How many days do you need in Sao Jorge?

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.



To truly appreciate the "dragon-shaped" island of São Jorge in the Azores, you should ideally budget 3 to 4 full days. This island is famous for its unique fajãs—small coastal plains at the base of steep cliffs created by lava flows or landslides. A 4-day itinerary allows you to hike the iconic trail from Serra do Topo down to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo (where you can taste the island's unique clams) and continue to Fajã dos Cubres. You will also have time to visit the western tip at Ponta dos Rosais and explore the town of Velas, known for its natural swimming pools. If you are a fan of slow travel or "cheese tourism," adding a 5th day is recommended to visit the Union of Dairy Cooperatives and sample the famous aged São Jorge cheese (DOP). Because the island’s weather can be unpredictable and the roads are winding and steep, having a flexible 4-day window ensures you won't miss the dramatic "sleeping dragon" views due to fog or rain.

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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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If you prefer nature, greenery, an off-the-beaten-path adventure and don't mind rain or cooler temperatures, pick the Azores. If you'd prefer sunshine, golden sands, luxury amenities and a quirky cable car/toboggan experience, consider Madeira, including the beachy island of Porto Santo.

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Every island in the archipelago is different, but generally, it is more affordable than living in most places in mainland Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto. Consumer prices, including rent, are around 17% lower in Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel, than in Lisbon.

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But tourism in the Azores, while growing rapidly, is still a blip when compared to other destinations popular with the outdoor adventure set. The total number of tourists who visited the Azores, population 245,000, in 2017 is around 645,000.

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The Azores islands are a group of Portuguese islands located in the Atlantic Ocean between the U.S. and mainland Europe. They're a true hidden gem, but are quickly piquing North American travelers' interests—São Miguel even made our list of stunning islands in Portugal that you need to visit.

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The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.

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In Madeira, there are fewer sandy beaches, but more beaches with pebbles or stones. To access the water, we strongly recommend water shoes. If you are interested in exploring a variety of sandy beaches, the winner is Tenerife ??.

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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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The ticket to Castelo de S?o Jorge can be purchased online or at the castle's ticket office. If you buy a discounted ticket (Youth, Senior or Persons with Disabilities) you must bring documented proof to show at the entrance when validating your ticket.

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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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