Hiking Tour – Pico da Esperança

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

Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the island’s central mountain range, dotted with crater lakes. On clear days, it’s possible to see the islands of Graciosa, Terceira, Pico, and Faial. The trail also passes through Norte Grande, where a scenic viewpoint offers a stunning panorama 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 sculpted into black basalt cliffs, featuring striking prismatic formations.