IT IS IN VELAS THAT THE TRADITIONS, THE CUSTOMS AND THE GASTRONOMY ARE GATHERED AROUND THE BLACK BASALT, THE BLUE OCEAN AND THE GREEN PASTURE.
São Jorge Island raises from the sea, being formed by cliffs and crags, in a coast that cuts into the sea in a coastline of rare beauty, expressed in its Fajãs – Reserva da Biosfera (Biosphere Reserve) that represent the natural beauty and provide amazing overviews in a wide range of places to enjoy.
It is one of the greenest islands of the archipelago and the perfect location for a vacation in contact with the nature and the sea.
Pico da Velha View
Arco da Fajã da Ribeira da Areia
Fajã das Almas
The green pasture, the brown farmland, the black basalt and the blue ocean complete a palette of colours and shades.
In gastronomy, the highlight goes for São Jorge Cheese DOP (protected designation of origin). Internationally renowned and with a unique taste, it is one of the best-known gastronomic products in Azores and Portugal. By its merit, and being a premium product, essential for the island, Velas is officially, since April 2018, the “Capital of Cheese”.
Jardim da República
Divino Espírito Santo Festivities
And that’s precisely placing special emphasis upon the traditions and highlighting a nature of unique beauties, that the municipality of the island of São Jorge deserves to be recognised and visited.
VISIT
The building is an example of erudite architecture. Owned by the City Council of Velas, it hosts Casa Museu Cunha da Silveira, which is dedicated to the preservation and the promotion of the heritage of São Jorge, namely the ethnographic one, through the theme of "O Mar e a Terra - a Sustentabilida...
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One of the most sought-after fajãs in the northern coast, for its accessibility, natural and human charm. The tidal pools, great bathing areas, turn this faja unique, being the natural pool Simão Dias the largest and the most paradigmatic....
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The “União de Cooperativas Agrícolas de Lacticínios de São Jorge – UNIQUEIJO” wa...
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With an elevation of 1053m, it’s the highest mountain of São Jorge, from where the rema...
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Its edification dates back to the early days of the island settlement. The current stonewo...
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DO
Velas is extremely
rich in architectural, cultural, and gastronomic heritage. Its customs are
unique and have been consolidated over the years, resulting in a cultural
specificity that remains to the present day. ...
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The
island provides good conditions for the practice of adventure activities, like Rappel,
Slide or even Canyoning. An opportunity to visit some places otherwise difficult
to reach. Activities that must be practised safely and supported by a
professional in the area....
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There is a
wide range of dive spots, appealing in terms of marine life and rock
formatio...
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The island
provides several official routes, properly marked, with different difficulty
...
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The boat
tour is an excellent way of exploring the singularities of the island’s
coast...
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EAT
Recipes
that pass from generation to generation, made with one hundred percent Azorean
products and a pinch of irreverence, are the promise to those visiting O
Branquinho. Emphasis on the limpets, the octopus, and the fried rabbit.Average price: 20€...
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Strategically
located at Fajã do Ouvidor, it welcomes the visitor with its magnificent view.
In the menu, the sea suggestions stand out, particularly the limpets and the
clams.
Average price: 20€...
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The essence
of the land and sea flavours, traditional in the island and that are confirme...
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Run by a
couple of Dutch artists, the restaurant is a meeting point of musicians, visual
...
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At its tables arrive regional recipes such as the limpets, the mixed
fish, the sauteed oc...
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SLEEP
Majestic, the
ancient property built on basalt stones was rebuilt as a high-quality tourism
unit. Each of its eight suites provide a unique experience and the swimming
pool reflects the highest mountain in Portugal, on the island opposite....
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Located
over the sea, the main attraction of this three-star hotel is the view over an
immense blue and the islands of Pico and Faial. It features a saltwater pool,
surrounded by a garden....
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A group of
luxury apartments, served by a restaurant, two swimming pools, a gym with jacu...
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Established
more than 30 years ago although the rooms were renovated in 2015. A two-star,...
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An Azorean
couple set up a refugee combining nature and comfort and welcome their hosts
...
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