Faial is the island of the Azores that is best known to sailors. Almost everyone who crosses the Atlantic makes a stop in Faial’s capital, Horta. This is also reflected in the city’s character. But Faial’s nature is also breathtaking, with hiking trails through dense jungle, along volcanic craters or past active volcanoes. And if that doesn’t convince you, then the breathtaking view of Faial and the neighboring island volcano Pico will.
It doesn’t take long to drive around Faial, because it is only the fifth-largest island of the Azores. Nevertheless, there is plenty to discover here, as well as plenty of entertainment opportunities in the port city of Horta.
Faial is also known as “Ilha Azul” (“Blue Island”) because of its many blue-flowering hydrangeas.
Do you have little time or no desire to explore everything on your own? Then take a look at the following half-day and full-day tours:
- From Horta: Guided tour of the island of Faial (4 hours)
- Full-day tour with lunch in Horta included (7.5 hours)
- half-day tour (4 hours)
But enough of the introductory words. Now it’s time for the best places to see on Faial:
1. Hike along a levada
Levadas are small water channels that were used in the past to transport water from the mountains to the lower-lying regions. Today, they are no longer in use. Levadas are actually most common on Madeira. There are countless fantastic hiking trails along the canals.
But the Levada hiking trail on Faial, called PR03 FAI, can easily keep up with those on Madeira. I found this one particularly great because it is so varied.
You hike through dense laurel forest, over numerous bridges and through two tunnels, past a water reservoir until you reach the Krater Cabeço dos Trinta. And along the way you will also have great views of the coast.
The 7.6 km long hike takes about 2.5 hours and is not a circular route. This means that you have to walk the same distance back again. But the route is still worth it.
2. Take in the view of Pico at sunrise
One of the highlights of Faial is the view of the large neighboring island of Pico. This is because the volcano, which is also Portugal’s highest mountain, towers above it.
You can actually see it from almost anywhere in Horta. I found the view from Hotel Azoris Faial Garden very beautiful. The cat in the picture must have thought the same, and the locals know best ;)
3. Marvel at the active Vulcão dos Capelinhos
This volcano was formed only about 50 years ago. The eruption in 1957 had devastating effects at the time. There were many explosions and earthquakes, and 2,000 people had to be resettled. For many years, agriculture was not possible in the area around the volcano.
A road leads you to the Farol da Ponta dos Capelinhos lighthouse. The impressive lighthouse was already standing here at the time of the eruption. Today you can visit it and the Volcanology Museum, which is located under the lighthouse, for an entrance fee of €10.
In the museum, you can learn everything about this eruption as well as about global eruptions in general and how the islands of the Azores were formed. The exhibition is really well done. I thought the most cool thing was the breathtaking drone footage of all the islands.
4. Admire the artworks on the harbor wall
Horta is a must-visit for sailors. Almost everyone who crosses the Atlantic and many circumnavigators stop here.
And all these sailors have made it a tradition to leave a painted picture on the harbor wall when they visit the harbor town.
From the sheer number of paintings, you can see that many sailors have already anchored here. Space on the walls is even starting to run out.
There are some impressive works of art among the pictures. But it is also interesting to see where the sailing boats sailed along, because often the artists also immortalize their route in the pictures.
5. Visit the most famous café in Horta – Peter Cafe Sport
This café and restaurant is a meeting place for sailors, but also for many tourists. The café’s interior is a popular photo motif.
There is also a museum of art and crafts made from whale bone – The Scrimshaw Museum. It has been part of the building since 1986.
6. Circle the Caldeira crater
In the middle of Faial is a huge crater measuring 2 km in diameter, in the depths of which a lake slumbers – 400 meters from the crater rim. Cabeço Gordo last erupted over 200 years ago, and although it may not look it, it is still active.
The PRC04 FAI hiking trail takes you around the crater for just under 7 km and I can highly recommend it to you.
But you should dress warmly for this hike. It can happen that clouds form over the caldera quite quickly, and then the wind can blow really hard around your ears.
But even in fog, this hiking trail is worth it. Because when the clouds move over the caldera, the sun comes out again and again and you can take some dramatic photos.
By the way, in spring, but more likely in summer, there are many blue hydrangeas in bloom along the hiking trail.
7. Chill out on the beach at Horta
The Praia do Porto Pim is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Azores. It is spectacularly situated directly on a steep cliff, nestled in a bay, right next to Monte de Guia.
8. Swim with a spectacular view
At the public swimming pool at the airport, you can swim while watching the waves crash onto the shore, and you also have a fantastic view along the coast to Morro de Castello Branco.
There are artificial pools and natural pools between the rocks here.
9. Stroll through the narrow streets of Horta
Horta has only about 6,500 inhabitants, but the narrow streets of the city are often bustling with tourists and sailors. However, there are also quieter places in the city with great views over the sea.
Many of the buildings in Horta date back to the colonial period of the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the oldest part of the city is “Vila Velha” around Largo do Bispo D. Alexandre and dates back to the 15th century.
Stay in a great hotel on the island of Faial
Since Horta is visited by many tourists, there is also a wide range of accommodation. I found the Azoris Faial Garden – Resort Hotel to be one of the nicest. It has a large, well-kept garden and a great swimming pool with a breathtaking view of the neighboring island of Pico. There are also some rooms with sea views. But most of the rooms are in extra houses in the garden.
From Horta, you can also reach all the sights quite quickly by car without any major problems.
More things to do on Faial
If the Faial attractions on this list are not enough for you, you can find much more to do on the island here:
- Riding on the Lusitano Trail
- Unique boat tour to the Capelinhos volcano
- sightseeing tour and sunset cruise on the island of Faial
What is your highlight on the Azores island of Faial? Write it in the comments.
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