The Dragon Island
Elongated island with dramatic cliffs and unique 'fajãs'. Famous for Queijo São Jorge cheese.
Population
4,949
Area
117 km²
Parishes
6
Agriculture (dairy farming and cheese production), Tourism, Fishing, Commerce, Services
Piscina Natural da Fajã do Ouvidor, Natural Arch of Velas, Igreja de Santa Bárbara (Manadas), Farol da Ponta dos Rosais, Sete Fontes Forest Park, Velas Marina, Portão do Mar
Velas became a municipality around 1490 and received 'vila' status in 1500. The municipality was attacked and looted in 1708 by French pirate René Duguay-Trouin. The historic center has suffered greatly from earthquakes, notably those of 1757 and 1980.
Home to the famous Queijo São Jorge, a protected cheese that is an important driver of the local economy. The municipality is known for its 'fajãs', small flat areas at the foot of cliffs, formed by landslides or lava flows.
Population
3,486
Area
126 km²
Parishes
5
Agriculture (livestock), Fishing (tuna processing), Dairy production (Queijo de São Jorge), Tourism, Crafts
Miradouro da Fajã dos Cubres, Miradouro Sobre a Calheta, Fajãs das Lagoas de Santo Cristo e dos Cubres de São Jorge, Francisco Lacerda Museum, Igreja de Santa Catarina
Calheta was founded in 1483 and received city rights in 1538. The municipality was largely destroyed in July 1757 by a severe earthquake. The port of Calheta was formerly a center for building trans-Atlantic ships.
Known for its dramatic coastlines and 'fajãs' (flat, fertile land at the foot of cliffs), offering unique natural conditions. The second largest city on the island and home to the Francisco Lacerda Museum.