Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is one of the most beautiful places on the island of São Jorge. It rewards those who pass by with breathtaking landscapes.
Perfect waves
The waves of Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo are considered by surf and bodyboard lovers as “a hidden paradise”. The favorable weather conditions and excellent surf spots create the ideal environment for the practice of these sports.
Spot Lago do Linho
Powerful left, long and with a good channel. Probably the best wave in Fajã, because it is surfable with big sea that goes from 1.5 to 5 meters with WNW swell, NW and N. The ideal wind is no wind or weak from S or SW and can handle a nice to moderate W.
Spot Esquerda da Igreja
It works with the same swells as the Witches’ Left, but can handle more swell 1 to 2.5 meters. It can be surfed outside or inside, as it is suitable for beginners as well as for the more experienced. Sometimes very long waves.
Spot Esquerda das Feiticeiras
Surfable with all swells. Works with small swells from W-NW, NW, N and E. When perfect this wave connects with Church’s Left and gives rise to a very long wave.
Spot Direita das Feiticeiras
Surfable with all swells up to 1.5 or 2 meters. Works even with small swell.
Spot Direita do Passo
Right that breaks in front of the opening to the pond. Predictable and fun. Creates good walls. When it’s big it makes for some tubes. Works with W-NW to NW to N swells from 0.5 to 2.5 meters and withstands SE and S-SW winds. On the other hand, with a W wind, only if it is weak. This right with NE or E swells is already different and changes its name to Witches’ Right and is more tubular and heavy. It is a spot that falls a little inside, becoming a good place for beginners.
Santo Cristo Church
The Santo Cristo Church, also called Santuário da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, is a Portuguese temple located in Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo.
The temple of this fajã, whose patron is the Lord Holy Christ, was blessed on November 10, 1835 although its construction began in 1832. Since then it has become a place of worship where devotees from all over the island go. They go there for the payment of promises and requests for grace.
The feast of the patron saint of this church is on the first Sunday of September, with mass, procession and bids. Pilgrims come here by way of Fajã dos Cubres or the Caldeira de Cima footpath that begins at high altitude, in the Serra do Topo, with breathtaking views.
The church presents black basalt stonework where the work done near the doors and windows and especially the bell tower stands out. Above the entrance door, there is a cross painted white.
The bell tower does not have a dome, but is topped by four pinnacles at the corners.
Inside there is an image of Senhor Santo Cristo on the main altar and on the sides an image of Our Lady and another of São José.
The interior is simple, in shades of white, sky blue, and red. The woodwork of the ceiling was elaborated to give the building a pleasant look by keeping the original color of the wood.