Portugal Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting Sao Jorge Island, Azores

São Jorge, or Saint George in English, is a long, skinny island characterized by its dramatic mountains and tiny, coastal villages that until modern times were only accessible by boat. Part of the Azores Central Group of islands, São Jorge is 11 miles from Pico and about 16 miles from Faial.

1. Travel by Ferry

You can arrive in São Jorge by plane or by boat, and unless you take a private charter you will arrive at the island's main city of Velas. If you arrive by ferry, you'll be dropped off at Velas port which also functions as the city's downtown area. From the port, you can easily walk to your hotel, hostel or apartment in Velas and won't need to spend any extra money on a taxi. AtlanticoLine runs ferries to Velas from Faial and Pico.

2. Stay in an Apartment or Private Home

Staying in an apartment or private home is often cheaper than staying in a hotel in the Azores. To find out about accommodation options, stop in at the local tourism office in downtown Velas and ask for a list of home and apartment owners currently renting to tourists. Often you'll pay less for a full apartment with access to kitchen and laundry than for a basic hotel room, and if you grab groceries from the supermarket in Velas you can save more by self-catering.

If you're interested in connecting with other travelers, check out Hospedaria Australia on Rua Teofilo Braga. Dorm-style beds and individual rooms are available. A pizzeria and bar is located on site.

3. Rent a Car

Renting a car for a day will allow you the flexibility to tour the whole island. Several rental car offices are located in Velas; call or walk around to compare rates before booking. Driving in São Jorge is for competent drivers, as many of the roads that lead down to the faj ã s are very steep and there is only room for one car. If you need to pass another vehicle, this exercise can be difficult on the precarious mountain roads. Make sure you test the brakes well before leaving the rental agency.

4. Do Some Walking

Just walking the outskirts of Velas you can see natural lava arches and get a view of the towering mountain on neighboring Pico Island. Other scenic places to walk are the Velas nature reserve, at Pico de Esperança (the island's highest point) and along the coastal path to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo.

Sources:

AtlanticoLine

Azores.com

AzoresTourism.com

SATA - Azores Express