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TRIP

2 Day Foodie Adventure in the Island of São Jorge

CURATED FOOD, WINE & NATURE EXPERIENCE

From 530€

Quick Details

Prices

Single Occupancy

All year

610€

Single Occupancy

August

720€

Double Occupancy

All year

530€

Double Occupancy

August

610€

Embark on a journey to São Jorge Island, a gem in the Azores known for its dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultural traditions.

This unique 2 day tour offers an authentic glimpse into the island’s distinct way of life that contrasts sharply with the more traveled paths.

Stretching over 30 miles, São Jorge is an elongated island sculpted by nature’s force. The island is characterized by its stark contrasts: from the serene, flat pasturelands atop the plateau to the rugged, verdant “fajãs” at sea level. These small coastal plains, nestled at the cliffs’ base, are not only a testament to the island’s volcanic heritage but also a vital part of local lifestyle. Historically, islanders practiced transhumance, that is seasonally moving livestock between the plateau and the fajãs, navigating the challenging terrain with traditional pulley systems to transport goods and even animals. This geographical split has deeply influenced local expressions and cultural practices, making phrases like “lá fora está a chover” (it’s raining outside) commonplace in fajãs to describe the weather on the distant plateaus.

São Jorge’s fierce terrain and the resilience of its people have crafted a community where tradition and sustainability intertwine. The island’s economy thrives on a delicate balance of agriculture, evident in the famed São Jorge cheese, renowned globally for its intense flavor. This cheese is a direct product of the island’s high-quality pasture, which supports a thriving dairy industry. The island also has a strong tradition in cattle ranching, fishing, wine making and spirits production – we explore and taste it all, together!

This tour is your passage into the heart of São Jorge. During this experience, every moment and meal tells the story of resilience, adaptation, and beauty of the people of this remote island in the Azores. Join us for an exhilarating adventure – spaces are limited to preserve the quality and intimacy of the experience!

Highlights

Savor local delicacies, including freshly brewed coffee from a local plantation – one of the very few in all of Europe!
Enjoy a traditional meal prepared by locals in a scenic fajã, overlooking the ocean.
Visit an artisanal cheese factory to understand and taste the process behind
Taste the internationally acclaimed PDO São Jorge cheese – awarded a Gold medal at the World Cheese Awards!
Embrace Nature and experience the stunning diversity of São Jorge’s landscape by swimming in pristine natural pools and walking through some of the most picturesque trails in the Azores.
Gain insight into the unique lifestyle of fajã inhabitants, exploring how these resilient communities flourish in such secluded settings.
Delight in the unique flavors of giant clams, sourced directly from a local lake.
Spend one night in a handpicked accommodation, in an incredible setting. outside from this world.

What is included?

1 night at hand-picked accommodation (with an open swimming pool and sauna).
All meals and drinks included in OMC activities
Full admission to all proposed activities, locations and events
Up to 2 Azorean wine-tastings with local producers
OMC hosts food and cultural experts throughout the entire experience
Transportation during all activities mentioned in the program (van and quad bike)

What is not included?

Flights and/or ferry to and from São Jorge island
Transfers to the meeting point (Velas)
All activities, meals and costs not listed as included on the weekly OMC itinerary

Dietary restrictions

We embrace a willingness to try new things! But we try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, pescatarian, keto diet, and others) and food allergies (celiac disease, diary-free, and others).

Please contact us about any specific restrictions or food allergies.

What to bring?

Prepare for an active but not strenuous adventure by bringing trekking shoes and packing a small backpack other than your main luggage with sunscreen, hat, a bathing suit and a towel for natural pool swims, and a light rain/wind jacket for unpredictable weather.

Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are a must for exploring the diverse terrains of São Jorge!

What is our philosophy? What distinguish us?

I fell in love with these islands, especially with Pico, when I spent several months there living, working, tasting and exploring. These personal experiences allowed me to create natural connections that I have shared with small groups of travelers since 2021, through these cultural and culinary trips, which emerged organically as part of the fabric of my life – as happened to all OMC tours and experiences which are always authentic, eclectic and deeply rooted in the region and its people!

My background in Anthropology gives me tools to better understand how food and beverages are manifestations of local traditions and communities, embedded into a certain place or culture.

