Caminho das Fontes - São Jorge PRC10 SJO

This circular route begins at Calheta village port, next to Francisco de Lacerda Museum, whose mission is the study, preservation, valorization, and dissemination of the heritage of São Jorge and its community. In this location, there are also a series of buildings and services, including supermarket, restaurants, pharmacy, and a bathing area.

The trail continues, ascending through the steep Ladeira Velha, an ancient path that connected the upstream area of the village and still maintains the traditional sidewalk laid in the 19th century. The landscape highlights include Ladeira Velha Picnic Park and Rua de Baixo Viewpoint which offers wide views of the Calheta village and the surrounding area, as well as the neighboring islands of Pico and Faial.

Arriving at Biscoitos area, the highest point of the trail, you can visit its Church, dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Socorro. From here, the path follows the “Caminho das Fontes” walking trail, a trail of high local historical importance, which gives the name to this pedestrian trail, where people from nearby villages used to collect water from the "Fontes da Rocha" and wash clothes. The ascending stretch of the route will take you to Fajã Grande, passing by the washing basins and the ruins of an old water mill, where the inhabitants used to grind their cereals. You will also pass through lands where the cultivation of water yam, typical of São Jorge, is maintained, and you can enjoy some resting areas and viewpoints.

In Fajã Grande, you will pass by Senhor Bom Jesus chapel and near the campsite, located next to a bathing area, and will continue along the coastal path, passing by an old windmill, and by the “Santa Catarina, Indústria Conserveira S.A” Factory, a tuna canning industry established in this village since the 1940s that still prepares tuna using the traditional methods used by the old canning masters.

Following the coastal edge, you will also pass by the Main Church, Santa Catarina church, the patron saint of Calheta municipality, and by the “Império” of the Holy Spirit, located on the same staircase of the Church. The circular trail ends at the Calheta port, where it began.