Monday, October 25, 2010

Sao Jorge Island





São Jorge is an island where you want to visit on a ferry day trip from Pico or Faial. There's nothing in S. Jorge that you have no seen in the other islands. The island is narrow and long with interesting "fajãs" or water-front planes that are accessed via very steep roads. S. Jorge claim to fame is the famous S. Jorge cheese and dive fishing. Skip the stay in its only hotel, as the petulance and arrogance of its management permeates the service along with its low cost/quality value. If you stay overnight try the quaint charming boutique places such as Casa do Antonio, Quinta do Canavial and Residencial Neto.

The island of Sao Jorge belongs to the central group and lies 21,6 miles off Graciosa, 11 miles off Pico, 32,4 miles off Terceira and 16,2 miles off Faial. It has an approximate area of 95 sq. miles (246 km2). The island has about 9500 inhabitants. The main municipalities are Velas and Calheta.

S.Jorge Island has an indented coastline appearing with an oblong shape. A mountain range forms the back-bone of the island, its highest peak the Pico da Esperança at 3455 feet (1053 m) it offers views of the other islands of the central group.