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PLACES AND CLIMATE: 

BRIEF ISLAND STORIES: 

The exact time the settlers arrived at São Jorge is unknown, but it was part of Infante D. Henrique's settlement policy, in 1430. It is known though, that in 1460 there were some people living in the village of Velas and that the population grew towards Rosais, Urzelina and Manadas. Around 1480 another group of people settle at Topo, by initiative of Willem van der Haghen which, abandoned the island for a few years to live in Terceira and Flores . He eventually moved back to São Jorge, settling at Topo, leaving descendents there. Population growth is quick and, in the second half of the XVI century São Jorge had approximately 3.000 inhabitants and three villages – Velas (around 1500), Topo (1510) and Calheta (1534). Wheat farming is the economic support of the island during the first decades of settlement, which was followed by vineyard and pastel and canary moss (plants used as dye), because of the need by the North of Europe textile companies.

The end of the XVI century and the first decades of the XVII century break the quiet island life. To the volcanic eruption of 1580 in the Queimada area, follows an English attack in 1589/1590, the pillages to Calheta in 1597 and 1599, and the capture of inhabitants from “Fajã” in 1625 by Algerian pirates, to be sold in to slavery. Tranquility returns to the island in the following centuries, only broken by a pirate attack in 1708 and by the volcanic eruption of 1808 – time when S. Jorge participates in the economic prosperity cycles of orange and wine of the first half of the XIX century, and in the whale hunting activity which lasts until the first decades of the XX century.

Today, S. Jorge's economy, taking advantage of its excellent fields, settles for farming and dairy, being the cheese their best product.

PLACES TO VISIT: 

Fajãs , flat surfaces that reach the sea, originated by land falls are throughout both sides of the island. Converted in fertile orchards and farming fields and due to its microclimates some of them grow tropical fruits and nice dragon trees. “Fajã” da Caldeira do Santo Cristo , at the Ribeira Seca area, with a lagoon, the only place in the Azores where clams are grown, it is considered a natural reservation as well as a special ecological area, worthy of a visit.

On the east end of the island, Ilhéu do Topo , with well known sights, where some examples of indigenous flora can be found as well as a big concentration of birds, resident and migratory, it is a nesting place for seagulls of the central group. Because of all of this, it is considered a natural reservation.

Speleology lovers can find at Algar do Montoso , situated at Algar do Montoso Mountain, the thrilling experience of diving into the earth, which requires a guide and appropriate equipment.

Velas , charming village, where some of its houses are proof of its past nobility.

Urzelina , picturesque beach area, reconstructed after the volcanic eruption of 1808.

Topo , first village of the island. Casa dos Tiagos is of mandatory visit. It is a building from the XVII century and the biggest example of the noble architecture of the island.

Igreja de S. Jorge (Velas) and Igreja Santa Catarina (Calheta) . Big examples of the island's architecture, both dated the beginning of the XVII century.

MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES: 

FESTIVALS: 

SPORTS AND LEASURE: 

- The blue ocean invites for a refreshing swim. There are a few natural swimming pools and rock beaches (at Velas, Urzelina, Fajã Grande, Cais da Calheta, Fajã das Almas, Fajã dos Cubres, Fajã do Ouvidor and Fajã dos Vimes) which offer great times.

- Scuba diving , S. Jorge is an authentic paradise for all underwater fauna lovers, due to the abundance of fish all over the coast.

- Fishing

- Snorkeling

- Fishing sites – the different types of fishing allow for the capture of the many species in the Azorean waters: mackerel, red porgy, sea bream, conger, anchovy, barracuda, etc.

- Water sports: windsurf, yacht, sailing, etc.

- Surf lovers will find amazing places for the practice of this sport on the several “fajãs” of the north coast.

- Hunting, rabbits.

- For camping lovers there are two great camping parks: Fajã Grande (Calheta) and Urzelina (Velas), where comfort is not forgotten. There are various services to help our customers.

ARTS AND CRAFTS: 

- Wood work (big keys)

GASTRONOMY: 

Typical dishes – In S. Jorge you will find delicious dishes prepared with good quality meat and fish. We recommend Holy Gohst Soup (sopas do Espírito Santo), “torresmos de porco” and “molha de carne”.

Shellfish – We point out the clams, caught at Caldeira do Santo Cris to. Mussels and lobster are abundant.

Pastry – Our pastry is varied. “coscorões”, “rosquilhas de aguardente”, “espécies”, “suspiros”, “doce de leite”, “bolos de véspera”, “cavacas”, “bolos de coalhada” and “doce branco” are the delight of sweet lovers.

Cheeses – Considered the best cheese of the Azores , the “Queijo de S. Jorge” has achieved international fame for a long time now. It can be used in the most simple to the most complicated dishes, giving them a distinguished touch. We recommend a good wine to go with the cheese.

RESTAURANTS: 

- Quinta do Canavial-specialties: Azorean gastronomy and ethnography - Velas

- Cervejaria S. Jorge-specialties: typical cuisine, fresh fish - Velas

- Restaurante O Manezinho - specialties: typical cuisine, fresh fish - Urzelina

BARS, DISCOTEQUES: