São Jorge, one of the central islands of the Azores archipelago, is geologically quite young, with its subaerial (above-water) portions estimated to be between 0.25 and 0.73 million years old. It was formed during the Quaternary period along a linear fissure system, which gives the island its unique, long, and narrow shape (often described as a "ship" in the Atlantic). While the underwater volcanic foundations are millions of years old, the visible landscape was shaped by successive basaltic lava flows that created its iconic "fajãs"—flat coastal plains formed by landslides or lava reaching the sea. In 2026, the island is a key site within the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, where its relatively "fresh" volcanic history is studied to understand the triple junction of the North American, Eurasian, and African tectonic plates. Despite its youth, the island’s dramatic 300-meter cliffs and lush vegetation make it appear ancient, though it is actually the youngest island in the Azores after its neighbor, Pico.
The island of São Jorge in the Azores is geologically about 1.3 million years old, though its human history is much younger, dating back to the mid-15th century. It was first sighted by Portuguese explorers around 1439, and settlement began in earnest around 1460 near the modern-day towns of Velas and Calheta. The island is unique in the archipelago for its elongated, "knife-like" shape, formed by a series of volcanic eruptions along a linear fissure. In 2026, visitors can still see the dramatic evidence of its volcanic past in the fajãs—flat, fertile plateaus at the base of steep cliffs created by ancient lava flows and landslides. Historically, the island's age is marked by its isolation; for centuries, the "Jorgenses" lived in nearly autonomous communities, developing a unique culture and the world-famous Queijo São Jorge (cheese), which has been produced on the island for over 500 years using traditional methods.