CASA AYA
ABOUT FAJÃ DE SANTO CRISTO
Hidden on the rugged north coast of São Jorge Island in the Azores, the Fajã de Santo Cristo is a remote coastal
plain formed by ancient landslides cascading from the island’s steep cliffs. Historically, it has been a place of pilgrimage since the 16th century, when a revered image of Santo Cristo was brought to its small chapel, drawing visitors from across the island. Over centuries, a modest fishing and farming community established itself here, living in harmony with the surrounding lagoons, fertile land, and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, this 700m high fajã remains accessible only by foot or quad bike, preserving its timeless character and sense of seclusion, creating the perfect place to retreat in nature and silence. Here, time moves slowly, and your surroundings dictate your day’s compass.
The Fajã de Santo Cristo is known for its wild beauty and unique ecosystem, home to endemic plants, migratory birds, and a brackish lagoon that connects to the sea housing the island’s famous clams. The ocean here is powerful, unspoiled and home to all kinds of marine life, earning a reputation amongst ocean lovers and surfers for its challenging waves, while the calm of the fajã itself offers a retreat for those seeking reconnection, peace and reflection. Although only a handful of residents live here year-round, the spirit of the community is strong, especially during summer and religious festivities, when families return to reconnect with tradition.
With a perfect mix of history, nature, and spirituality, the Fajã de Santo Cristo stands as one of the Azores’ most inspiring sanctuaries.
CASA AYA
FAJÃ DE SANTO CRISTO
UNDERSTANDING THE FAJÃ LIFESTYLE
Life in the Fajã de Santo Cristo is shaped by simplicity, nature, and a slower rhythm of living. CASA AYA, set at the base of the Fajã just 200 meters from the church and 60 meters from the Cabeço de Lago do Linho ocean walk, is surrounded by wildlife, grazing cows, goats, and the raw beauty of this remote landscape. Access is limited: quad transfers can be arranged, but tradition invites everyone to walk the one-hour mountain trail from neighbouring Fajã dos Cubres at least once, a path that reveals the true character of São Jorge’s Island. The remoteness of the area means that electricity only arrived just recently (a few years ago to be more precise); until then, the community lived almost independently, farming the land and fishing the Atlantic. Even now, the location remains largely self-sufficient, with no supermarkets and only two small restaurants—open mostly from June to October—catering to visitors.
Here, resources are treasured, and a mindful approach is part of daily life. Water flows from waterfalls just 3 km from CASA AYA (a beautiful 50 min trail to do), reminding residents and visitors alike of the need for care, minimal product use, and reduced waste disposals into the earth. The weather of the Northern Fajã’s is often temperamental, shaped by the constant dialogue between the mountain and the ocean, while strong winds carry with them the many stories of this Dragon Island, where nature is both guardian and storyteller. To live—or even to spend time— at the Fajã de Santo Cristo is to accept this unpredictability as part of its charm. In the Fajã, everything is about preservation—valuing the earth’s offerings, protecting the natural environment, and embracing a lifestyle where silence, community, and presence take priority over convenience. It is not a place of excess, but of balance, where each day is guided by the rhythm of the land and the sea.
CASA AYA
ABOUT THE HOUSE
Rebuilding this ruin that used to house farm animals with respect for the locations authentic materials and architecture in such a remote place has been a true mission and a force of immense dedication and perseverance over 6 years. CASA AYA is still a work in progress and expect some unfinished touches (like the cement floor that still needs to be polished, or the wood work doors and windows that sometimes get a little stiff). Our rental price reflects these issues. We are continuously working on making this special place the most comfortable possible, and improvements are a constant, each rental will be just for that. A kind note that the house is in nature, small insects are often friendly visitors and part of the ecosystem.
-independent local house for 4 people maximum, equipped open kitchen with dining room table & living room with fireplace -2 double bed bedrooms (that can be made into single beds)
-1 bathroom (shower)
-large outdoor area with table for 4 & outdoor fire pit
3 night minimum stay
includes hot water, electricity and wifi (for light connection - not ideal for downloads and heavy work loads)
no pets, no smoking indoors (even electronic cigarettes), no throwing sanitary towels, toilet paper or anything into the toilets.
CASA AYA
BEDROOM MAR
CASA AYA
BEDROOM MONTANHA
CASA AYA
HOUSE DETAILS
CASA AYA
equipped kitchen for 4 people (max)
electric oven & stove, fridge and freezer, water heater of 100L electrical coffee pot, tap water drinkable
(Kindly note that electricity was just recently added to the Caldeira de Santo Cristo, give that we have a limited amount resulting in some in house management necessary - such as not using all electrical equipment at once. Should you rent our house, technical details will be shared.
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