Arco De Sao Jorge: Wine Growing, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

The arch-like shape of the mountains surrounding Arco de São Jorge explains the name of the place. Arco de São Jorge is considered predominantly rural. For many years, its fertile soil produced food that could not be transported there from the markets. Looking at the place and its surroundings also raises questions about how people worked and lived here.

Church, wine growing and traditional ways of life

A specific historical landmark is the construction of a new church in Arco de São Jorge, which began on January 18, 1740. It was blessed on March 19, 1744; since then, Saint Joseph has been the patron saint of the parish. The two dates mark the journey from the start of construction to the blessing and connect it to the church’s patronage.

Wine growing also shapes the cultural identity of the place. The Museu do Vinho e da Vinha is located at the Arco de São Jorge wine-growing experimental plot. It includes a restored former winery with wine-growing equipment and the experimental plot itself. An exhibition shows the local population’s connection with wine growing. Agricultural practices and their cultural significance are presented side by side here.

Historic paths and a mill are among the surviving traces of local history. The communal washhouses are also part of the traditional everyday culture: they were recently restored and are considered an important part of the cultural heritage of the population’s traditional way of life. Other attractions include the parish’s fountains, including those at Enseada and Quinta, as well as Fonte da Quebrada and Fonte do Fundo da Quebrada. They illustrate local cultural and social practices.

Everyday culture is also reflected in traditional production. Doces Tradições makes pastries, bread, cakes and broas; the dough is kneaded by hand and baked in a wood-fired oven. Doces Tradições also makes local handicrafts. At the Biblioteca Feiticeiro do Norte, visitors can consult works from its own collection; it is also a multimedia space.

Hiking trails and outdoor excursions

Two hiking trails can be compared by distance and estimated time. The Vereda da Ribeira Funda – Terras de Fora is 1.3 kilometers long, of moderate difficulty, and ends at Terras de Fora in Arco de São Jorge. The Vereda do Museu do Vinho e da Vinha is also of moderate difficulty, twice as long at 2.6 kilometers, and takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes. It starts at the Miradouro da Beira da Quinta and ends at the museum.

The moderately difficult Caminho da Entrosa offers a different route: it starts in Arco de São Jorge and ends in São Cristóvão in Boaventura. Hikers enjoy views of the seascapes along Madeira’s north coast as far as São Cristóvão. Its start and end points, together with its views of the north coast, give this route its own character among the hikes described.

For mountain bikers, the Trail Down - São Jorge is described as 1.4 kilometers long, highly difficult, and taking 16 minutes. It runs entirely through a forested area. After the ride, cyclists can explore the parish and enjoy its several gardens or viewpoints.

Seasonal visits and regional context

The rose garden at Quinta do Arco can be visited from April to December between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; it is closed from January to March. Check the visiting hours before your trip.

Arco de São Jorge is one of the six parishes in the municipality of Santana. In 2011, Santana received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation. This context broadens the view of Arco de São Jorge to include its place within the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Santa Cruz, Santo António Da Serra, Santana, Ribeira Brava, Jardim Do Mar, Curral Das Freiras, Calheta, Madeira.

Go to the main travel overview: Madeira.