What is the capital of Sao Jorge?

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



The capital of the island of São Jorge in the Azores (Portugal) is Velas. Located on the western coast of this long, slender island, Velas serves as the primary administrative and commercial hub. It is a charming, historic port town characterized by its traditional Azorean architecture, black volcanic stone accents, and the iconic 17th-century Igreja Matriz de Velas. The town's naturally sheltered harbor was historically a target for privateers, leading to the construction of several forts whose ruins remain visible today. For 2026 travelers, Velas is the best place to base yourself to explore the island's famous fajãs (coastal plateaus) and to sample the legendary São Jorge cheese at the local dairy cooperatives, as the town offers the island's most robust selection of hotels, restaurants, and ferry connections.

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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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São 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-São Jorge Channel, the central group is often referred colloquially as part of the Triângulo group or just The Triangle.

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Ethnicity: The Azorean Population is composed mainly of Portuguese immigrants from southern Portugal and Madeira, but with a significant population from Flanders, as well as smaller groups of Jews, Africans, Spaniards, Bretons and Moors.

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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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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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