Vistalinda Plantation grounds, once owned by Prince Henry the Navigator then, Joao Corte Real family for centuries, has a rich history to offer. It features (17th-18th century buildings completely remodeled and very comfortable. It also features 2 buildings in their older state.
Rates for full house and room rental are extremely affordable and the staff goes out of it's way to be flexible and accomodating. If you prefer not to rent a car, and plan hiking, touring, diving, kayaking we can connect you with hand selected partners. When inquiring, ask about hiking pick up and drop offs, airport pick up and drop offs etc. to attain the most information to help you plan.
The grounds have a 180 degree view of the town below, the ocean and the Island of Pico. The scenery both day and night is incredible. Sunsets can be fabulous from each room in the house and, from the surrounding patios available for use.
The grounds feature a waterfall with a small water cave at the base, and, the grounds offer opportunity to learn about, local fruits and, vegetables, including Coffee, Banana, and Stevia growth. Depending on the visit time of year, local fresh fruit is generally available to try and, all year, generally one can twist the arm of the owner for a taste of their collection of liquors local to the area.
Downtown Faja dos Vimes has a dock with water entry for swimming, an unusual large polished rock beach, cafe serves only drinks and maybe ice cream, chips and candy bars at the time of this writing but each year things change. The artisan shop above the cafe, features wood, loom woven bedspreads, rugs and sundry other items.
Pickup and delivery to the airport can be arranged to enhance your vacationing experience. If you rent a car, parking will be .3 km from this house however, your host will transfer your luggage for you and you will gain a 4x4 wheel drive experience in the process, very similar to what it would have been like in the 18th century by cow and buggy. No traffic noises only the sounds of the local night birds (Corys Shearwater).
Seeing the beauty of the island, is much better done by hiking. There are good and well marked walking trails so trail hiking is amazing here. Otherwise, if you are interested in Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing etc. there is a good tour operator for that as well. Rappelling/Canyoning another tour operator so, if none of the above entice you and you like vehicle touring, there are also rental car agencies on the island. To get the maximum benefit to sight see as much as possible, we recommend a bit of hiking and a bit of vehicle driving.
At a minimum, recommend 4 days on Sao Jorge to allow for at least 3 of the most spectacular hikes if hiking is your vacation strategy.
We recommend highly three hikes: #1 - Serra do Topo to Caldeira/Santo Cristo/Cubres #2 (3.5 hour)s Faja dos Vimes to Faja Sao Joao and #3 Pico da Esperanca trail ending in Faja d'Ouvidor. Swimming in Faja d'Ouvidor is spectacular at "Poca Simon Dias" (Not near dock)
