5 Nature Experiences on the São Jorge Island
We give you 5 undoubtedly brutal ideas to do in permanent contact with nature. Primary condition: to like incredible landscapes. We have beetles, stars rain and a dive in Atlantis.
FIND A UNIQUE BEETLE IN THE WORLD
All you have to do is get down to Algar do Montoso (1). We are just talking about the largest one of the Azores, and one of the largest in Portugal, located in Alcaçarias, in Calheta. It exists because the lava of a volcano decided to move in the form of a tube. And that's it, we got this wonder. The descent to the caves is not advisable without a guide, because some of them are not yet fully explored. In 2004 a beetle that is part of an insect cluster existing in more volcanic structures of the Azores, but which are unique in the world, was discovered. Here's the tip: go down and find Wally.
DESCEND TO THE CALDEIRA DO SANTO CRISTO
Completely unthinkable not doing it. The Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo (2) is one of the most well-known on the island and there are reasons for that. The descent is made either by motorcycle or by foot and you can leave from Serra do Topo or from Fajã dos Cubres (3). There is no electricity but there is still so much to do. Just to start is one of the most fantastic spots in the archipelago for surfing.
If you are not a fan of sports or at least do not practice it, we have a big suggestion: start to dive into the icy water of the waterfall, and end up in the lagoon to catch a clam. They are hard to find, but worth it - you can not find this species anywhere else, they are unique in the world. If you do not know them or do not want to cook them, you can go to Borges, the only-restaurant/coffeeshop/place with a generator to charge phones, which serves them perfectly. At night you have to stop, look at the sky and count the shooting stars. Clean nights are guaranteed.
FIGHT THE SEA CURRENT, LITERALLY
The only thing you will hear is the water of the waterfalls running and the tinkling of objects that guarantee your safety during the descent and that are bound to you. São Jorge was the first island of the archipelago to receive the practice of canyoning. Nothing more intimate with Nature than descending a waterfall with your feet on the rocks; your hands clinging to a rope, caught at the beginning of the descent, and your face in the water. There are already people that devote themselves to exploring this adventure sport in a permanent way and you can do it safely with them - they even offer you a snack.
LIGAR À MÃE A DIZER QUE TOCOU COM O DEDO DO PÉ NUM GOLFINHO
When you hear an "Ahh!" During a boat trip, it is because usually, someone has seen a dolphin. Imagine the enthusiasm when you can actually touch one. There are several companies in São Jorge to explore the observation of marine species. Dolphins, whales, sharks, and turtles are practically at their maximum attendance level during these tours.
DIVE TO ATLANTIS
We have left this to the end for a reason: it is a completely obligatory and unforgettable place. The Poça de Simão Dias (4) is in Fajã do Ouvidor and after parking the car, it takes a good five minutes to get there. The path is made through the blackest basalt, and it always has a cliff above it. Between the clipping of the rocks and the tonality of the water, there is an enigmatic aura that seizes the panic to the dazzlement. Kids often say, "If you always dive down to the bottom, you reach Atlantis." It is to risk for.
Ana Claudia Verissimo
