Sao Jorge Holidays

A small and peaceful village
Sao Jorge is a small and peaceful village in the north coast of Madeira, just 8km from Santana and a 40 minute drive from the capital, Funchal. The village has some spectacular views, and offers a combination of dramatic coastal scenery and lush green hills, abundant in vineyards and orchards. A rich and fertile agricultural area, Sao Jorge is known for its' prolific grape crops, which go to make the islands' famous Madeira wine.

Peaceful and unspoilt, and a haven for walkers
Holidays in Sao Jorge offer a tranquil retreat amidst the dramatic beauty of the north coast. The quaint village of Sao Jorge still retains its' unspoilt atmosphere and traditional feel, with some of the many farms and houses that dot the landscape restored for the tourist industry, offering authentic accommodation. Many visitors to Sao Jorge come for the walking, with the village featuring on numerous organised hikes and trails. The entire north coast of Madeira is full of spectacular beauty, and a particularly popular spot for avid walkers. Because the north gets more rainfall than the south, the terrain is more lush, with emerald green rainforests and rich terraced hillsides, and the temperate climate means that conditions are ideal. The famous 'levadas' of Madeira are the best way to see the island - these irrigation tunnels criss-cross the countryside, and offer 3,000km of ready-made scenic trails - and with two-thirds of the island protected as a conservation area, there is plenty of natural beauty to explore. Visit the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest laurel forest in the world.

Dramatic scenery on the rugged north coast of Madeira
The picturesque village of Sao Jorge on the north coast of Madeira is an ideal spot for some rest and relaxation, whilst enjoying the traditions and culture of the island. Further along the coast is the much-visited village of Santana, perhaps the most famous on the island after Funchal. Many visitors come to Santana to see the  triangular A-frame houses known as 'palheiros', traditional houses which date back to past centuries. With their straw roofs and bright paint, these colourful dwellings add to the charm of this picturesque village with its' abundance of flowers. Other areas of interest along the north coast to visit whilst holidaying in Sao Jorge include the volcanic caves of Sao Vicente, and the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz, whilst the south coast offers the vibrant capital, Funchal, the modern tourist beaches of Calheta and the sun-drenched resort of Porta do Sol. The entire island of Madeira can be explored by hire car, and the local bus service takes visitors to many of the popular spots and attractions.

All-inclusive Sao Jorge holidays
Ideal for those looking for ease and comfort, all-inclusive Sao Jorge holidays can provide a great option for a peaceful week or two on the island, and allow guests to fully appreciate the charm and beauty of the area. An alternative to cheap self-catering holidays in Madeira, all-inclusive holidays in Sao Jorge generally command higher prices, but offer excellent value for money in the long run, eliminating the need for additional spending money whilst away. Guests don't need to worry about pricy restaurant and bar bills each day, and can rely on an extensive dining plan to indulge in for the duration of their all-inclusive holiday to Sao Jorge. There's no pressure to do anything at all, but lounge by the pool and enjoy the surroundings, however active guests on an all-inclusive Sao Jorge holiday can also make the most of the sports and recreational activities available, and be as energetic as they choose. Thanks to the stunning location, all-inclusive Sao Jorge sun holidays attract visitors keen to experience the natural beauty and rural charm of the village, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere whilst in a comfortable base.

Sao Jorge weather
The weather conditions in Sao Jorge are hottest during July, August and September, averaging 23C. But it can get a lot hotter. The northern coast of Madeira is cooler than the southern coast because it is exposed to more rain and stronger winds. See our average weather chart for Sao Jorge and you’ll notice average temperatures of 19C during the early summer in June – not far from the UK average. The big difference is that you get high average hours of sunshine. Average sunshine in Sao Jorge for June is 6 hours a day, making the 19C air temperature feel a lot hotter than it is. The same goes for July, August and September which provide between 7-8 hours of sunshine a day.