archipelago was discovered. However, the settlement of the island began around 1460. It is believed that the first settlers came to the Velas bay. Another group of settlers came to Calheta. As in the other islands, settlement went from litoral towards inland. Topo was the third main settlement to be established. By the second half of the 16th century there were 3000 inhabitants on the island.

The development of Sao Jorge Island

As in many other islands of the Azores, the development of Sao Jorge Island was based on agriculture. The growing of corn, yam and vine were fundamental for the economic growth of the island.

The production of the famed Sao Jorge cheese goes back to this period.

Throughout the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Sao Jorge Island was attacked several times by pirates and corsairs. These attacks were repelled by the population and the pirates never stayed for long on the Island.


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During the Spanish occupation, the Island lost importance and become isolated.

The most significant event of the 18th century was the 1757 earthquake. It destroyed the majority of the Island’s houses and caused around 1000 death.

As it happened on the other Azorean islands, during the 19th century, the vineyards of Sao Jorge Island were attacked by phylloxera. Fortunately, the plantation of oranges grew in importance and brought some prosperity to the Island.

Nevertheless, Sao Jorge Island isolation was only minimized by the early years of the 20th century with the construction of its two main harbors, one at Velas and the other at Calheta. The aerodrome of Sao Jorge, concluded in 1982, also contributed for the Island’s development. This time, the economy is based on the natural resources of the Island, cattle-raising, fishing and tourism.

Tourists love the natural wonders of Sao Jorge Island, the local hospitality as well as its gastronomy. And when it comes to the Island’s gastronomy Sao Jorge cheese is still number one. The quality of the hotels and restaurants of Sao Jorge Island also charm visitors.

source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/sao-jorge-island-history/)

Atlantic Islander
03-15-2014, 09:31 PM
The coastline is steep with almost vertical cliffs. The cliffs are sometimes interrupted by small flat rocky areas named Fajãs.

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