São Jorge Island

São Jorge (German Sankt Georg ) is one of the central group of the Azores, is 233.5 square kilometers and is located 53 km long stretch of north-north- west to south-southeast and up to eight kilometers wide between the neighboring islands of Graciosa and Terceira in the north, Faial in the west and Pico to the south. Capital is Velas with about 1,900 inhabitants. On São Jorge live a total of about 10,500 people.

The island was first mentioned in 1439 and settled by Flemings Wilhelm van der Haegen. An average of 700 meters and the highest elevation 1,053 m high mountain ridge forms the backbone of the island. Many people are still living from agriculture and animal husbandry. The special features of the island include the so-called Fajãs ( remote settlements with only few inhabitants ) on fertile coastal alluvium over gravel plains below the cliffs overlooking the sea.

São Jorge is suitable for a walking holiday in the Azores. Arriving by plane is about the airport São Jorge ( SJZ ) near Velas possible.

São Jorge, North Coast

São Jorge, Faja da Caldeira de Santo Cristo

São Jorge, view to the island of Pico