The GR 02 SJO Grande Rota de São Jorge It covers roughly half the island on a route connecting Ponta dos Rosais (in the west of the island) with Fajã dos Cubres (on the north coast). It is approximately 52 km long. In Fajã dos Cubres, there is the possibility to... GR 01 SJO Grande Rota de São Jorge to meet, which crosses the other half of the island and ends in Topo (easternmost point of the island).
This route leads from the high plateau in the interior of the island, where the volcanic cones that shaped the island were formed, to the high, steep cliffs that end in small, flat areas at sea level, the famous landscapes of the Fajãs de São Jorge.
Whenever possible, one should take advantage of natural bathing areas to relax and recharge. In urban and rural centers, one can stock up on the essentials for hiking.
The route is divided into two stages of approximately 22 km and 30 km. You should plan your hike according to your physical abilities, interests, and available time. Overnight accommodation is available along the way (local lodgings and rural accommodations). Tourism), as wild camping is prohibited.
STAGE 1: Ponta dos Rosais / Santo Amaro
21,8 km / 5 h
The hike begins at the ruins of the Farol dos Rosais lighthouse and the small island at Ponta dos Rosais. The cliffs, rising approximately 200 meters, are part of the Ponta dos Rosais Natural Monument and Geosite and represent an important nesting area for seabirds such as the Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) and the Baroli Shearwater (Puffinus baroli). Please respect the conservation efforts and ensure you do not cross the legally defined boundaries that protect this area. Follow the markers and take a detour to an old, restored whale-watching post. From there, you can explore the islands to the south. Pico and Faial You will see. Continue following the unpaved road until you reach the Parque. FloresYou can reach the Sete Fontes valley. Here you'll find tree nurseries whose plants are later transplanted to other parts of the island. There are also recreational facilities such as lakes, picnic areas, and children's playgrounds. The annual festival honoring emigrants also takes place in this park. From here, you can take a detour to the viewpoints. Pico da Velha and Fajã de Ferrão Afonso. They face north and offer a view of the islands. Graciosa and TerceiraWith the island Pico Ahead of you, follow the descending path. Due to the slippery surface, please be careful until you reach the village of Rosais. There you can visit the Centro de Exposição Rural (Edifício Sol). The route continues across the island's central mountain range towards Beira. There you will find the factory and laboratory facilities of the "União de Cooperativas de Lacticínios de São Jorge“an organization that promotes the famous cheese of São Jorge manufactures. This is from the “Confraria do Queijo de São JorgeCertified. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up at the local shops. Then continue your journey along a dirt track that leads to pastureland. You will reach Santo Amaro, where this stage ends. From here, you can plan your next stage of the Grande Rota, which connects Santo Amaro with Faja dos Cubres, reaching further points on the island.
STAGE 2 – Santo Amaro / Fajã dos Cubres
30,2 km / 10 h
This stage connects the village of Santo Amaro (south coast) with Fajã dos Cubres (north coast) over a distance of approximately 30 km and crosses the Fajãs do Norte nature reserve, the habitat and species management area. Pico da Esperança and the central plateau, as well as the Fajã dos Cubres geosites and the central volcanic chain. The trail leads partly through the central volcanic chain, which is between 800 and 1000 meters high. It is recommended to undertake this hike on days with good weather and visibility. Leave the village towards the central volcanic chain and cross several volcanic cones until you reach the Macelas Forest Reserve, where you will find the Canal viewpoint overlooking... Pico and Faial You can visit. Follow the road markings and a few turns until you reach the signpost. PR 04 SJO - Pico do Pedro/Fajã do OuvidorFrom here, one crosses several peaks of this mountain range, such as the Pico do Pedro, do Carvão, da Junça, Verde and Morro Pelado. It continues via the Pico da Esperança, at 1053 meters the highest point on the island. This altitude stage ends after the Pico do Areeiro and the Pico do Pinheiro, which has both lakes in its craters. On the north side, you follow a forest where several endemic species such as Azores heath (Erica azorica), Azores holly (Ilex azorica), and Azores juniper (Juniperus brevifolia) can be found, until you reach the village of Norte Pequeno. Here you have the choice of whether to continue on the path PRC 06 SJO – Norte Pequeno Take the path or continue carefully along the road to Fajã dos Cubres. This stage ends in Fajã, near the Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Lourdes chapel. From here, you have the option of continuing on to the next stage of the GR 01 SJO, which connects Fajã dos Cubres with Fajã dos Vimes, or via the PR 01 SJO – Fajã dos Cubres/Caldeira do Santo Cristo/Serra do Topo to establish a connection to various other points on the island.
Length: 52 km
Duration: 15 h
Difficulty level: difficult
Source: visitazores
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