Calheta de São Jorge

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The village of Calheta was founded in the late 15th century (1483) and developed quickly, therefore becoming the county seat from 1534. With the extinction of the Topo county (in 1867), the municipality of Calheta started occupying an area of 126.5 km2, that matches with the entire eastern part of São Jorge island. Alongside with the neighbor county of Velas, the great tourist attraction are the Fajãs, which are cultivation sites situated on the beachfront and that are surrounded by steep cliffs. Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo stands out among these beautiful places of coexistence between nature and man. In economic terms, the calhetenses seek their livelihood in the sea, agriculture and livestock. In recent years tourism has made it possible to open new horizons to this rural county. However, this trend is still very incipient and seasonal. It is not surprising that the number of inhabitants in the municipality has progressively decreased: it has nowadays less than 4000 inhabitants, of whom 1200 reside in the village center. But the wealth is not measured only by economic and demographic indicators. The region's landscape owns an immense wealth and conquers every tourist who goes there!

What to do in Calheta de São Jorge

Miradouro para a Fajã dos Cubres

Calheta de São Jorge

From this viewpoint we obtain breathtaking views of the Fajã dos Cubres, surrounded by the blue sea. Around, and the contrast, the green hills.

Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo

Calheta de São Jorge

Of all the fajãs - fertile places due due to their microclimate - the Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo may be the most well known, namely because it is the only place in the Azores where one can find clams. It also has a lagoon and a underwater cave. It is also excellent for surfers. One can get there …

Fajã dos Cubres

Calheta de São Jorge

With a curious name, taken from a plant that has small yellow flowers, the Fajã dos Cubres, also known as Fajã of Our Lady of Lourdes, is one of the most beautiful and exotic in the Saint Jorge Island. The lagoon with the same name is an obligatory passing point. That is where the fishermen go get shrimps for fishing …

Igreja Matriz de Calheta / Igreja de Santa Catarina

Calheta de São Jorge

The primitive Church, likely Foundation in the 16th century, was destroyed in 1639 by a fire. Years later, still in the 17th century, a new church was built in a less exposed to the force of the sea. In 1757 …

Fajã dos Vimes

Calheta de São Jorge

With jagged cliffs, as most of the fajãs on the Saint Jorge island, the inhabitants of Fajã dos Vimes have suffered several large nuisances. The worst of all took place during the 1757 earthquake that totally destroyed the fajã, later …

Reserva Florestal de Recreio de Silveira

Calheta de São Jorge

Large forest park created along the route of a line of water where are still visible some mills. Classified as recreational forest reserve since 1989, here we can find viewpoints, fences with animals, picnic areas and several tramlines.

Fajã das Fonduras

Calheta de São Jorge

Little Cliff located between Fajã da Ponta Grossa or Mere and Fajã da Abelheira. Is almost completely abandoned, except for the inhabitants of Norte Pequeno, who comes to here graze cattle and cultivate the land. There are many Springs, knowing …

Fajã do Além

Calheta de São Jorge

Access to this fajã, located between Fajã de São João and the Fajã do Lava, through a narrow path, where you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views. This way, however, is only possible on foot, donkey or horse. The various existing …

Igreja Matriz do Topo / Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário

Calheta de São Jorge

Church built in the 16th century, being later enlarged and restored in the 18th century. This reconstruction was necessary due to the devastation the earthquake called God warrant did in this temple. In the majestic facade stands out the gate, …

Farol da Ponta do Topo

Calheta de São Jorge

Lighthouse located on the Southwest tip of the island, more properly in the call Tip from the top. It consists of a circular tower with 16 feet tall and annexes where is located the lighthouse keeper's dwelling and a deposit …

Poças Vicente Dias

Calheta de São Jorge

Natural pools of clear waters, located next to the parque de campismo da Calheta, just 30 metres from the sea. Offers fantastic panoramic views over the islands of Pico and Faial. In addition to some nice dives, you can practice …

Miradouro para o Ilhéu do Topo

Calheta de São Jorge

From this viewpoint we can get magnificent panoramic views over the natural pools, as well as on the islet from the top. Topo islet is an islet about 200000 m2 area and integrated into Special Protection Zone of the Island …

Piscina Natural da Pontinha do Topo

Calheta de São Jorge

Natural pools of great beauty, resulting from volcanic rocks.

Museu Francisco de Lacerda

Calheta de São Jorge

This space features the culture of the island since 1911, with regional ceramics, agricultural utensils, baskets, ethnographic objecrs related to the cult of the Holy Spirit and linen works.

Fajã de São João

Calheta de São Jorge

Accessible by car almost all the way up to its completion, the Fajã de São João, the largest fajã da costa South of the municipality of Calheta, is local in passing mandatory for all those who seek tranquility, in landscapes …

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Where to eat in Calheta de São Jorge

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Where to sleep in Calheta de São Jorge

Hotel Solmar
Hotel Solmar

2 star

Hotel located in the Centre of the typical village of Calheta, offering simple yet functional rooms 17 and a well-equipped apartment.

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Near Calheta de São Jorge

Velas

Velas

Candles, municipality with 119 km2 and about 5600 inhabitants, is one of two municipalities on the island of São Jorge. The village of candles was fo…