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Things To Do on Faial Island Azores – A 3-Day Itinerary

With dormant Faial Caldeira and Capelinhos volcanoes, a world-renowned marina and stunning ocean-side pools and beaches, Azores’ tiny Faial island packs a scenic punch. The Blue Island, due to the Hydrangeas growing wild everywhere has amazing hiking opportunities and breathtaking scenery.

Our 3-day itinerary gives you lots of things to see and do on beautiful Faial.

Table of Contents

Faial Island 3-Day Itinerary

This itinerary covers the Best Activities on Faial Azores.

• Day 1: Horta and Monte da Guia
• Day 2: West Faial and Capelinhos Volcano
• Day 3: Caldeira and East Faial

We’ve got all the details on the must-see places and adventures for each area of the island.

Faial Azores Map

Things To Do in Horta, Faial

The city of Horta is a great base with lots of accommodation and food options. Any destination on the island is less than 40 minutes away by car. Founded in the 1400’s, Horta is Faial’s largest urban centre and has a number of things to see and do.

The marina is a must-see, conveniently located in the city centre.

Horta Marina

This world-renowned marina has become a favoured stop on cross-Atlantic sea trips and is a linking point for international regattas. A number of tour operators offer whale watching tours, fishing expeditions and sightseeing cruises from the marina.

A practice, which began centuries ago due to sailors’ superstitions, has become a tradition in the marina. Sailors paint their boats’ symbols or logos around the marina in order to ensure their boats and crews arrive safely at their destination. Be sure to wander through this free outdoor art gallery to see the artwork of crews from around the world. The art is everywhere along the marina sea walls and walks, from the north end to the south, including along the outside walls of the fort which guards the marina.

Forte de Santa Cruz (Horta)

The fort was built between the 15 th and 17 th centuries and was the main fortification of the island. It became a national monument in 1947. Today, the fort is the luxury hotel Pousada Forte Horta , operated by Pestana Pousadas de Portugal. The company operates hotels in some of Portugal’s most historic buildings.

Continue past the fort to what some consider yachting’s greatest watering hole.

Peter Cafe Sport

For over 100 years, Peter Café Sport has been a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner. It is worth a visit just for the decor alone. Beautiful walls of coloured yacht flags and ensigns allow you to travel the world from your chair with beverage in hand.

Visit the Scrimshaw Museum upstairs to see the largest private collection of Scrimshaw artwork in the world. Scrimshaw art is engravings on and carvings from whale bone, cartilage or ivory, the byproducts of the whaling industry. The whalers were the artists. The museum pieces date back to the 19th century.

North of the cafe and west of the marina is Horta’s downtown.

Church of the Holy Saviour

In the centre of downtown, the imposing Igreja do Santissimo Salvador is one of the largest churches in the Azores.  The former Jesuit College was abandoned around 1760 when the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal. Other buildings of the college have become the town hall and the Museum of Horta .  The museum is noted for its collection of fig wood art, a traditional handicraft.

Walking northward from the town hall, the clock tower quickly becomes visible.

Torre do Relogio (Horta)

This clock tower was used as a watchtower in the 1800’s. Climb the tower to get a bird’s eye view of Horta. Florencio Terra Garden , a beautiful park with a gazebo, is across the street. It’s a perfect spot for a rest while enjoying the view over the city.

Our Lady of Conception Viewpoint is one of the best places for an aerial view of Horta.

Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Viewpoint

This viewpoint, on the top of the headland called Espalamaca, is north of Horta on the main road EN1-1A. The 30-metre high cross and massive statue of the Virgin Mary stand out on the horizon. The view of Horta is breathtaking. On a clear day, look east to the islands of Pico, Sao Jorge and Graciosa. Much of eastern Faial can also be seen.

About 2.5 kilometres west of the viewpoint, the Botanical Garden of Faial conserves and protects local plants.

Monte da Guia Geosite

A Faial highlight, the geosite includes the volcano Monte da Guia, Porto Pim Beach and the volcanic cone Monte Queimado, plus all the sand dunes, slopes, cliffs, bays, inlets and marine caves around and within this area. This Azores Geosite is also two protected areas of the Faial Nature Park, protecting plant and animal species native to the Azores.

See panoramic views of Horta, the south coast of Faial and the island of Pico from the top of both Monte da Guia and Monte Queimado,  Porto Pim Bay is the sheltered bay between the two cones. Walk around the bay and discover a number of interesting places to visit. This walk is part of the Entre Montes walking trail .

