A volcanic island in the Azores with a blue hydrangea-lined landscape and an active volcanic crater. Home to the historic Peter Café Sport and a 19th-century lighthouse.
Faial Island is part of Portugal's Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. You can hike around the rim of the 400-meter-deep Caldeira crater, explore the grey moonscape of Capelinhos volcano, or watch sperm whales breach from boats departing Horta's marina. The marina's walls are covered with thousands of paintings left by passing sailors since the 1940s, creating an open-air gallery of maritime journeys.
The Caldeira and Capelinhos Volcanoes
A 2-kilometer wide crater called Caldeira drops 400 meters into the earth at Faial's center. A rim trail circles the crater, taking about 2 hours to complete. On clear days, you can see Pico and São Jorge islands across the water. At Faial's western edge, the Capelinhos volcano's 1957-58 eruption created new land. Walk through its grey-brown terrain on marked paths and visit the underground museum inside the former lighthouse.
Life in Horta's Marina
Sailors have painted their boats' names and crew members on Horta's marina walls since the 1940s, creating a colorful collection of maritime art. Peter Café Sport, operating since 1918, sits above the harbor. The café displays sailing memorabilia and maintains a museum of scrimshaw art - detailed carvings on whalebone.
Swimming Spots and Beaches
Porto Pim beach has golden sand curving around a sheltered bay, with converted whaling buildings now housing cafes. At Varadouro on the south coast, you can swim in black volcanic rock pools. The water here stays slightly warmer than the ocean due to volcanic activity. The pools include changing rooms and steps for easy access.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Twenty species of whales and dolphins live in or pass through Faial's waters. Sperm whales stay year-round, while blue whales appear in spring. Marine biologists guide 3-hour boat tours from Horta's marina, using hydrophones to find the animals. Tours operate daily when weather conditions allow.
Getting Around the Island
Faial is 21 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide. Public buses connect Horta to major towns but run infrequently and don't reach many tourist sites. A rental car gives you the most flexibility - find rental offices at Horta Airport and in town. A main road circles the island, with smaller roads crossing the interior.
Local Food and Restaurants
Try Morro cheese from the island's cheese factory, or order grilled limpets (sea snails) with garlic butter. Restaurants near Porto Pim beach serve octopus stewed in wine and fish caught that morning by local boats.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
Temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in winter to 20°C (68°F) in summer. The warmest and driest months are June through September. During August's Semana do Mar (Sea Week), sailing races, music events, and food festivals take place throughout Horta.
