Top Hiking Trails on São Jorge Island in Azores

Together with Pico, Terceira and Faial, São Jorge is in the central group of the Azores Islands. Sao Jorge is characterized by deep ravines, lush green valleys, and cliffs that plunge dramatically into the Atlantic. The central ridge, known as the “Topo,” runs the length of the island, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and neighboring islands. This island is a paradise for hikers of all levels and if you visit the island there are at least three must visit places:

Fajãs – coastal flatlands formed by landslides or lava flows.
These fertile plains, situated between cliffs and the sea, are unique ecosystems where agriculture thrives. If you have enough time, go and visit all of them. If you are here for just some days I advice you to hike from Fajã dos Cubres to Fajã de Santo Cristo. These two are among the most famous and accessible on foot, each with its distinct charm. Fajã dos Cubres is a more demanding and longer hike. Fajã de Santo Cristo is a couple of hours hike, with a minimal ascent, ok to walk with kids. In high season you can hop on a quad but I strongly advice to avoid them since they do pollute and trust me, hiking those trails is an unparalled experience. As said, the ascent is minimal and the scenic views will compensate for the fatigue.
Caldeira do Santo Cristo
Hidden away in Fajã de Santo Cristo, the Caldeira is a natural lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation. This serene and isolated spot is an idyllic destination, perfect for a bit of relaxation after your hike.
Pico da Esperança: São Jorge’s highest peak, Pico da Esperança, offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. Hiking to the summit is a challenging but rewarding experience, showcasing the diverse landscapes that Sao Jorge has to offer.

Faja Do Cubres to Faja do Santo Cristo PR01 SJO

If you are planning to hike from Faja Do Cubres to Faja do Santo Cristo (10 km both way scenic trail with less than 400m of elevation) it’s better to go there either off the season or during lunch time in summer months. From June to September the service of quads is active on the trail which means you will most probably encounter the smelly and noisy quads on the trail. It’s not like your experience will be ruined but simply it’s more peaceful and natural when the quads are not there. The hike is totally feasible also for kids who are used to walk in the mountains. If you surf and don’t want to bring your own board, don’t worry, incredible but true there is a small surf rental in Faja do Santo Cristo. If you have read that there is no electricity in Faja, well actually it’s just a myth. Still, it’s worth going to explore Faja and even to walk further on to Top. You will be amazed by the nature, dramatic clips and the power of the ocean. As everywhere in the Azores, also in Faja do Santo Cristo there is a nice playground for kids with a clean toilet next to it. And what about the famous clams? Yes, they do fish clams in the Faja and they are wild and as fresh I they can be. They are delicious but a bit overpriced. We ate them in the little bar in Faja do Cubres where you can also pay with PayPal not only cash. The times of complete isolation are over but the place deserve a visit. Here you will find all the necessary information, map included. It’s up to you if you want to continue to Serra de Topo (additional 5 km one way). Surely worth it but make sure that you start early in the morning because you will want to stop many times to soak up the views and take some incredible pictures.

Fajã de Além – São Jorge PRC05 SJO 

Less popular and quite short but a bit demanding circular trail of 5 km and over 400m of elevation gain. You will cross forests, rural fields and waterfalls while enjoying the views of the Faja itself and island of Terceira and Pico. Being less popular means it’s really quiet. Check the detailed description of this hike here and download the detailed leaflet with all the info you need.

Pico do Pedro – Pico da Esperança – Fajã do Ouvidor PR4SJO 

This linear route, along the mountain range, covers the central area of the island between Pico do Pedro, passing by Pico da Esperança, highest point of the island with 1053 meters and ends in Fajã do Ouvidor in the North coast. The path develops partially through the central volcanic range, between 800 and 1000 meters high. It’s worth going on a clear day to enjoy spectacular views. Be aware that the weather in the mountain can change quickly and this trail can be tricky with fog. It’s a long one: back and forth it’s over 33 km. If you don’t have enough time or simply you don’t think to be fit enough to walk back, you can still arrive to Faja do Ouvidor and arrange a taxi pick up from there. Before starting, check the Visit Azores website for all the necessary information. Here you will find the direct link to the description of this specific trail. For your own safety download the offline maps, GPS coordination and the detailed trail description.

Norte Pequeno – São Jorge PRC06 SJO

Don’t be mislead by the fact that it is only 10km hike. It’s one of the steepest trails you will find on the island, so can be a bit challenging but as usual worth it. It’s a circular trail and not very popular so it’s gonna be just you and the astonishing nature of the island. Not advisable for families with kids. Before starting, check the Visit Azores website and download all the information you need (maps, trail leaflet and GPS coordination). Here you will access the specific link for this trail.

Great Route of São Jorge GR02 SJO

When writing about hiking in Sao Jorge it’s impossible not to consider the great route. It’s a 52 km trail divided in two parts: first one from Ponta dos Rosais to Santo Amaro (almost 22 km) and the second one from Santo Amaro to Faja do Cubres (30 km) where you can actually continue to Topo. It goes without saying that it’s not for the beginners. This trail alternates from the plateau of the inner part of the island, where the volcanic cones that generated the Island were born, with the high, steep cliffs that come to an end in small flat areas at the sea level, the famous landscapes of the Fajãs of São Jorge. Don’t miss out on the natural pools that gives you the possibility of refreshment. It’s not impossible to complete it in one day, especially on a long summer day but obviously you will enjoy it more if you walk the first part, find a place to sleep in al local community and then walk further on. The more time you spend on this trail the more authentic your experience will be. Check the detailed description here.

I strongly advice you to have a look at the visitazores.com and download the off line maps so you can plan your hiking in the best possible way. And if the technology does not assist you, remember that all the trails across all the Azores island are very well marked so no issue in finding signs.

For me Sao Jorge is almost all about hiking but it’s also an island and although there aren’t many real beaches, you can still chill in the wonderful natural swimming pools where you also will be able to enjoy snorkeling. You can find those almost everywhere on the island. Usually they are also equipped with free wooden umbrellas as it might get burning hot in summer. This small island is much more authentic than Sao Miguel and you surely less crowded, make sure to spend at least one week here so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

How to get here?

To reach São Jorge Island in the Azores you’ll typically need to travel via mainland Portugal or the United States. Here’s how you can get there:

Fly to the Azores

Most international travelers first fly into one of the main Azorean islands:

Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island): The largest airport in the Azores, with flights from Lisbon, Porto, and some international destinations.
Lajes (Terceira Island): Also offers flights from Lisbon and Porto, as well as some international connections.

From the U.S., there are direct flights to Terceira from cities like Boston and New York.

Travel to São Jorge Island

Once in the Ponta Delgada or Lajes, you have two options to reach São Jorge:

By Air

SATA Air Açores operates regular flights to São Jorge Airport (SJZ) from both Ponta Delgada and Terceira. The flight from Terceira is particularly short, lasting about 20 minutes.

By Ferry

Ferries are a scenic way to travel between the islands. The Atlânticoline ferry service connects São Jorge with neighboring islands: Pico (just 1hour by a daily ferry) and Faial (it takes 1.5-2h and the ferries depart daily)

During the summer months (June to September), additional ferry routes operate between São Jorge and other islands like Terceira and Graciosa. Check the atlanticoline website for a detailed schedule and prices.

If direct flights to São Jorge are unavailable, consider flying to Terceira and then taking a short flight or ferry to São Jorge.

By coordinating flights and ferry schedules, you can efficiently reach São Jorge Island and enjoy its stunning landscapes and unique culture.

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