Porto Pim Beach

This beautiful, wide expanse of sand is very popular with locals and tourists alike. There are washroom and shower facilities nearby. Several restaurants and bars can be found on the streets at the north end of the beach.

Porto Pim Whaling Factory

This museum, at the south end of the beach, shows the complete processing of a sperm whale. Its exhibits explain whale oil and grease extraction and the methods of handling the meat, bones and blood. The Whaling Factory Museum contains most of the actual equipment used by the station during its business operations from 1941 to 1974.  It is also the home of the Azores Sea Observatory, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and activities in relation to ocean science.

Casa dos Dabney

Beside the museum, Dabney House contains exhibits explaining the story and lasting contributions to Faial of three generations of the Dabney family. The family moved to Faial in 1806 when John B. Dabney became the first United States Consul General to the Azores. Over the time that the Dabney family lived on Faial (1806 to 1894), both John’s son Charles and grandson Samuel held the position. Dabney House was originally the summer home of Charles Dabney.

Walking Trail – Entre Montes (PRC8 FAI)

This circular route links all the places in the Monte da Guia geosite. It is an easy 3.4-kilometre walk, taking about 1.5 hours.  Locals use this route for circuit training, so watch out for runners.

Park in the large parking area for Porto Pim Beach. Start on the paved path at the back of the Porto Pim Whaling Factory. Walk west up to the top of Monte da Guia and Our Lady of Guia Chapel .  It was built in 1943 to replace a chapel built in the late 17 th century to honour the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. Follow the trail markers to wind down to the south side of the bay, past Dabney House and the Porto Pim Whaling Factory. Wander across the beach, along Rua da Rosa. Finally, head up over the top of Monte Queimado and back to the parking lot.

Piscina Lajinha and Poca da Rainha

These pools are about halfway to the airport, west of Monte da Guia. They are natural hollows along the coastline filled with seawater and continuously refreshed by wave action.  For a refreshing dip, take the steps down to the pools from the cliffs above.  Be careful as the rocks are sharp and jagged. The rocks formed when rapidly flowing lava hit the cold ocean water and cooled very quickly. The cliff has beautiful caves and arches. This section of coastline is also a geosite of the Azores Geopark. The whole shoreline is visible from the beautiful viewpoint at Ponta Furada .

West Faial – Things to See

Head west on the main highway (EN1-1A), which circles the island, and pass through stunning countryside along amazing coastal areas. Faial’s roads have many beautiful viewpoints, often with picnic tables, making them perfect refreshment stops so don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch.

Morro de Castelo Branco

The huge, imposing, rock monolith at the ocean’s edge is visible from kilometres away. It forms a peninsula with plunging cliffs that extend into the water. It is a volcanic dome which was created from lava which was so thick that it didn’t flow away before cooling. The peninsula is an important nesting area for several species of birds native to the Azores and has been protected as both a Faial Nature Reserve and an Azore’s Geosite. To reach the parking area, either drive, turning off the main road and following official signs, or hike to it on the Morro de Castelo Branco Trail. From the parking area, walk the path to the amphitheatre and on to the base of the dome. Climbing the rock peninsula is not permitted.

Morro de Castelo Branco Trail (PRC5 FAI)

This trail goes through some of the protected area of Varadouro, in the Faial Nature Park and the halfway point is the Morro de Castelo Branco. It is an easy, circular trail, about 3.7 kilometres long and should take about 1.5 hours. 

The trailhead is on the main road about 3 kilometres west of the airport in the village of Lombega by the bus stop. Walk down the dirt road by a stream to the coast. Turn south and walk toward the Morro de Castelo Branco easily visible in the distance. At a gate, turn right following signs and walk to the monolith. After exploring the Castelo Branco area, return to the gate and continue. Circle left along a sideroad, which returns to the main road and follow that north and back to the starting point.

About 7 kilometres from the trailhead is the Centro de Artesanato do Capelo.

Capelo Handicraft Centre

The handicraft centre’s yard has a beautiful view of the ocean. Inside the Centro de Artesanato do Capelo , a small white stucco building, traditional island handicrafts are displayed and available for purchase. Find carvings in bone and whale’s tooth, fig tree pith (the centre core of the fig tree), straw embroidery, old lace and much more.

