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São Jorge is an island where you want to visit on a ferry day trip from Pico or Faial. There's nothing in S. Jorge that you have no seen in the other islands. The island is narrow and long with interesting "fajãs" or water-front planes that are accessed via very steep roads. S. Jorge claim to fame is the famous S. Jorge cheese and dive fishing. Skip the stay in its only hotel, as the petulance and arrogance of its management permeates the service along with its low cost/quality value. If you stay overnight try the quaint charming boutique places such as Casa do Antonio, Quinta do Canavial and Residencial Neto.
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The island of Sao Jorge belongs to the central group and lies 21,6 miles off Graciosa, 11 miles off Pico, 32,4 miles off Terceira and 16,2 miles off Faial. It has an approximate area of 95 sq. miles (246 km2). The island has about 9500 inhabitants. The main municipalities are Velas and Calheta.
S.Jorge Island has an indented coastline appearing with an oblong shape. A mountain range forms the back-bone of the island, its highest peak the Pico da Esperança at 3455 feet (1053 m) it offers views of the other islands of the central group.
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Some of the places to visit
The faja of the Caldeira do Santo Cristo, is in the Ribeira Seca area and it is a protected nature reserve where you can find an underground cave and a lake.
The Topo islet lies on the eastern tip of the island, and it is also a natural reserve. It is a breeding ground for the gulls of the central group of islands, as well as a home for migratory species of sea-bird.
A walk along the sea-shore near Urzelina takes one to the Furnas da Pombas, a curious volcanic rock formation which is populated by wild pigeons.
Urzelina - The church tower here is all that remains of an ancient church that was buried when the Pico de Esperança erupted in 1808.
Manadas - A picturesque village with attractive country houses surrounded by orchards and cultivated fields.
Church of Santa Barbara - Built in the 18th century, in Baroque style with carved archway and chancel with a carved cedar roof, a valuable collection of hand-painted tiles depicting scenes of the life of St. Barbara.
Some of the Festivities
Espirito Santo – 7 weeks after Easter
Cultural week (in Velas) - First week of July.
The July festival in Calheta - Music festival, last week of July
