The name Arco de São Jorge refers to the arch-like shape of the mountains surrounding the village. Arco de São Jorge is considered predominantly rural. For many years, its fertile soil yielded food that could not be transported here from the markets. Together with historic trails and a mill, these traces are among the defining elements of the village’s history.
Winegrowing, Water and Local Culture
The Museu do Vinho e da Vinha is located at the Arco de São Jorge winegrowing experimental station. It includes a restored former winery with winegrowing equipment, as well as the experimental vineyard itself. The exhibition focuses on the local population’s relationship with winegrowing. It therefore highlights both the work involved in winegrowing and its importance to life in the area.
The communal washhouses also tell the story of traditional ways of life: they were recently restored and are considered an important part of the cultural heritage of the Freguesia’s population. Several fountains, including those at Enseada and Quinta, as well as Fonte da Quebrada and Fonte do Fundo da Quebrada, are considered attractions. They illustrate local cultural and social practices.
Local offerings include various forms of craft and everyday culture. Doces Tradições makes traditional pastries, bread, cakes and broas. The dough is kneaded by hand and the pastries are baked in a wood-fired oven; local handicrafts are also made there. Works from the collection can be consulted at the Biblioteca Feiticeiro do Norte. It is also a multimedia space.
Construction of a new church began on 18 January 1740. It was blessed on 19 March 1744; since then, Saint Joseph has been the patron saint of the Freguesia. Those who wish to explore local history beyond individual buildings will find further points of interest in the historic trails and the preserved mill.
The rose garden at Quinta do Arco can be visited from April to December between 10:00 and 18:00; it is closed from January to March. Check the visiting hours before your trip so you can take the seasonal schedule into account when planning.
Walking Trails and Views
The walking trails offer a range of landmarks. The Vereda da Ribeira Funda – Terras de Fora is 1.3 kilometres long, has a moderate difficulty level and ends in Terras de Fora in Arco de São Jorge. Also described as moderately difficult, the Vereda do Museu do Vinho e da Vinha is 2.6 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 20 minutes. It starts at Miradouro da Beira da Quinta and ends at the Museu do Vinho e da Vinha.
There are therefore two moderately difficult trails of different lengths: the Vereda da Ribeira Funda – Terras de Fora runs for 1.3 kilometres to Terras de Fora, while the Vereda do Museu do Vinho e da Vinha connects the viewpoint and museum over 2.6 kilometres. The Caminho da Entrosa is also listed as moderately difficult, with both endpoints specified: it begins in Arco de São Jorge and ends in São Cristóvão in Boaventura. Along this trail, views extend across the seascapes of Madeira’s north coast to São Cristóvão.
A Different Perspective on Two Wheels
The Down - São Jorge mountain bike trail offers a different focus. It is 1.4 kilometres long, has a high difficulty level and can be completed in 16 minutes. The entire route runs through a wooded area. After the trail, cyclists can explore the Freguesia of Arco de São Jorge and enjoy several gardens or viewpoints there. This short, challenging trail can thus be distinguished from the walking routes: the focus here is on the wooded area and the opportunities to explore the Freguesia afterward.
Arco de São Jorge is one of six Freguesias in the municipality of Santana. In 2011, Santana was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This regional context complements local insights into winegrowing, rural life and trails, while keeping the distinctive places of Arco de São Jorge in focus.
Discover more destinations: Santana, Ribeira Brava, Santa Cruz, Santo António Da Serra, Madeira, Vila Baleira, Ponta Do Sol, Curral Das Freiras.
Return to the main travel overview: Madeira.