Continue west on the main road to more stunning views of the coastline.

Ribeira das Cabras Viewpoint

This viewpoint provides an amazing view over the peninsula of Capelo, the youngest area of Faial (10,000 years old). The peninsula has about 20 volcanic cones of various sizes. On a clear day, see Vulcao dos Capelinhos, Cabeco do Canto, Cabeco Verde and Cabeco do Fogo. Look down to Faja, whose land area was created by lava flows from the volcanoes of the peninsula.

Praia da Faja

Faja Beach and the nearby children’s playground are popular with summer vacationers. This rocky, black coastline showcases the sharp texture of rocks created when lava cools quickly in contact with water.

Capelinhos Volcano

Faial’s youngest volcano was created during a 13-month eruption episode from September 1957 to October 1958. The eruption initially created an island off the coast.  Enough material was ejected from the volcano to join the new island to the mainland, increasing the area of Faial by 2.4 square kilometres. This area is one of the geosites of the Azores Geopark.

Wander the area, walking on the material jettisoned from the volcano, and admire the cliffs along the edges of the volcano. There are a number of things to see.

Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre

The centre’s exhibits explain the Capelinhos Volcano eruption, the formation of the Azores, and the various kinds of volcanic activity in the world.  The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre was built underground to minimize its impact on the landscape allowing visitors a better idea of how the area looked in the days shortly after the eruption in 1957.

Information on the history of Azorean lighthouses including the adjacent Farol da Ponta dos Capelinhos is also on display.

Capelinhos Point Lighthouse

Climb the lighthouse for a unique view of the area. The Capelinhos Point Lighthouse, built in the late 1800’s, was operating when the volcanic eruption began. As the eruption continued, workers cleared away the volcanic ash. Eventually the volume of ash became so large, it was necessary to abandon the area. Despite surviving the eruption intact, the lighthouse never operated again. 

The port, a short walk south of the lighthouse, is a sheltered cove.

Porto do Comprido

Cool off in the port’s natural pool, or launch a kayak to take a look at the volcano from the ocean. Stand at the port and look back toward the lighthouse. This was the edge of Faial Island before the eruption. It is amazing to see how much additional land area was added to Faial as a result of the 1957 eruption.

Just off the access road to Port Comprido, the Whaler Boats House museum explains the whaling industry.

Casa dos Botes

See a whaling boat and learn about the whale hunt in the Boat House , a branch of the Porto Pim Whaling Factory museum. The whaling industry, one of the most dangerous occupations on Faial, was vital to the island’s economy for many years from the 1800’s until it was banned in 1982.

Capelo-Capelinhos Trail (PRC1 FAI)

This is an active way to get to Capelinhos Volcano. It travels through the Capela Peninsula, a Geosite with about 20 volcanic cones. The trail is an “out and back”, medium-difficulty, trail. It measures 5.0 kilometres round-trip and takes about 2 hours to complete.

The trail begins at the top of Cabeco Verde (there is a parking here). Walk all around the crater rim and then down the access road. Pass Furna Ruim, (literally “bad cave”), a 55-meter deep lava cave. Continue through the laurel forest to Cabeço do Canto. This viewpoint overlooking Capelinhos Volcano is the trail’s halfway point. Turn around and return to the starting point or continue on a portion of the 10 Volcanoes Trail to end in the parking lot of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, about 1.5 kilometres away.

Faial Caldeira

The crater of the Caldeirado Faial Volcano , in the centre of Faial, is a must-see. It is about 2 kilometres across and has an average depth of 400 metres. It was created by different phases of volcanism over the last 400,000 years. Within the crater, look for a cinder cone and, in some seasons, two small lakes. There was a permanent lake in the crater before the 1957 Capelinhos Volcano’s eruption. The seismic activity associated with the eruption created cracks in the bottom of the lake, allowing water to drain away. Today the lakes often disappear during dry periods.

Caldeira has several different habitats within it supporting many species of plants and animals native to the Azores. It is classified a Nature Reserve in the Faial Nature Park. Additionally, the whole volcano is a geosite in the Azores Geopark. This ensures the protection of these habitats, climates and species along with the historic and geologic significance of the area. A great way to explore this area more intimately is by walking the Caldeira Trail.

Caldeira Trail (PRC4 FAI)

This circular trail follows the entire caldera edge, starting in the Caldeira parking lot. It is an easy 6.8-kilometre walk for 2.5 hours.

