Vila das Velas - Activities, Attractions & Shopping
Hiking
The island is a hiker’s paradise. On a fine day you can walk the central ridge of the island to its high point at Pico do Esperança, from where it is possible to see all of the islands of the central group, then down to the village of Norte Pequeno or even to Fajã d’Ouvidor on the north coast.
The most famous walk, though, is from Serra do Topo to Fajã dos Cubres via Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo. A taxi is needed from Velas to the start of the walk, but it is then possible (during the week) to get a bus back from Norte Pequeno.
The start of this walk gives one some stunning views over the island, and the glimpses one gets of the fajã on the way down, often through tree heather woodland with hedges of hydrangeas, are delightful.
Cheese
São Jorge is famed for its cheeses which vary from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy. A visit to a cheese factory is a must, especially as the size of the tasting portions almost constitutes lunch.
Textiles
For textile enthusiasts, a visit to the Casa de Artesanato at Fajã dos Vimes is a must. Here the colchas de ponto alto are woven on ancient looms by Sra Maria Alzira Ávila Nunes and her sister Sra Maria Carminda Ávila Nunes.
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Related to following destinations: Azores, Sao Jorge, Vila das Velas
Port Navigation
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The Island of Sao Jorge has been suffering a seismic episode during March/April 2022 – some 20,000 tremors in a two-week period. The tremors are mostly in the Velas area where the main town and marina are. No-one is certain at this stage what the outcome will be, possible an earthquake or lava effusion, however visiting yachts should be aware of the situation.
I agree, the harbourmaster is very friendly but I am in one of the ten visiting berths and swell is making my 34 Hanse 342 rolling hard. The wifi from the marina has to be repaired for five days.
The following different communication information is listed in the brochure “Marinas dos Acores”: phone +351 963 698 900, email [email protected].
In May 2014 there were about 10 berths available for visiting yachts, about 5 alongside or on hammerheads for larger boats <20m, of which about half were taken. The harbormaster was very friendly and there was little swell and no signs of bad swell. The WiFi was excellent.