Mini Tour – Trail PR01 – Serra Topo – Santo Cristo – Cubres
Enjoy a hassle-free hiking experience on São Jorge Island with this 5-6 hour mini tour, designed as a transfer service for the PR01 SJO walking trail with scenic viewpoint stops along the way. Starting in Velas, this tour takes you past stunning viewpoints before dropping you off at the PR01 SJO trailhead in Serra do Topo for your hike through Fajã de Santo Cristo to Fajã dos Cubres. After your hike, your driver will pick you up at Fajã dos Cubres—the only fajã descent by car on this tour—and take you to more breathtaking viewpoints before returning to Velas. Perfect for hikers who want a seamless transfer with added scenic stops, this mini tour lets you experience São Jorge’s natural beauty and the iconic PR01 SJO trail in a single day!
Included
- Local Driver/Guide: An experienced Driver/Guide to lead the tour.
- Transportation by private vehicle: Comfortable transfers between stops, including drop-off at the PR01 SJO trailhead in Serra do Topo and pick-up at Fajã dos Cubres after the hike (the only fajã descent by car on this tour).
- PR01 SJO Walking Trail: A 10 km (6.2 miles) hike from Serra do Topo to Fajã dos Cubres, taking approximately 3-4 hours, with drop-off at the trailhead and pick-up at the end.
Not Included
- Lunch
Suggestion: Enjoy lunch at one of two restaurants in Fajã de Santo Cristo, which can be visited en route to or from the PR01 SJO trail, or pack some sandwiches and local snacks (cost of lunch or sandwiches not included). - Hiking gear and equipment
Note: Hikers should bring appropriate gear, including sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection for the PR01 SJO trail.
Bookable Extras
- Light snack pack: Available for €10 per person with local treats.
- Extra hour on the tour: Extend your experience by 1 hour for 30€ (5-seat car) or 50€ (Van).
Itinerary
Start in Velas
Begin in the picturesque village of Velas, the heart of São Jorge, known for its colorful streets and ocean views.
Begin in the picturesque village of Velas, the heart of São Jorge, known for its colorful streets and ocean views.
Velas Viewpoint
Stop at the Velas Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the village, its harbor, and the surrounding coastline, with neighboring islands in the distance.
Stop at the Velas Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the village, its harbor, and the surrounding coastline, with neighboring islands in the distance.
Old Windmills Viewpoint
Continue along the scenic seaside route, passing the historic Santa Bárbara Church, and stop at the Old Windmills Viewpoint to admire these traditional structures set against the backdrop of São Jorge’s coastal beauty.
Continue along the scenic seaside route, passing the historic Santa Bárbara Church, and stop at the Old Windmills Viewpoint to admire these traditional structures set against the backdrop of São Jorge’s coastal beauty.
Mandas Viewpoint
Stop at the Mandas Viewpoint for a stunning perspective of São Jorge’s dramatic landscapes and the ocean, offering a glimpse of the island’s rugged terrain.
Stop at the Mandas Viewpoint for a stunning perspective of São Jorge’s dramatic landscapes and the ocean, offering a glimpse of the island’s rugged terrain.
Calheta Viewpoint
Visit the Calheta Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the southern coast of São Jorge, with the town of Calheta below and the neighboring islands in the distance.
Visit the Calheta Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the southern coast of São Jorge, with the town of Calheta below and the neighboring islands in the distance.
PR01 SJO Walking Trail: Serra do Topo to Fajã de Santo Cristo to Fajã dos Cubres
Arrive at the trailhead in Serra do Topo, where your driver will drop you off to begin the PR01 SJO walking trail. This 10 km (6.2 miles) hike descends through stunning landscapes, passing through Fajã de Santo Cristo—known for its serene lagoon and traditional charm—before reaching Fajã dos Cubres, one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the Sea Villages category, with its beautiful lagoon and coastal scenery. The hike typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. Your driver will pick you up at Fajã dos Cubres after the hike—the only fajã descent by car on this tour.
Arrive at the trailhead in Serra do Topo, where your driver will drop you off to begin the PR01 SJO walking trail. This 10 km (6.2 miles) hike descends through stunning landscapes, passing through Fajã de Santo Cristo—known for its serene lagoon and traditional charm—before reaching Fajã dos Cubres, one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the Sea Villages category, with its beautiful lagoon and coastal scenery. The hike typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. Your driver will pick you up at Fajã dos Cubres after the hike—the only fajã descent by car on this tour.
Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint
After the hike, head to the Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint for splendid views of São Jorge’s rugged north coast and its notable fajãs.
After the hike, head to the Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint for splendid views of São Jorge’s rugged north coast and its notable fajãs.
Fajã do Ouvidor Viewpoint
Conclude your sightseeing with a stop at the Fajã do Ouvidor Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of this iconic fajã and the natural Simão Dias Pool below, set against the dramatic cliffs and ocean.
Conclude your sightseeing with a stop at the Fajã do Ouvidor Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of this iconic fajã and the natural Simão Dias Pool below, set against the dramatic cliffs and ocean.
Return to Velas
Conclude your 5-6 hour adventure back in Velas.
Conclude your 5-6 hour adventure back in Velas.
This 5-6 hour mini tour is the perfect transfer service for hikers tackling the PR01 SJO walking trail, with added scenic stops to enhance your São Jorge experience. Enjoy stunning viewpoints like Velas, Old Windmills, Mandas, and Calheta on the way to the trailhead, hike the 10 km trail from Serra do Topo to Fajã de Santo Cristo to Fajã dos Cubres with drop-off and pick-up included, and take in the breathtaking Fajãs do Norte and Fajã do Ouvidor Viewpoints after your hike. It’s the ideal way to experience the Azores’ natural beauty and the iconic PR01 SJO trail in a single day. Book now for an unforgettable journey!
Book your
Tour tickets today!
Enjoy a seamless hiking experience on this 5-6 hour mini tour on São Jorge, featuring a transfer service for the PR01 SJO walking trail with scenic viewpoint stops. From Velas Viewpoint to Old Windmills, Mandas, and Calheta Viewpoints, a drop-off at the Serra do Topo trailhead, a 10 km hike to Fajã de Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres with pick-up at Fajã dos Cubres—the only fajã descent by car—followed by Fajãs do Norte and Fajã do Ouvidor Viewpoints, this tour offers a perfect mix of São Jorge’s views and adventure. Don’t miss this chance to explore the Azores in one incredible day!
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