We find the best way to get under the skin of a destination is by experiencing through a local way of doing things. They say that you remember a destination not only by what you see, but through the people you meet along the way and going local is the best way to embrace this. Like its mainland, Portugal’s islands are defined by tradition and heritage from multicultural influences making its local experiences some of the most unique we know.

They may only reside on small spheres of land, but given their breathtaking nature it comes as no surprise that the locals who reside on the islands are immensely proud of their heritage. Adventurers at heart with the wild Atlantic and tropic landscapes on their doorstep, traditions embody everyday life here from producing homemade cheese in the morning to enjoy in the afternoon to celebrating their history with year-round colourful carnivals. Welcoming and eager to share their everyday joys with you, the islanders are some of the friendliest locals we know.

A viewpoint in its most natural form, fajãs are small, flat areas located at the foot of some of the highest cliffs and are among the most distinguished features of São Jorge in the Azores. Formed by lava flowing into the ocean years ago, São Jorge has 46 in total and it is the reason behind the island’s strong reliance on farming, as the volcanic soil produces some of the most fertile land. Each with a unique purpose, you can visit Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo to taste its famous clams, or Fajãs dos Cubres for its crystalline lake and if you’re lucky on the south coast, a Fajã can offer a view out to the triangle islands of Pico and Faial below.