São Jorge Island

São Jorge is a volcanic island in Portugal’s Azores, distinguished by its long, narrow ridge and low coastal platforms called fajãs. It is also known for São Jorge cheese.

Azores: An Atlantic archipelago and autonomous region of Portugal formed by volcanic islands. São Jorge is one of the nine islands in this archipelago.
São Jorge cheese: A firm, aged cow’s-milk cheese produced on São Jorge in the Azores. It is the island’s best-known food product and carries a protected designation of origin.
Velas: The principal town and municipal seat on São Jorge Island in the Azores. Velas is the island’s main port and administrative center.
Volcanic island: An island formed when volcanic activity builds land above sea level. São Jorge’s land emerged through eruptions along a long volcanic fissure system.
Pico Island: An Azorean island dominated by Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. Pico is São Jorge’s nearby neighbor across the channel and shares its volcanic setting.
Fajã: A flat coastal area at the foot of a cliff, often formed by landslides or lava flows. These low platforms punctuate São Jorge’s otherwise steep coastline.
Protected designation of origin: A European Union label reserving a product name for goods made in a defined region under specified rules. São Jorge cheese’s designation ties its identity to production on the island.
Calheta, Azores: A town and municipality on the southeastern side of São Jorge Island. Calheta is the island’s other major town and a key coastal settlement.
Fissure vent: An elongated opening in the ground through which lava and volcanic gases erupt. Fissure eruptions produced much of São Jorge’s ridge-like form.
Terceira Island: An island in the central Azores, home to the city of Angra do Heroísmo. Terceira is another central-group island linked to São Jorge by regional transport and history.

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Faial IslandRelated: It lies north of Faial across the channel separating the central islands.