Hiking Trails
in São Jorge, Azores
From edge to edge discover the most unique places from the locals perspective at a comfortable pace.
Do you love walking through nature? Then explore the beauty of São Jorge’s trails, where adventure and breathtaking landscapes await.
This network of trails has been rehabilitated and preserved, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the stunning scenery of São Jorge, in the heart of the Azores. As part of a Biosphere Reserve, São Jorge is undoubtedly the queen island of Azorean trails, featuring both marked routes and hidden paths around the Fajãs, all rich in ecological, scenic, and cultural value.
With admirable landscapes, diverse Fajãs, waterfalls, and the vast ocean, these trails offer a deep connection to nature and São Jorge’s cultural heritage. Along the way, you’ll experience genuine interactions with the local population and traditions, including the island’s renowned gastronomy—such as São Jorge coffee, artisanal cheese, traditional sweets, and fresh clams.
Designed especially for small or private groups, these tours minimize environmental impact, enhance the connection between visitors and guides, and provide a more personalized experience, emphasizing the environmental and cultural richness of the island.
Quick Details
- Duration: 2-7 hours
- Ages: From 6 years old
- Availability: Everyday Mon-Sun at 9h00
- Note: Suitable for all people with a stable health status
- --------------- Price ---------------
- Share Tour (6+ years old): From €70 / person
- Private Tour (up to 7 peope): From €75 / person
Distance: 3 – 17 km
Duration: 2 – 7 hours
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
Min. Age: 5 years old
Nr. People: Min. 1 / Max. 8
Hiking Trails Experience
Discover the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique ecosystems of São Jorge through our carefully curated hiking trails. Whether you seek breathtaking viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, or authentic local experiences, we can personalize the journey to match your wishes:
🔹 SERRA DO TOPO → FAJÃ CALDEIRA STO. CRISTO → FAJÃ DOS CUBRES
One of the island’s most famous trails, offering breathtaking views of majestic fajãs with lagoons and a rich variety of endemic flora. Along the way, discover the history of the 1980 earthquake and visit the birthplace of São Jorge’s famous clams.
🔹 NASCENTE → FAJÃ CALDEIRA STO. CRISTO → FAJÃ DOS CUBRES
A unique way to reach Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, descending through a lush valley of endemic flora untouched by tourism. This trail leads to hidden waterfalls and intersects with the official path to Caldeira de Cima.
🔹 FAJÃ DE SÃO JOÃO → LOURAIS → FAJÃ DOS VIMES
Located in the south of the island, this trail showcases São Jorge’s microclimate, waterfalls, and rare crops like coffee. Visit the only coffee plantation in Europe and experience traditional handcrafted textiles at Casa de Artesanato Nunes.
🔹 SERRA DO TOPO → FAJÃ DOS VIMES
A historic cattle herding path, featuring a steep descent of 1,250 stone steps through lush landscapes. The trail ends at Fajã dos Vimes, where visitors can enjoy locally grown coffee and handcrafted bedspreads.
🔹 FAJÃ DOS VIMES → FAJÃ DA FRAGUEIRA → PORTAL
A scenic 3 km coastal route offering uninterrupted views of Pico Mountain. Pass through vineyards, banana plantations, and historical sites, including the home of composer Francisco de Lacerda, before returning to Fajã dos Vimes for coffee and handicrafts.
🔹 NORTE PEQUENO TRAIL
A circular network of five trails, each leading to a unique fajã with distinct landscapes. Along the way, see an old incense wood transport system and meet the only couple who resisted the abandonment of Norte Pequeno’s fajãs.
🔹 PICO DO PEDRO → PICO DA ESPERANÇA → FAJÃ DO OUVIDOR
Starting at São Jorge’s highest peak (1,053m), this trail follows the island’s central mountain ridge, offering panoramic views of surrounding islands. The hike ends at Fajã do Ouvidor, where you can swim in the stunning Poça de Simão Dias natural pool.
Highlights:
🏞️ Explore the Queen Island of Azorean Trails – Discover both signposted and hidden trails around the scenic Fajãs
🌊 Stunning Natural Landscapes – Experience breathtaking waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and coastal views
🌍 Cultural & Heritage Immersion – Connect with local traditions, history, and natural heritage
🍽️ Authentic Local Gastronomy – Taste São Jorge’s famous coffee, artisanal cheese, traditional sweets, and fresh clams
Included:
✔ Certified Guides
✔ Insurance
✔ Transfers (pick-up / drop-off)
✔ Hiking poles (request upon reservation)
✔ Interpretation Center of Caldeira Santo Cristo
(Subject to opening hours)
Recommended to bring:
✔ Comfortable clothes and shoes. (*It is important to come prepared with clothing for wind, cold, rain and sun because during the activities there may be unexpected and adverse weather changes).
✔ Footwear such as high-top ankle-reinforcing hiking boots
✔ A backpack to carry your personal belongings
✔ Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
✔ Food reinforcement and extra water
✔ Swimsuit or shorts and towel (option – recommended in summer)
✔ Hiking poles (option – important for steep descents or ascents)
Good to know:
✔ If you want to include a picnic in the pedestrian activities, you can consult the menus in the attachment (number of picnics up to a maximum of 7 people).
✔ Suitable for all people with a stable health situation
✔ Children under 18 must be accompanied by their parents or guardian or provide written authorization
✔Suitable for all year round
✔ Meeting point: 09h00 at your accommodation
✔ Susceptible to changes according weather conditions and flow levels or other unforeseen circumstances
Why Choose Our Tours?
✔ Expert Guides – Passionate, certified professionals ensuring safety and fun
✔ Small Groups – Personalized experiences away from the crowds
✔ Eco-Friendly Adventures – Supporting sustainable tourism
✔ Unmatched Scenery – Explore the best-kept secrets of the Azores
Tours Photo Gallery
Booking and More Information
Ready to explore? Our easy-to-use booking system allows you to reserve your tour in just a few clicks. For more details on tour schedules and prices, please click on the button below or contact our friendly support team.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the Azores—where every tour is a new discovery!
Reserve your tour now and experience the best Canyoning adventure in the Azores!
