São Jorge, situated north of the island of Pico and west of the island of Terceira, with 56 km in length and 8 km in width. The discovery and populating of the island are wrapped in mystery. However it is known that the first reference to the island of São Jorge dates back to 1439.

The nobel Flemmish William Van der Haegen established in Topo a population, where he ended up dying. Topo was a municipal seat in 1510, still maintaining the title of vila and Calheta in 1534m showing it's vitality with an economy that, aside from wine cultivation, of cereals and terra root, also in the cultivation of pastel and in the harvesting of heath, exported to Flanders and other countries in Europe used in dyes, it is it's main productions.

The people of São Jorge throughout history have been subjected to attacks from English and French Corsairs during the XVI and XVII centuries. Meanwhile, in the end of the XVI century, a section of the squadron under the command of the Count of Essex arrives on the island to repel the attackers, with success.

São Jorge, lives through centuries of near isolation, interrupted by rare visits of authority figures, of boats of commerce originating for the neighboring islands and by nobelmen that come here to contemplate the beautiful scenery.

And finally, the isolation is broken with the modern and safe seaports and an airport, opening São Jorge to new horizons of richness and progress; of which joining the exploration of it's natural resources, and the expansion of cattle raising, fishing, and the making of the famous São Jorge cheese, without forgetting the precious and unique, artwork in cotton of the Fajã dos Vimes and cedar wood from the Ribeira Seca, as well as the construction of fishing boats in Calheta and Topo.

Festivities
The Cultural Week of Velas, it is the event with the most popularity on the island, and it takes place on the first week of July. During these weeks, events take place such as conferences and speeches by well-known individuals of Azorean culture that come to the island of São Jorge for this event; concerts, by local local artisits and from artists from Mainland Portugal; A bullfight festival and finally the Horta - Velas - Horta regata, which completes the list of events of these very famous festivities. The Festival of July, takes place in the municipality of Calheta, during one week, the number of events that take place are countless, from concerts, theatrical shows, exhibitions, sports events, etc. With the beginning on Pentecost Sunday, and lasting until the months of Summer, the Holy Ghost Festivals, are celebrated, with great enthusiasm and devotion, by the local population.

In terms of artwork we give special reference to the embroidery in old looms. The folclore is similar to the other islands, with emphasis to dances like the Sã Macaio, Sapateia and Pezinho all those bing the more usual dances. The unique aspect that distinguishes the floclore from São Jorge to the other islands is the adaptation of guitars, while introducing some alterrations, making guitars out of wire, an instrument thaqt the players use to animate the popular festivals.

What to See
Pico de Esperança: Highest point on the island with approximately 1000 meters in altitude, on a clear summer day it is possible to see the rmeaining islands in the central group, which are the islands of Terceira, Pico, Graciosa and Faial.

Algar do Montoso: For the appreciators, the Algar do Montos is a perfect spot for the studying of rock formations or a simple visit. However it is recomended to do such with the help of a local guide.

Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo: With a small lagoon next to the ocean, it's the only area in the Azores that exist frash water clams, nobody really knows it's origin, however it is still appreciated by it's inhabitants.

Igreja de Urzelina: Submersed after the eruption of the volcano of Pico da Esperança in 1808, located a 1053 meters of altitude, it's one of the highest areas in the island. Today it is only possible to visit the tower of the church., the only part that did not remain submersed.

Touristic Guide
The tranquility of it's large areas where you can only hear the singing of the hawks, because of that, the island of São Jorge, a giant ship of stone, is a perfect place for vacationing, nestled in the intimacy with nature and the ocean.

Travelling through São Jorge is to discover scenery that charms us, that tkaes us to a primative world where trails climb up to Serra do Topo. Magnificent panormaic views of the remaining islands of the central island group of the Azores(Terceira, Graciosa, Pico and Faial).

São Jorge is marked by it's beautiful Fajã(coves), of which there is the Fajã de Santo Cristo, a piece of land ripped from the high cliffs, with a small lagoon next to the ocean. The pleasure of many trips in São Jorge through roads still travelled by farmers that cultivate the coves, place the cows on the green pastures.

The small factories, many of them using traditional methods, make of the rich milk from the cows the breat cheeses that gives fame to the island and that are a good start of a delicious meal in the traditional restaurants on the island of Pico.