São Jorge

1,053-metres high, this is the highest peak of São Jorge from where one can see the other islands of the central group.

A lookout affording a panoramic view over the town of Velas and the other two islands of the so-called “triangle”, Pico and Faial.

Integrated into the protected area for the management of habitats or species of Costa das Velas, it is a land area of about 62 ha, covering the entire South coast from the Velas Marina pier to Urzelina. This area is extremely important as many species of seabird’s nest on the higher slopes, such as Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) and the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Regarding the flora, you may find specimens of Azorean Candleberry Tree (Morella faya), Tree Heath (Erica azorica) and “pau-branco” (Picconia azorica).

A nature reserve and special ecological area, it is considered to be a sanctuary for body boarding and surfing. It is the only place in the archipelago where clams (Tapes decussatus), a local delicacy, grow.

Typical homes built in black stone with sash windows, and small farms, whose production is all for the farmer's own consumption. This fajã is one of the most pictoresque on the island.

Weaving in manual looms has subsisted in this fajã since the sixteenth century. Various stitching techniques are applied to produce beautiful bedspreads and carpets. Because of the micro climate of this fajã, coffee is planted here for local consumption.

The original building dates back to 1485, when a 28-cm long statue of Santa Bárbara was found, leading to the construction of the church. In 1770 the building was extended and the only vestiges of the old temple can be seen in the present-day sacristy. Lavishly decorated in Baroque style, this church is a lesson in the religious art of the time.

In addition to providing ethnographical information on the island, this center exhibits several pieces, including pieces related to agriculture and flax production.

Church built in the 17th century and likely to have been the first church on the island. It was built under the order of D. Henrique with the purpose of replacing a 15th century temple.

A nesting place for birds on the eastern side of the island. During the summer, cows swim to the islet to graze there. Topo is also well known for the quality of its cheese.

Part of the walls that defended the town of Velas from external attacks.

Located in the northwestern coast of the island, this lighthouse started functioning in 1958. It is currently abandoned and quite degraded due to the 1980 earthquake.

The Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo Interpretation Centre (CIFCSC) was created in order for visitors to learn about the geological, biological and human history of the Fajãs de São Jorge (coves), in particular, the fajãs of Caldeira de Santo Cristo and of Cubres.

The building was originated from the reconstruction of an old housing and its support house, which retains the original and traditional frontage.

It was a highlight target in several websites and architecture magazines and was the cover of the C3 Korean magazine. It integrated the “Mostra Ibérica de Património Arquitéctonico – La MIPA” project, within the Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2013 "Close, Closer".

At the reception you can enjoy a rest area and see the space which recreates an old oven, decorated with reproductions of support tools.

In the exhibition room, visitors can find technical information in a multimedia kiosk and take a trip through time from the formation of fajãs up to today. You can also see several documentaries about the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo and others of ethnographic character.