Walking Tour – Pico da Esperança

The Pico da Esperança/Fajã do Ouvidor trail is one of the longest short trails on the island, starting at Pico do Pedro and passing through Pico da Esperança (1,053 m), the highest point of the island’s youngest geological region. The trail follows dirt paths and ends at the stunning Fajã do Ouvidor.

Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the island’s central mountain range, dotted with crater lakes. On clear days, you can see the islands of Graciosa, Terceira, Pico and Faial. The trail also passes through Norte Grande, where a panoramic viewpoint offers a stunning view of Fajã do Ouvidor and Fajã da Ribeira D’Areia, one of the few lava fajãs on São Jorge’s north coast.

The hike ends with a descent to the fajã, where you can take a refreshing swim if sea conditions allow in the famous Poça de Simão Dias, a natural pool carved into black basalt cliffs with impressive prismatic formations.