Pico da Esperança
A visit to Pico da Esperança is a must in this municipality. Measuring about 1053 meters in altitude, this is the highest spot of the São Jorge Island, from which you can get a panoramic view of central group, being able to see the Faial Island, the Pico Island, the Terceira Island and the Graciosa Island.
Fajã das Almas
Fajã das Almas is situated on the south coast of the islan, in the Manada parish, in the Velas municipality. Here, there are located two chapels with much cultural value and of great importance in religious patrimony. These are the Nossa Senhora das Almas chapel and the Santo Cristo chapel. This area is also under protection from Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies da Fajã das Almas. This is the habitat of several unique and/or endemic species of fauna and flora, such as the Cory’s shearwater.
Pico da Velha Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located inside the Sete Fontes Forest Park, which is part of the Ponta dos Rosais Site of Community Interest, in the parish of Rosais. From this viewpoint you can get a view over the island of Pico and the island of Faial.
Vela viewpoint
From this viewpoint it is possible get a panoramic view over the Velas town and over the islands of Pico and Faial. This viewpoint is also located in the area that is under protection from the Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies da Costa das Velas. This area is of great importance for the local wildlife that nests here.
Manadas viewpoint
The Manadas viewpoint is located in the parish of Manadas and it is a viewpoint from which you can get a panoramic view of the Pico and Faial islands as well as a beautiful view of the sunset.
Mills of Urzelina
Set of colorful mills by the sea taking advantage of its winds. Many of these are already abandoned and others are incomplete. These mills have a red color on their blades, having a distinctive appearance.
Arco da Fajã da Ribeira da Areia
Located in Ribeira da Areia, in the parish of Norte Grande, this is a natural arc-shaped volcanic formation of basaltic lava. The site obtains a unique beauty due to its distinctive shape.
Porto dos Terreiros beach
Porto dos Terreiros beach is located in one of the only flat surfaces in the Manadas parish and it is a bathing site. It is considered of obligatory visit.
Piscinas Naturais de Velas
These are natural swimming pools located in Fajã do Ouvidor and are one of the most emblematic sites on the island, like for example the Poça Simão Dias, where you can find clear waters that are very good for swimming.
Semana cultural de Velas
During the first week of July the festivities of the Semana Cultural de Velas are celebrated. This event is happens across all three islands of the Triangle (Pico Island, São Jorge Island and Faial Island) and has a wide array of activities to enjoy. From nautical events, sports and games to concerts, food fairs, book fairs, among many other activities.
Festas de São Jorge
These are a series of festivities dedicated to the saint São Jorge, after whom the island is named after. These are religious celebrations that happen in Velas around the 23rd of April, this being the highlight of the festivities.
Boat trips
Velas has a marina in perfect conditions to welcome sailors. From here you can sail and circle the island and enjoy the scenery, from its volcanic formations, caves, mountains, to its dense and lush forests that harbor unique species of fauna and flora.
