Why You Absolutely Should Visit • Indie Traveller

When I first hopped around the Azores islands two years ago, at one point I inquisitively pointed at the island of São Jorge, which was visible just across the water from Pico.

“Oh, São Jorge? I guess that island has potential,” my guide said.

“It’s nice, but tourists don’t really go there.”

I didn’t really go there either, as I was on a fixed itinerary. But my curiosity was definitely piqued. It had felt like my guide was almost suspiciously casual in describing São Jorge, and I wanted to see it for myself.

On my second trip to Azores, I had the chance to finally visit São Jorge. And guess what? It became an instant favorite of mine.

Mount Pico as seen from Sao Jorge

The island of the fajãs

As you approach the port of Velas by ferry, you’ll notice immediately how São Jorge’s rugged and jagged coastline rises sharply from the ocean.

A central mountain range runs along almost the entire length of the island, forming more or less a plateau from which…