From the parking lot, cross through the small tunnel and enjoy a first look at Caldeira. The trail begins up the stairs toward a small chapel. On the walk, see native plants and incredible views into the crater. At about the half-way mark, the trail splits. To the right is the Ten Volcanoes Trail , a longer day hike. Keep to the left, continuing along the edge of the crater.  Climb toward Cabeço Gordo, the highest point of the trail at 1043 metres above sea level. On clear days, the islands of Pico and Sao Jorge can be seen. The trail from Cabeco Gordo back to the trailhead is uneven, so be careful.

East Faial – Things to See

The eastern side of Faial, north of Horta, is the oldest part of the island, about 800,000 years old.

Botanical Garden of Faial

Learn about the importance of conservation and protection of the biodiversity of the Azores and the world.  Opened in June 1986 with 1.4 acres, the botanical garden is now over 3.7 acres, allowing for greater species and habitat conservation. The visitor centre has an auditorium, exhibition room and snack bar. The Botanical Garden also manages a natural rehabilitation area of almost 15 acres nearby.

Farol da Ribeirinha

The Lighthouse of Ribeirinha began operations in November 1919 situated at the edge of the point. The 4-sided tower, 20-metres high, included living accommodations for four lighthouse keepers and their families. The lighthouse was typical of those built at the time; limestone corners, brick walls with the exterior covered in white tiles and a tower topped by a copper dome. 

The lighthouse operated until it was severely damaged in a July 1998 earthquake. Centred about 5 kilometres off Faial’s east coast, the quake measured 5.6 on the Richter scale and shook the islands of Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge for about 20 seconds. The parish of Ribeirinha suffered the most damage. Many buildings, including the lighthouse, were seriously damaged and remain abandoned.

A small automated light replaced the function of the lighthouse in 1999. Drive directly to the lighthouse or hike to it on a portion of the Caminhos Velhos Trail .

Much of the land to the northwest of the parish of Ribeirinha is cropland making the landscape a sea of green fields.

Salao Windmill

This red, wooden windmill operated between about 1929 and 1969 to grind the grain of the local farmers.  There are many of these small structures on Faial in various states of repair. These windmills played an essential role in Faial’s important cereal industry in the late 19 th and 20 th centuries.

More than 3 Days on Faial?

With more time on Faial, visit more of the places highlighted or take a longer walking trail. There are also many boat tours that depart from Horta Marina. These tours are another great way to view the island. Whales and dolphins are plentiful here in the summer. Enjoy a down day by relaxing on a beach or admire the views from a restaurant patio.

Faial Day Hikes

These additional walking trails will take a half to full day to hike. Before starting any of them, confirm transportation options at either end of the hike.  Pack and be prepared for any type of weather and remember to carry lots of water and a first-aid kit.

Caminhos Velhos Trail (PR7 FAI)

This trail travels through the Lomba Grande Protected Area and ends at the Faial Caldeira. It is a hard, linear trail that is 15.5 kilometres long, and will take about 5 hours to walk one way .

This circular trail, around the parish of Ribeirinha, goes through the Graben of Pedro Miguel, one of the geosites of the Azores Geopark. At about 800,000 years old, it is the oldest part of the island. This is an easy 8.3 kilometres and takes about 2.5 hours.

The trail begins at the harbour of Porto da Ribeira. This is an old fishing pier with a beach, picnic tables and washrooms. Climb up the many steps through the woods to see species of cedars and junipers native to the Azores.  Exiting the woods, see the ruins of the Ribeirinha Lighthouse in the distance.

The trail continues to the left up the hill. Back on the road through the village, turn left and walk a short distance to the ruins of the Sao Mateus Church. It was built in 1934 and destroyed in the 1998 earthquake. Continue west after crossing the main highway.

Walk along farm fields and pastures into the protected area of Lomba Grande, part of the Faial Nature Park. Shortly after entering the protected area, arrive at a trail intersection. Turn right and follow the trail markers to Charcos of Pedro Miguel, a popular bird watching area. Continue along the trail to the forest reserve Cabouco Velho. The trail ends at the Caldeira viewpoint.

Ten Volcanoes Trail (PR6 FAI)

This trail travels through the Caldeira Nature Reserve and ends at the Capelinhos Volcano. It is a hard, linear trail, 20.0 kilometres long, taking about 7 hours to walk one way . 