We facilitate access to experiences beyond what other commercial travel agents can book and that would be difficult for you to conceptualize alone or in a short time. Our organized activities have structure and fluidity. You’ll ‘live’ an authentic connection with people and local culture in a fun and relaxed way.

At OMC we preach and practice ‘transformative tourism’ meaning your experience has the potential to change you positively. Each time we organize one of our events we bear this in mind. We only work with small groups and exclusive experiences.

We emphasize local narratives and personal stories rather than ‘universal’ theories. We believe we are all cultural actors and creators with our part to play.

Finally, it’s part of OMC’s spirit to be eclectic, which means we offer you experiences that range from traditional to innovative, from award-winning producers to exclusive and homemade meals cooked by natives, where the oral and popular knowledge dialogue with the ‘scientific’ one, where dominant narratives/products/wines are questioned by subversive ones.

Note from the founder, Sílvia Olivença, member of the Slow Food Foundation.

Safety and sustainable guidelines

We have chosen to do this experience in São Jorge Island because of its charms, but also because it’s a low-density destination. We give preference to accommodations, restaurants and other establishments that have been awarded the “Safe & Clean” seal by Tourism of Portugal (just like our very own company!), attesting to practices following the General Directorate for Health guidelines, while maintaining the quality of the experience.

We have a strong commitment to sustainability: all of our experiences/trips are designed to work closely with the local communities and are co-constructed and co-designed with them. Instead of aiming for a minimal impact on the community, we pursue a positive impact and a transformative type of tourism where local communities, businesses, local knowledge, and narratives are empowered and an essential part of what we do.

Meeting Point

On the tour day, you will meet the group near the Ferry Boat terminal in Velas Village, São Jorge Island, in front of Café Restaurante Velence.

It’s a very central area, but feel free to contact us if you need before the experience starts.

FAQ

What is a “fajã”?

A “fajã” is a distinct geological feature on São Jorge Island, created by landslides or lava flows that form flat plains at the bases of cliffs. These fertile areas support agriculture and small communities that thrive in this isolated but resource rich setting. Exploring a fajã reveals a lifestyle deeply connected with nature, where traditional practices and the sea’s rhythm are a part of daily life.

Why São Jorge Cheese is so coveted?

São Jorge cheese stands out due to its intricate production process that dates back over 500 years. Grazing on rich, volcanic grasslands, the local cows produce a distinctly flavored milk that, when crafted using age-old techniques, results in a cured firm cheese with a slightly spicy aftertaste and lots of personality.

Can you organize trips in different periods than the ones listed?

Feel free to contact us for different dates. We are happy to organize private experiences with a tailor-made program catering to your or your group’s preferences!

How to get to São Jorge island?

There are many different ways of getting to Pico Island
1 - You can fly to São Jorge Island.
2 - You can fly to Faial Island or Pico Island and then get a ferry to São Jorge Island (there are frequent crossings, around 1 hour trip). Sometimes this option can be cheaper than flying directly.

Notes on itinerary

The order of the activities may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.

For more frequently asked questions about weather, alcohol, and dietary restrictions, please visit our FAQ page here.

Traveler's Stories
More than 6000 Five Stars reviews

São Jorge is unlike anywhere else, and this trip captured its essence perfectly. Meeting local producers and experiencing daily life on the island was incredibly meaningful. Silvia and Natacha deep connection with the community gave us rare access to local kitchens and producers, while still leaving time to relax and fully absorb each moment.  
Mori R. (Los Angeles, USA)

The cheese tastings alone would have made the trip worth it, but it was the people and stories behind the food that made it truly memorable. Warm, genuine, and beautifully organized. Staying in the fajãs, right in front of the ocean, made the experience even more special—waking up to that view and unwinding in the sauna after a day of exploring was unforgettable.
Mikko P. (Seoul, South Korea)

A perfect balance between nature, culture, and gastronomy. Everything felt authentic and unfiltered. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you leave. With Silvia you will certainly experienced São Jorge beyond tourism.
Kathy J. (Montreal, Canada)

Exploring Pico with Oh! My Cod was unforgettable. The access to small-batch wines, traditional cuisine, and hidden places made this a rare and deeply authentic gastronomic experience. Despite the richness of the program, there was always time to slow down and enjoy the island at our own pace.
Danielle D. (Toronto, Canada)