About Sao Jorge

Sao Jorge is part of the Central Group in the Portuguese Azorean archipelago in the North Atlantic. With a dramatic landscape comprising vast networks of tall peaks, green craters and coastal plains, Sao Jorge offers the ideal scenery for hiking holidays. The villages are incredibly picturesque, too, most notably the capital, Velas, a quiet harbour town dating back to the mid-15th Century. The island is home to a wide range of birdlife including various gull species, so keep an eye out during your hike. Also, a stroll along the coast near Urzelina will lead you to a fascinating volcanic rock formation populated by wild pigeons. From the port in the capital, you can choose from many sailings to a great number of destinations in the Azores thanks to Sao Jorge’s central location in the archipelago.

About Santa Maria

Santa Maria is the oldest and southernmost island of the Portuguese Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. Known locally as ‘the island of the sun’ and ‘the yellow island’, Santa Maria boasts the sunniest climate of the Azores and a landscape characterised by dry vegetation and sandy shorelines. The island has a rich cultural heritage, too, which is evident in the town of Anjos, the first landfall of Christopher Columbus on his return voyage from the Americas. Also, each traditional home in Santa Maria’s villages has a distinctively coloured chimney in order to contrast with the whitewashed masonry. Santa Maria also claims the best swimming spots in the archipelago, with a wide choice of stunning beaches and refreshing tidal pools. The most popular beach is Praia Formosa on the south coast which also offers excellent surfing, water skiing and sailing conditions. Santa Maria is well connected to the other Azorean islands by ferry, with numerous routes provided from its port on the southwest coast to almost every island.