São Jorge, The Azores, Portugal
In the middle of the group of the nine Azorean islands in the North Atlantic lies São Jorge. It is also called the Brown Island, being flatter than most others, and therefore drier. The principal product of the island is cattle, and the cheeses produced here are the ones that make the Azores famous. Just like all the other islands here it is of volcanic origin. It was in an extinct volcano at the ocean side that we commenced the activities of the day. Kayaks were lowered into the water, and off we went paddling in the remnants of the caldera, enjoying the sunny day, the common terns, and the incredible views of so many volcanic events. Ash of different colors layered with black lava decorated the cliffs. The local name for this extinct cinder cone is “Baia de Entre-Morros.” A few houses with lovely tiled roofs could be seen higher up the slopes of the island.
We also enjoyed Zodiac tours in the area, and saw innumerable jelly-fish in the water, with their long tentacles trailing behind.
After lunch on the ship, we hoisted anchor and sailed to the main village of Velas, where we walked along the main street of this quaint little village, with small shops of handicrafts. Some guests traversed the island by bus to wander in a tree-filled parkland.
In the middle of the group of the nine Azorean islands in the North Atlantic lies São Jorge. It is also called the Brown Island, being flatter than most others, and therefore drier. The principal product of the island is cattle, and the cheeses produced here are the ones that make the Azores famous. Just like all the other islands here it is of volcanic origin. It was in an extinct volcano at the ocean side that we commenced the activities of the day. Kayaks were lowered into the water, and off we went paddling in the remnants of the caldera, enjoying the sunny day, the common terns, and the incredible views of so many volcanic events. Ash of different colors layered with black lava decorated the cliffs. The local name for this extinct cinder cone is “Baia de Entre-Morros.” A few houses with lovely tiled roofs could be seen higher up the slopes of the island.
We also enjoyed Zodiac tours in the area, and saw innumerable jelly-fish in the water, with their long tentacles trailing behind.
After lunch on the ship, we hoisted anchor and sailed to the main village of Velas, where we walked along the main street of this quaint little village, with small shops of handicrafts. Some guests traversed the island by bus to wander in a tree-filled parkland.
