Manadas brings together cultural and historical themes with the coastal and natural landscape of São Jorge. A precise geographical reference is Fajã das Almas, also called Fajã do Calhau: it lies on the south side of the island, in the parish of Manadas and the municipality of Velas. The two names refer to the same place. This makes it possible to understand the area through both its local history and its protected landscape.

Landscape and Nature of Fajã das Almas

Fajã das Almas is part of the “Área Protegida para Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies da Fajã das Almas” (Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Fajã das Almas). Its land area covers about 97.1 hectares. Both birdlife and plants are characteristic of the area: roseate terns (Sterna dougallii), common terns (Sterna hirundo) and Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) occur here. The fajã is also considered an important breeding area for Cory’s shearwaters.

The plant life is also represented by specific species. These include tree heath (Erica azorica), firetree (Morella faya) and “pau-branco” (Picconia azorica). Together with its protected-area status, these species give the nature theme a clear profile. Fajã das Almas also has a bathing area. If you plan your visit around these nature and swimming themes, the fajã is generally considered easy to access; weather and maintenance can affect the actual conditions. Take both into account when planning.

Santa Bárbara Church and Forte de Sta. Bárbara

Santa Bárbara Church offers another way to explore the area’s history. The church building was constructed in 1770. Tile panels, gilded woodcarving and religious sculptures define the interior. The religious festival in honour of the patron saint takes place on the first weekend of December. If you would like to combine your trip with this festival, plan your dates around this period and check the exact festival dates for your travel year.

Forte de Sta. Bárbara is next to the church. Its history goes back to the attacks on Velas: in 1708, the French fleet under the command of René Duguay-Trouin attacked the town; the fort played an important role in its defence. Among the ruins, part of the guardhouse—also described by some authors as an arsenal—and several gun embrasures can be identified. The church and the fort ruins thus bring together architectural history and the military history of Velas, while keeping their histories distinct.

The Santo Cristo Chapel

Another historic stop is the Santo Cristo Chapel. It was built in 1876 and burned down on September 9, 1880. Its reconstruction was promoted by the Baron of Ribeiro; the chapel was blessed on January 14, 1882. This sequence of construction, fire and later blessing gives the chapel’s history its own timeline. It complements the older architectural history of Santa Bárbara Church, without combining the two religious buildings into a single point of interest.

Swimming Options in the Municipality of Velas

For further orientation in the municipality of Velas, Porto dos Terreiros is one of the swimming options on the south coast. This information refers to this coastal stretch of the municipality. Together with the bathing area at Fajã das Almas, it provides a second named reference point if swimming is part of your travel plans. Manadas is therefore especially appealing to travellers who want to combine cultural history and nature on São Jorge; festival dates, the precise place name and changing conditions at the fajã can help you plan your stay more deliberately.

Discover more destinations: Velas, Queimada, Barreiras, Calheta.

For the broader travel overview: San Jorge.