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Pico is the second largest island of the Archipelago with a surface area of 448 km2. It is home to the highest mountain in Portugal which reaches an altitude of 2351 meters.

The elongated island of São Jorge is 65 km long, 8 km wide and has a surface area of 246 km2. It is situated in the middle of three islands, Terceira, Graciosa, and Pico, with a distance between them of 21, 19 and 10 miles respectively.

The island is divided into two municipalities, Calheta and Topo, the seats of which are in towns that bear the same name. The towns and parishes still contain buildings with designs rich in architecture and culture, even though the island’s patrimony has been severely affected many times by violent seismic crises.

The contrast of the central ridge which crosses the island lengthwise with the steep and rugged coast speckled with “fajãs” (sloping coastal areas) bestows the landscape with a mixture of both aggressive and calm beauty.

The fajãs were formed from the debris caused when parts of the cliffs that surround them collapsed. Over the years these areas have been cultivated and fruit trees, fields of yams and maize along with many vegetables are now predominant. Due to micro climates it is also possible to grow coffee, tropical fruits and the beautiful dragon tree.
The town of "Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo" is famous fir its’ delicious clams, the "Cubre" for it's crystal lake and "Ouvidor" for it's lacy outskirts touching the ocean. There are other interesting "fajãs" you may visit while touring São Jorge. They offer a rare and unforgettable natural beauty.

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