Trip to Faial Island in the Azores
Introduction
Faial, also known as "The Blue Island" (Ilha Azul) due to the abundance of blue hydrangea flowers blooming on every corner of the island and decorating many houses.
The island's name "Faial" was given to it because of the large number of fire trees ("Faya-da-terra") that covered the island.
The highest point on the island is the summit of Mount Cabeço Gordo, standing at 1,043 meters high and located in the center of the island. On a clear day, you can see an impressive view from the summit of the island and the two neighboring islands: Pico and São Jorge.
The westernmost point on the island: Capelinhos Volcano, is also considered the westernmost point of the European continent.
The island's area is 173 sq km and its population is about 15,000, with most of its residents, close to 10,000, living in the city of Horta.
View of Faial Island from the Monte da Guia peninsula:
Tours and Attractions in Faial
Booking guided tours in Faial from Viator:
♦ Half-Day Guided Tour on Faial Island - Half-Day Faial Island Tour from Horta
Includes hotel pickup in Horta. Duration: 4 hours.
♦ Full-Day Guided Tour on the Neighboring Pico Island - Full-Day Pico Island Tour from Horta
Includes pickup and transportation from hotel in Horta. Duration: 8 hours.
Recommended tours in Faial (from Viator) tailored for cruise ship passengers with port pickup:
Transportation
The island is located adjacent to two other islands that are easy and convenient to reach by ferry: Pico Island (located about 6 km from Faial) and São Jorge Island, located about 18 km from Faial. The three islands are called "The Triangle" (Triângulo). It is very convenient to stay for several days in Faial and take day trips from it to Pico and to São Jorge.
There are direct flights from Faial to Lisbon and to other Azorean islands: São Miguel, Terceira, and Flores.
Horta has a relatively large port, with a promenade running along it and along the pier of the large marina (the marina in Horta is the fourth most popular in the world for yacht docking).
The crew of every yacht that docks in the marina paints its signature to ask the winds for safe passage to continue their voyage. This is why the marina is full of diverse and colorful paintings, essentially an "open-air museum" with an ocean view.
Ferries depart from the port several times a day to the nearby island of Pico, carrying both tourists and locals who work there or live in Pico and work in Faial. The ferry ticket is very inexpensive.
Tour boats also depart from the marina for whale watching cruises, one of the most popular activities on the island during most months of the year.
Restaurants and Bars
On the main street parallel to the port, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars. For dinner, it is recommended to book a table in advance at the popular restaurants Taberna De Pim and Genuino Restaurante located on this street, called Rua Nova. Nearby is the cafe-bar Cafe Do Porto Pim, which is also very popular among beer enthusiasts who sit and stand outside facing the beach and bay in the evenings. At the other end of Rua Nova (towards the port), there is another great restaurant called Canto da Doca, where guests are served a hot volcanic stone on a special tray, allowing diners to cook their ordered meats, vegetables, and seafood themselves, served with various sauces.
On the marina sits a beautiful fortress converted into a hotel – Pousada Forte da Horta. Even if not staying there, it is recommended to dine at the hotel's restaurant featuring a terrace overlooking the marina.
Recommended Accommodations
It is recommended to stay in Horta, the largest and liveliest city on the island, where the ferry dock to Pico Island is located.
Recommended centrally located accommodations:
A 4-star hotel in an excellent location in the city center. Overlooking Mount Pico on the adjacent island and the marina. The hotel features a swimming pool, tennis court, fitness room, and a quality restaurant. The price includes internet, parking, and breakfast.
A recently renovated 4-star hotel. Located in the heart of Horta's old town. Every room has a balcony. The hotel features gardens and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a bar and restaurant. Breakfast is included in the price. Free internet and parking.
A quality 4-star boutique hotel located in a 16th-century fortress. Overlooking Horta Bay and Pico Island. The hotel has been designated a National Monument. It features an upscale restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and a scenic terrace. Breakfast, internet, and parking are included in the price.
Holiday apartments designed for 2-4 guests located on the waterfront near the Horta ferry terminal. All apartments include a fully equipped kitchen. Free internet and parking.
"The Caldeira"
A huge volcanic crater in the center of the island, 2 km in diameter and 400 meters deep, designated as a nature reserve with a small lake at its center. The reserve has numerous hiking trails. Most popular of all: a circular trail surrounding the crater. However, there are also more challenging trails leading down into the crater. For those who lack the time (or energy) to hike the trails, they can still enjoy the site. There is a short tunnel leading from the parking lot to a scenic overlook looking into the volcano's crater. It is best to visit on a clear day without fog, when the view is at its most impressive.
On the way to Caldeira, it is pleasant to stop at the Faial Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico do Faial), where you can watch a short film about the various plants native to the island and stroll through the garden's flora. The gardens are located adjacent to the town of Flamengos, which features colorful fields, flowers, and picturesque houses.
Ponta dos Capelinhos
The most popular tourist attraction on the island.
Faial was home to the last significant volcanic eruption in the Azores. At this site in 1957, a new volcano erupted from the ocean near the shore where a lighthouse stood. The eruption created a new part of the island that connected to it, essentially blocking the lighthouse and putting it out of service.
The eruption continued intermittently for about a year, during which the surrounding area was blanketed in heavy ash, roofs collapsed, and residents evacuated the area.
The eruption added an entire square kilometer of land to the island.
A large underground interactive visitor center was established on site, called Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos, featuring an auditorium screening a film about the eruption, a museum detailing this and other volcanic events, various exhibits and interpretive displays, and walking trails throughout the site.
On the way back, it is worth stopping at the viewpoint for "The White Rock" (Ponta de Castelo Branco). The site is named after the light color of the rock of which it is formed. This is a massive rock connected to the mainland by a narrow spit. There is an easy walking path to the rock that passes by numerous nests of birds nesting on the cliffs along the way.
Monte da Guia Peninsula
Adjacent to the city lies a mountainous peninsula called Monte da Guia, which is essentially the crater of a volcano. You can drive by car up to the peak where an isolated church stands with a breathtaking view, but it is far preferable to hike along a scenic and highly recommended trail through shrubs and reeds leading to the top. From there, you can view the steep volcanic crater descending directly into the ocean to form a bay on one side, while on the other side the entire city lies spread out at your feet along with views of the rest of the island and mountains. On the way down from the mountain, you can walk along a wide sandy beach called Praia do Porto Pim and reach a street packed with bustling restaurants and bars.
Short Video on the Sights and Attractions of Faial Island:
Map of the Azores Islands:
