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How big is Sao Jorge Island?

S?o Jorge is an island in the central group of the Azores archipelago and part of the autonomous region of Portugal. Separated from its nearest neighbours by the 15-kilometre Pico-S?o Jorge Channel, the central group is often referred colloquially as part of the Tri?ngulo group or just "The Triangle".



São Jorge Island is one of the more distinctive islands in the Azores archipelago, characterized by its long, thin "dragon-like" shape. It measures approximately 53 to 55 kilometers (33 to 34 miles) in length and reaches a maximum width of only 7 to 8 kilometers (about 5 miles). The total land area is roughly 246 square kilometers (95 square miles). Geographically, it is a massive volcanic ridge rising steeply from the Atlantic Ocean, with its highest point being Pico da Esperança at 1,053 meters (3,455 feet). The island is famous for its "fajãs"—small, fertile coastal plateaus formed by ancient lava flows or landslides at the base of towering cliffs. Because of its narrow width, you are never more than a few kilometers from the sea, yet the rugged central mountain range makes the island feel much larger and more untamed than its square mileage suggests. It is a premier destination for hikers who want to experience dramatic vertical scenery and a traditional, slower pace of life across its two main municipalities, Velas and Calheta.

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How many days in São Jorge? I recommend staying in São Jorge for at least 3 full days. There's plenty of things to do and the geography of the island is very elongated – for some reason it's nicknamed as the sleeping dragon – which I find beautiful! – so getting to places can take longer than expected.

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If you want to get around São Jorge, you really need to rent a car. That's true of most of the islands in The Azores, but it's especially true of São Jorge. Most of the car rental companies are based in and around Velas.

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Known as the Brown Island of the Azores, São Jorge, is a volcanic island that features astonishing views of Pico and Faial island, as well as green landscapes and a dark blue ocean. Around 9,000 people live on the island that spans 243.9 sq. km.

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Getting around São Jorge without a car is not going to be easy. While there is a bus, it only has a few services per day. Taxis are probably going to be the easiest way to get around.

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A typical visit lasts for 1h-1h30 and there is a variety of sights once inside. This includes the viewpoints, the castle's battlements, a camera obscura, the museum and the numerous hidden paths.

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Tickets. Admission costs 15 euros (around $16) for adults, 7.50 euros (around $8) for youths ages 13 to 25 and is free for children younger than 13 years of age. You can reach the attraction via Tram 28, or walk from the two nearest metro stations, Martim Moniz and Rossio.

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Entrance to the castle is paid: ticket price includes free guided tours in English, Spanish and Portuguese that take place several times a day, but you can also visit the castle independently.

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As most capital cities go, S?o Jorge Island's capital of Velas is tiny by comparison.

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The Castelo de São Jorge is one of Lisbon's most distinctive monuments, being situated on the city's highest hill. The oldest known fortification at this spot dates from the 2nd century BC, although some of the remains found here date from as far back as the 6th century BC.

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