Velas

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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 founded in the mid-15th century, having ascended the village before the end of this century. Its privileged position-on the South coast and with the morro grande and natural Bay to protect your village-enabled a rapid development in the 16th century, surpassing in importance, the other villages on the island, namely Calheta and Topo. Various disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, vulcãnicas (1580, 1757 and 1808), food crises and bad crop years (19TH century) and attacks of Corsairs (18TH 16th centuries), on the vila das Velas since its foundation. Already in the late 18TH century and the 19th century the Orange export resulted, economically, the County. Nowadays, ranching and agriculture continue to occupy a prominent position in the economy of the municipality. Despite its thin width, the County is quite hilly, and Pico da Esperança, its highest point, the 1053 meters of altitude. The near vertical cliffs along the coast are typical. However, are the cliffs (land cultivation plans along the coast, flanked by escarpments) that bounce in the sight of the tourist. Are, effectively, places of rare beauty, where the harmony between the vivicência of the people and the surrounding nature is worthy of record.

What to do in Velas

Miradouro da Ribeira do Almeida

Velas

This viewpoint offers beautiful views over the marina, the ocean and, in the distance, on the islands of Pico and Faial.

Reserva Florestal de Recreio das Sete Fontes

Velas

Recently officially opened in 1976, to offer visitors ample green areas, picnic areas, playground, playing fields, shelter houses and fences with animals of several species. We can also find here the Ermida de São João, the niche of San Isidro and the monument to the emigrant.

Fajã do Ouvidor

Velas

Also known as Fajã do Porto, the site has about 30 old houses and a road accessible by automobile. It has a chapel, in honor of our Lady of sorrows and numerous streams. It is known also for its pools (natural pools for bathing) and by furnas on its coast, caused by sea erosion.

Igreja Matriz de Velas / Igreja de São Jorge

Velas

Church built by testament of Infante d. Henrique, in 1460. Inside is a collection of sacred art from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Torre da Urzelina

Velas

In 1808, a strong volcanic eruption destroyed the greater part of the village of Urzelina, leaving this time only this church tower.

Miradouro do Canavial

Velas

This viewpoint offers fantastic views of Candles, with the swimming pools and the football field to stand out on the sea and, in the distance, on the islands of Pico and Faial.

Museu de Arte Sacra de Velas

Velas

This museum displays a vast collection of sacred images and artefacts in silver.

Poça dos Frades

Velas

The geologic formation in this area created here one of the most popular bathing areas of the island. Resulting from the lava that flowed from the interior of the island, between the rocks protects small beaches where various competitions of …

Fajã das Almas

Velas

The island of São Jorge is also known for "Ilha das Fajãs" by the massive presence of these fertile locations, "flecked" by one or another White House that cut the landscape. Fajã das Almas, also known as Fajã do Calhau, …

Arco Natural de Velas

Velas

This natural arch in basaltic lava, located in Fajã da Ribeira da Areia, is of a grandeur that arouses curiosity.

Miradouro do Pico da Esperança

Velas

This viewpoint offers beautiful panoramic views of the verdant fields around, especially for a small lagoon.

Miradouro da Fajã das Almas

Velas

This viewpoint offers privileged views over the Fajã das Almas, having the sea as a backdrop.

Miradouro do Pico da Velha

Velas

This viewpoint offers fantastic views over the cores, housing over the sea and, in the distance, on the islands of Pico and Faial.

Portão do Mar

Velas

This gate is one of the few vestiges of the old fortress, built in the 18th century to defend the village from the pirates. It was built between 1797 and 1799 by Matias de Avelar. At the top of the …

Piscina Natural da Preguiça

Velas

Fantastic natural pools of volcanic origin, surrounded by a backdrop of extreme beauty.

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Where to eat in Velas

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Where to sleep in Velas

Cantinho das Buganvílias Resort
Cantinho das Buganvílias Resort

Modern and luxurious House, located just 200 metres from the sea. Enjoy the privileged views over the islands of Pico and Faial while relaxing in the outdoor p…

Casa do António
Casa do António

This particular accommodation is ideal for those who want to stay calm and relaxing but near the Centre of the village. The welcoming rooms, individually decor…

Hospedaria Austrália
Hospedaria Austrália

Small guesthouse, with family atmosphere and simple decor. There is also a nice Italian restaurant.

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Near Velas

Calheta de São Jorge

Calheta de São Jorge

The village of Calheta was founded in the late 15th century (1483) and developed quickly, therefore becoming the county seat from 1534. With the exti…