São Jorge Cheese, Coffee & Fajãs Adventure – Velas to Calheta: A 6-Hour Flexible Journey
Discover the breathtaking beauty of São Jorge Island on this flexible 6-hour tour, blending stunning panoramic views with the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Azores. Starting in the charming village of Velas, this carefully curated route takes you through scenic landscapes and iconic viewpoints, with descents by car to two fajãs of your choice, a cheese factory tour and tasting, and a coffee plantation tour and tasting if selected. With the option for swimming at Simão Dias Pool and a lunch stop (lunch not included), this tour offers a deep dive into São Jorge’s essence—but with a 6-hour limit, you’ll need to choose your activities wisely to make the most of your day!
Included
- Local Driver/Guide: An experienced Driver/Guide to lead the tour.
- Transportation by private vehicle: Comfortable transfers between stops.
- Cheese factory tour and tasting: A guided tour of the São Jorge Cheese Factory with a tasting of their iconic cheese (available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).
- Descent by car to two fajãs (traveler’s choice): Choose two fajãs to visit during the tour, with the descents made by car for accessibility and comfort.
- Recommendations:
- Fajã dos Cubres: One of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the Sea Villages category, known for its stunning lagoon and serene coastal beauty.
- Fajã dos Vimes: Famous for its unique coffee plantation, offering a free tour of the plantation with a coffee tasting, and a coffee shop where you can buy coffee or beans.
- Fajã do Ouvidor (Swimming Option): Features the natural Simão Dias Pool, perfect for a refreshing swim amidst stunning ocean views.
- Optional lunch stop: A stop for lunch can be included during the tour (lunch not included; time for lunch will depend on your chosen activities).
Not Included
- Lunch
Note: A lunch stop can be accommodated within the 6-hour tour, but the cost of lunch is not included. - Hiking gear and equipment
- Swimming gear for Simão Dias Pool
- Santa Barbara Church Entry (Optional)
- Note: Factory tours and cheese tastings are not included but can be purchased on-site at available locations, such as the São Jorge Cheese Factory, during their operating hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).
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).
- Pre Paid Lunch – Reservation fee + Lunch At Local Spot – 15€ Person
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.
Sete Fontes Forest Park
Visit the tranquil Sete Fontes Forest Park in Rosais, a lush retreat with ancient trees, natural springs, and stunning viewpoints offering panoramic views of the neighboring islands and São Jorge’s north coast.
Visit the tranquil Sete Fontes Forest Park in Rosais, a lush retreat with ancient trees, natural springs, and stunning viewpoints offering panoramic views of the neighboring islands and São Jorge’s north coast.
São Jorge Cheese Factory Tour and Tasting
Enjoy a guided tour of the São Jorge Cheese Factory, followed by a tasting of their iconic cheese. (Note: Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; if outside these hours, a quick stop at the factory store will be made instead.)
Enjoy a guided tour of the São Jorge Cheese Factory, followed by a tasting of their iconic cheese. (Note: Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; if outside these hours, a quick stop at the factory store will be made instead.)
Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint
Head to the Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint for splendid views of São Jorge’s rugged north coast and its notable fajãs, such as Fajã do Ouvidor and Fajã da Ribeira da Areia, some of the island’s most significant fajãs due to their size and population.
Head to the Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint for splendid views of São Jorge’s rugged north coast and its notable fajãs, such as Fajã do Ouvidor and Fajã da Ribeira da Areia, some of the island’s most significant fajãs due to their size and population.
Descent by Car to Two Fajãs (Traveler’s Choice)
Descend by car to two fajãs of your choice, with recommendations for:
Descend by car to two fajãs of your choice, with recommendations for:
- Fajã dos Cubres: A UNESCO-recognized site and one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the Sea Villages category, featuring a beautiful lagoon and peaceful coastal scenery.
- Fajã dos Vimes: Known for its unique coffee plantation, where you can enjoy a free tour of the plantation with a coffee tasting, and visit the coffee shop to purchase coffee or beans.
- Fajã do Ouvidor (Swimming Option): Features the natural Simão Dias Pool, perfect for a refreshing swim amidst stunning ocean views.
Note: With a 6-hour limit, you’ll need to choose wisely—time for swimming, the coffee plantation tour, or a lunch stop may mean less time at other stops.
Calheta Viewpoint
Stop at 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.
Mandas Viewpoint (Return)
On the return to Velas, stop at the Mandas Viewpoint for another stunning perspective of São Jorge’s dramatic landscapes. The return journey takes the scenic road near the sea, passing between the historic Santa Bárbara Church and the old windmills, offering a glimpse of the island’s traditional architecture and coastal beauty.
On the return to Velas, stop at the Mandas Viewpoint for another stunning perspective of São Jorge’s dramatic landscapes. The return journey takes the scenic road near the sea, passing between the historic Santa Bárbara Church and the old windmills, offering a glimpse of the island’s traditional architecture and coastal beauty.
Return to Velas
Conclude your 6-hour adventure back in Velas.
This flexible 6-hour tour captures São Jorge’s most iconic viewpoints, from the serene Sete Fontes Forest Park to the dramatic Fajãs do Norte and Calheta Viewpoints, with a cheese factory tour and tasting, descents by car to two fajãs of your choice, and options for a coffee plantation tour with tasting or swimming at Simão Dias Pool. With the flexibility to include a lunch stop, it’s the perfect way to experience the Azores’ natural beauty, culture, and flavors in a single day—but choose wisely, as the 6-hour limit means you can’t do it all! Book now for an unforgettable journey!
Book your
Tour tickets today!
Experience the ultimate São Jorge adventure on this flexible 6-hour journey from Velas to Calheta Viewpoint, featuring cheese, coffee, and fajãs. From the serene Sete Fontes Forest Park to the dramatic Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint, with a cheese factory tour and tasting, descents by car to two fajãs like the iconic Fajã dos Cubres, coffee-rich Fajã dos Vimes with a coffee tasting, or Fajã do Ouvidor for swimming at Simão Dias Pool, plus the option for a lunch stop—this is your chance to explore the Azores like never before. Choose your activities wisely within the 6-hour limit!
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