ECOTOUR
The ECOTOUR project aims to enhance the natural and cultural heritage of coastal areas, protected areas in the Canary Islands, Azores, Cape Verde, Mauritania, and Senegal, through the promotion of ecotourism activities.
Biosphere Reserve Fajãs of São Jorge
Biosphere Reserve Fajãs of São Jorge
The Fajãs are the main landmark of the landscape of São Jorge and have been part of the exclusive list of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves since 2016. They were also awarded an honorable mention at the 2020 National Landscape Award, within the context of the 3rd National Architecture and Landscape Conference.
The Biosphere Reserve of the Fajãs of São Jorge covers a total area of 98,114.17 hectares, corresponding to the entire terrestrial space of São Jorge Island and an adjacent marine area, with its outer limit being 3 miles from the coastline.
São Jorge Island features an extensive coastline due to its elongated shape, and its mountainous appearance is primarily due to the steep cliffs, especially on the northern coast, which makes the landscape more rugged.
In addition to the deep valleys, there are others that do not even reach sea level, remaining suspended at the top of the cliff, giving rise to magnificent waterfalls.
Along the coastline, flat surfaces occasionally emerge, known as fajãs (slope fajãs and lava fajãs), which constitute a distinguishing feature of the island due to the balanced relationship between humans and nature, as well as the unique experiences, landscapes, and biodiversity.
The traditions associated with the fajãs, unique to the Azores, have been consolidated over the years, resulting in a cultural specificity that persists to this day.
Fall in love with the Dragon Island.
Fajã de Santo Cristo
Located on the northern side of the island, it is classified as a Partial Natural Reserve and Special Ecological Area, aimed at safeguarding the clam population and maintaining its ecological balance. It provides ideal conditions for various sports such as surfing or hiking, with the Serra do Topo – Caldeira de Santo Cristo hiking trail being a prime example. It is considered the most emblematic Fajã of the island.
Fajã dos Cubres
The Fajã dos Cubres is a distinctive location, situated on the northern slope of the island, and its name comes from the abundant plant with small yellow flowers called Cubres. It is renowned for its lagoon, which has an irregular shape and four small islets within it, serving as a natural refuge for various seabirds and migratory species. A wide variety of typical marine fauna and flora can be found here.
Fajã dos Vimes
Located on the southern coast of the island, this fajã is very attractive due to its size and characteristics, with its habitable area extending across the hills. Known for its coffee cultivation, the only one of its kind in Europe, it is also famous for its craftsmanship, such as the "Colchas da Fajã dos Vimes," woven by artisans on pedal looms. Three streams flow into this area, with one of the particular features of the Ribeira dos Vimes being its source of carbonated mineral water.
Fajã do Ouvidor
One of the most sought-after fajãs on the northern coast, due to its accessibility, natural and human charms. The natural pools, which provide excellent bathing areas, give this fajã a uniqueness that attracts many visitors, with Poça Simão Dias being the largest and most iconic. It is also very popular during the Holy Spirit festivals, on Holy Spirit Thursday and Trinity Sunday, where the traditional "Sopas do Calhau" are cooked and served.
Fajã João Dias
Accessed by a narrow and steep trail, this fajã belongs to the parish of Rosais and its name comes from the owner who owned most of the fajã. The houses in this fajã are unique as each one has its own cistern for collecting rainwater. The landscape is distinctive, especially due to the existence of a bay with a small sandy beach, providing a bathing area.
Fajã das Almas
A Fajã das Almas situa-se no lado sul da ilha, na freguesia das Manadas, concelho de Velas, e é também conhecida como Fajã do Calhau. Nesta fajã podemos encontrar duas ermidas, a ermida de Nossa Senhora das Almas, situada no lugar dos Barbós, e a ermida de Santo Cristo, construída em 1876. A 9 de Setembro de 1880, a ermida de Santo Cristo sofreu um incêndio, sendo a sua reconstrução promovida pelo Barão do Ribeiro e benzida a 14 de Janeiro de 1882.
