Trails · Hard
Grande Rota de São Jorge (Este)
A two-day crossing of eastern São Jorge, from the highland plateau down to the dramatic fajã coast.
This long-distance route crosses roughly the eastern half of São Jorge, linking the parish of Topo with Fajã dos Cubres on the north coast. The path alternates between the island's inland plateau, where its volcanic cones first rose, and the steep cliffs that drop to the flat fajã platforms at sea level.
It is split into two stages of about 25 km and 15 km, so most walkers break the crossing into two days. Along the way, natural bathing spots offer a chance to cool off, and villages are the place to restock supplies.
At about 39 km and roughly 11 h 30 of walking, with roughly 2,750 m of climbing across the crossing, this is a serious multi-day undertaking rather than a day hike. Wild camping is forbidden, so plan an overnight stop at one of the Local Lodging or Rural Tourism houses along the route.
Elevation · from the official GPX
Up and down the trail
Plan your walk · MET Norway & IPMA
When to go
Pick a start time. We forecast where you'll be each hour — 3 m at the lowest point, 695 m at the top.
Official facts, our words
What to know
Trail facts
Difficulty Hard- Length
- 39.3 km
- Duration
- 11 hr 30 min
- Elevation gain
- 2,744 m
- Route
- Linear
- Highest point
- 695 m
- Steepest climb
- 57% at km 26.6
- Start
- Topo
- Finish
- Fajã dos Cubres
- Permit
- Not required
- Trail code
- GR01SJO
Route and facts © Azores trails network (visitazores.com)
