Sao Jorge Island Azores (Velas, Portugal)

Sao Jorge Island is one of central Azores Islands (Portugal), with total area approx 244 km2 (94 mi2) and population around 10,000. Sao Jorge is separated from the neighboring Faial island and Pico Island by a 15 km (9 mi) wide strait. These 3 isles are referred to as "Triangulo" ("The Triangle").

Sao Jorge Island is served by Atlanticoline ferries from the islands Pico, Faial, Terceira and Graciosa.

Sao Jorge is a long and thin island with high cliffs. Most of its population is concentrated along the south and north coasts. Historically, these communities were connected with ports as island's interior trails were barely transitable, thus they were isolated from one another.

Calheta, Topo and Velas were developed as main settlements mainly due to their better harbours. Most of the population are immigrats from Belgium (Flanders) and Spain. Administratively, Sao Jorge is divided into 2 municipalities - Velas (west, with 6 parishes) and Calheta (east, with 5 parishes).

Whaling was island's main industry between late-19th and mid-20th centuries. Small huts were built n strategic sites along the coast in order to watch-out for whales and signal local hunters, who sailed out and harpooned the mammals. Later, when whaling was prohibited, locals started tuna fishing, which resulted in building two fish processing plants in Calheta. Today, commercial fishing is the bigger part of Sao Jorge's economy, and whale-watching turned into tourism industry.

Sao Jorge Island Azores cruise terminal