São Jorge: PR01 Hike & Tour – Full Day Adventure
Experience the best of São Jorge Island with this unique 7-8 hour tour, combining a 4-hour mini panoramic journey with the scenic PR01 SJO walking trail. Starting in Velas, this tour takes you through stunning viewpoints and cultural highlights, and features a guided drop-off at the start of the PR01 SJO trail in Serra do Topo, followed by a pick-up at Fajã dos Cubres after your hike—the only fajã descent by car on this tour. Perfect for those who want to blend sightseeing, culture, and an active hiking experience, this full-day adventure offers a deep dive into São Jorge’s natural beauty and heritage!
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).
- Quick stop at the São Jorge Cheese Factory Store: A brief visit to the store to purchase local cheese and products.
- 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 purchase cheese sandwiches and local snacks at the São Jorge Cheese Factory Store to enjoy during the walking trail like a local (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. - Factory tours or tastings
Note: Factory tours and cheese tastings are not included but can be purchased on-site at 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).
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.
São Jorge Cheese Factory Store
Make a quick stop at the São Jorge Cheese Factory Store to browse and purchase the island’s iconic cheese and other local products. (Optional: Pick up cheese sandwiches here to enjoy during the PR01 SJO walking trail like a local; cost not included.)
Make a quick stop at the São Jorge Cheese Factory Store to browse and purchase the island’s iconic cheese and other local products. (Optional: Pick up cheese sandwiches here to enjoy during the PR01 SJO walking trail like a local; cost not included.)
Mandas Viewpoint (Seaside Route)
Take the scenic seaside route from Velas, passing between the historic Santa Bárbara Church and the old windmills, and stop at the Mandas Viewpoint for a stunning perspective of São Jorge’s dramatic landscapes and coastal beauty.
Take the scenic seaside route from Velas, passing between the historic Santa Bárbara Church and the old windmills, and stop at the Mandas Viewpoint for a stunning perspective of São Jorge’s dramatic landscapes and coastal beauty.
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.
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.
PR01 SJO Walking Trail: Serra do Topo 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, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, and ends at Fajã dos Cubres, one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the Sea Villages category, known for its beautiful lagoon and serene coastal scenery. The hike typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. (Optional: Enjoy cheese sandwiches purchased earlier while on the trail for a local experience.) 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, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, and ends at Fajã dos Cubres, one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the Sea Villages category, known for its beautiful lagoon and serene coastal scenery. The hike typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. (Optional: Enjoy cheese sandwiches purchased earlier while on the trail for a local experience.) Your driver will pick you up at Fajã dos Cubres after the hike—the only fajã descent by car on this tour.
Optional Lunch Stop at Fajã de Santo Cristo
After the hike and pick-up at Fajã dos Cubres, you can opt to stop at nearby Fajã de Santo Cristo for lunch at one of its two restaurants, offering a taste of local cuisine in a scenic fajã setting (lunch not included). This stop can be coordinated with your driver to fit within the 7-8 hour timeframe or more.
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.
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.
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 7-8 hour adventure back in Velas.
Conclude your 7-8 hour adventure back in Velas.
This 7-8 hour tour combines a 4-hour mini panoramic journey with the scenic PR01 SJO walking trail, offering the perfect blend of sightseeing, culture, and hiking. Explore iconic viewpoints like Sete Fontes Forest Park, Mandas, and Calheta, visit the São Jorge Cheese Factory Store, and hike the stunning 10 km trail from Serra do Topo to Fajã dos Cubres, with drop-off at the trailhead and pick-up at Fajã dos Cubres—the only fajã descent by car on this tour. After the hike, take in the breathtaking Fajãs do Norte and Fajã do Ouvidor Viewpoints, with the option to enjoy lunch at Fajã de Santo Cristo or savor cheese sandwiches on the trail like a local. It’s the ideal way to experience the Azores’ natural beauty, culture, and an active adventure in a single day. Book now for an unforgettable journey!
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Tour tickets today!
Experience the stunning landscapes of São Jorge Island on this 4-hour panoramic journey from Velas to Calheta Viewpoint. From the serene Sete Fontes Forest Park to the dramatic Fajãs do Norte Viewpoint, with a quick stop at the São Jorge Cheese Factory Store to savor the island’s iconic flavors, this is your chance to explore the Azores like never before.
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