Follow the Caldeira Trail to its half way mark. Turn right and go down the west slope of the Caldeira. Join another Azores Trail, Levada, for a short while until the trails separate again.  Follow Levada for a short walk to Cabeco do Trinta, then return and descend through forest to the Cabeco do Fogo viewpoint. Continuing on, go through more forest and by fields passing Furna Ruim, Algar do Caldeirão and Cabeço do Canto. See great view of Capelinhos Volcano. Continue to the end of the trail at Port Comprido, just west of the Volcano Interpretation Centre.

Coast to Coast Trail (GR1 FAI)

This trial is the combination of the two trails above (Caminhos Velhos and Ten Volcanoes) travelling from the east coast of Faial to the west coast.  It is 35.5 kilometres long and will take 12 hours to complete.

Faial Hiking Trails

This table summarizes all the hiking trail options on the island.

Faial Hotels

Looking for an accommodation on Faial Island Azores?

Horta Hotels

Make Horta your home base to explore the beauty of Faial Island.

We stayed at the excellent Lofts Azul Pastel . This property, located on the outskirts of Horta, offers ocean views and has a great restaurant onsite.

Click here for other great hotels in Horta .

Know Before You Go

Best time to visit faial.

The best time to visit Faial Island is between April and October . However, Faial has a temperate climate year-round due to its proximity to the warm Gulf Stream in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The average high temperature in August is 26°C and in winter, it is 17°C. The weather on any particular day can be unpredictable, with clear blue skies one moment then shrouded in clouds the next.

Visit in July and August to see hydrangeas at their peak.

Semana do Mar (Week of the sea) takes place every August. It is a week-long festival celebrating Faial’s link to the sea. There are concerts, exhibitions, a naval parade with dozens of colourful boats and kiosks selling foods and other products.

How to get to Faial Island

Fly to Horta Airport with Azores Airlines (SATA) . The airport is on the south coast about 8 kilometres from Horta. Taxi and bus service are available between the airport and Horta. Cars can be rented both at the airport and in the city.

Arrival by ferry is also possible. We took a ferry from Pico Island to the Horta Port Terminal in Horta. Check with Atlânticoline for schedules.

How to get around Faial

We recommend renting a car to see the entire island of Faial, though you can get around by hiring a taxi. Additionally, public bus service is available on Faial, reaching all areas of the island, except Caldeira.  Bus stops are plentiful but service is light, so check their timetables carefully when planning to use this service.

Where can I rent a car on Faial Island?

Renting a car for your visit to Faial gives you much more freedom to discover the island’s many attractions.

You can rent a car at  Faial’s Horta Airport  or in the main town of  Horta .

Is English understood on Faial Island?

English is understood by many of the locals, with the younger people more adept at speaking English than the older generation. However, it is courteous to know and use a few common Portuguese words and phrases. The local population will definitely appreciate it.

What is the Faial Nature Park and Azores Geopark?

The Azores Islands contain many areas of both geological and ecological significance. The government understood the importance of the preservation of these sites and, in the 1970’s, began to set aside areas on each island to preserve and protect, for future generations.  This foresight led to the Azores being one of the early places recognized as a sustainable travel destination.  Each island in the archipelago has a nature park within, which has areas categorized for various levels of protection (habitats and species, landscapes, resources). 

The Faial Nature Park was an early winner of a European Destinations of Excellence award in 2011 (5 years after the program began) which recognized Faial’s sustainable tourism development models. There are 14 protected areas representing about 18% of the island’s land area.

Many of the areas of the Faial Nature Park overlap with Geosites of the Azores Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. These Geoparks protect the geological heritage of the area.

When heading back to Sao Miguel, be sure to check out our article, Things To Do in Sao Miguel Azores , for more places and great destinations to visit.

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Valerie Vanr

Valerie is the Co-founder of AvrexTravel.com. Val enjoys travel photography and writing informative City Walking tours.

The 21 km in length and 14 km at the maximum width provide the 173.1 sq. km of the island of Faial with a pentagonal shape.

The 21 km in length and 14 km at the maximum width provide the 173.1 sq. km of the island of Faial with a pentagonal shape. Faial is the third most populous island of the Archipelago with 14,994 inhabitants (2011 data). The island is part of the Central Group and is the westernmost corner of the so-called “Triangle Islands”, which also include São Jorge and Pico, the latter just 6 km away from Faial. The island’s highest point is the Cabeço Gordo (1,043 m of altitude) in the Caldeira area located at 38º34’34’’ latitude north and 28º42’47’’ longitude west.

