The island of Faial is one of the five islands of the central group and one of the vertexes of the so-called Triangle Islands (Pico, Faial and São Jorge). Besides the fact that this island, in the historical context of the archipelago, has been the launching and marketing ramp for products across borders, today it is one of the ramps that mark a destination of nature excellence – the Azores.
In this article, we will present several sites that you should include in your visit to this beautiful island.
Capelinhos Volcano
The eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano in 1957 gave rise to a landscape with unique characteristics. The Capelinhos area now bears witness to that volcanic eruption, which gave the island of Faial a territorial expansion. The site presents a grey soil, some volcanic slag and some presence of vegetation. It is possible to go up to the Capelinhos Lighthouse, a lighthouse that came out of the eruption unharmed, and also to visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, an underground structure in that area. This centre will help to better understand the eruption and you will also be able to watch films and exhibitions about the Azores, the history of the lighthouses and the formation of the 9 Azorean islands.
Cabeço Gordo
This site is located in the central area of the island and corresponds to the highest point of the island, with about 1043 meters of altitude. From its top, due to its altitude, it is possible to see the islands of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, as well as the whole island of Faial in a magnificent panoramic view.
Caldeira
This site is a crater about 400 meters deep and 2 km wide. It is classified as a Nature Reserve and is flanked by hydrangeas and many other rare species of flora, which makes your visit even more enjoyable. Your descent is only possible with a certified guide, but you can always have the option of making the trail that surrounds the boiler. You will cross with beautiful and breathtaking views.
Whale Factory
The Whale Factory is located in Porto Pim. It is a factory-museum with original machinery and several spaces where the various stages of whale processing took place.
Ponta da Espalamaca
This is one of the privileged places, on the island of Faial, to observe the movement of the port and the Horta marina, which is one of the best known on the international scene. It is also possible to see from this place the island of Pico, São Jorge and the island of Graciosa.
Horta Marina
Inaugurated in 1986, this is one of the busiest in the world, mainly by yachtsmen and adventurers. The tradition of these same yachtsmen leaves a painting allusive to their boat on the walls of the Marina, making it beautiful and unique. Superstition says that these paintings will bring divine protection to the boat on the return trip. The Bay of Horta, where the marina is built, is the second bay in Portugal to join the “World Club of the Most Beautiful Bays”.
Peter Sport Café
You don’t go to the Peter Sport Café when you go to Faial, it’s the same as going to Rome and not seeing the pope. It’s a famous sailing café, opened in 1918. Its interior is full of flags from various parts of the world, due to the visit of yachtsmen from the four corners of the world. Above the coffee, you will find the Scrimshaw Museum which gathers a vast collection of sculpted and engraved pieces of whale bones and teeth.
Monte da Guia
Monte da Guia is an ancient volcano, of maritime origin, that joined the island of Faial. It serves as a belvedere of excellence for the city of Horta and the beach of Porto Pim. There, you will also find the Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Guia. From its churchyard, you can observe part of the beautiful coast of Faial.
Porto Pim Beach
Porto Pim Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Azores Archipelago. It is located in a sheltered bay and its access is made directly through the city centre of Horta. It is the most frequented beach in Faial and has a spectacular view of the mountain of Pico.