It is believed that the Portuguese discovery of the island took place after the maps of Terceira had been drawn. Faial was probably named after the large amount of fire trees (faias-da-terra) that covered the island. The first official settlers, from Portugal and Flanders, must have arrived around 1465 as part of a failed expedition to find tin and silver ores. Two years later. Josse Van Huertere, a Flemish noble, returned to Faial attracted by the fertility of the soil and became, in 1468, the Portuguese donatory captain. Under a royal decree issued by King Afonso V, he brought more people from Flanders to live in the Flamengos valley before moving to Horta.

The foreigners introduced woad. The export of this dye plant and of wheat was the main pillar of the economy during two centuries. In 1583, when Faial was occupied by the Spanish and pirates were attacking it, mainly french and english, the island witnessed a period of dilapidation of its wealth and heritage. The 1672-73 volcanic eruption also causes the destruction in the northwest of the island.

During the 17th century, after the Portuguese Restoration of the throne, there were better times as Horta, with its sheltered harbour, became a navigational stopover between Europe and the American Continent. Wine and spirits, made from the grapes of the islands of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa, were exported to mainland Portugal, Europe and the British colonies. During the 18th century, the island was involved in the production and the export of oranges, which was then the main financial source of the archipelago. The harbour of Horta enjoyed a golden era, supplying the steam boats crossing the Atlantic Ocean and the North American whaling fleets.

During the 19th century, infesting diseases decimated the vineyards and the orange groves within one decade. But given its location, the island became a crucial centre for telecommunications. The transmission of information between North America and Europe was done via submarine cables that passed by Horta, whose first station dates back to 1893. Successively, various international companies installed submarine cables linking the continents via Faial. Additionally, the island gained a new dimension in early 20th century when the Horta Weather Observatory opened in 1915.

Aviation also took advantage of the privileged location of Faial for the stopover of the first sea planes crossing the North Atlantic. The first one stopped in Horta after World War I in 1919. During the 1930s and 40s, the airlines of Germany, Britain, France and North America chose Faial as the site for alighting their sea planes.

To this day Faial has benefited from its geographic location. The Horta Marina, opened in 1986, is one of the world’s most famous harbours. With the establishment of the autonomic model of government, the city of Horta became the seat of the Regional Parliament of the Azores and followed the regional economic trend, becoming a services-based economy.

From the lookout of Cabeço Gordo, the ground seems to slide softly until it levels out by the seaside, where a profusion of hydrangeas brings to land the colour of the sea, as if materializing a romance between the blue of the flowers and the green of the vegetation and pastures. The same happens along the road leading to the Caldeira, in the centre of Faial, and on other roads, justifying the nickname of Blue Island. But there is a complete change at the Capelinhos Volcano, with its arid and rough landscape proving that grey can also be charming.

The genetic symbol of the island, the Caldeira is an awesome caldera given its size and because it has so many flowers, plants and trees that shine under the sun light. The 7 km long walls are covered by various plants, including beech tress, junipers, moss, cedars, ferns and hydrangeas. At the bottom, 450 m below the Caldeira lookout, a fragmented lake and a small volcanic cone, with vestiges of the primitive laurissilva forest, dot the landscape in another exciting game of colours.

At the westernmost point of the island, the Capelinhos Volcano majestically rises up to the sky, as the witness to the last volcanic eruption that took place in the Azores and that added new land to the existing one. Entering this area is like landing on the moon, with the grey volcanic ash and lapilli tossed out between 1957 and 1958 starting to be invaded by green vegetation, which is determined to colonize this new territory. In the abrupt cliffs of Capelinhos and Costado da Nau, one can see the inside of these volcanoes in a sequence of contrasting rocks, layers and contours and in a game of surprising colours and textures.

A pilgrimage site for the international scientific community, the Capelinhos Volcano forced the emigration of part of Faial’s population, which had to foot the bill for the damage in houses, farms and plantations in a trail of destruction silently witnessed by the old lighthouse tower. Presently, the switched off tower is home to the magnificent Interpretation Centre, featuring the most advanced multimedia and exhibition techniques. The visit ends with a climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy an unbeatable emotional and visual experience.

Faial offers great lookouts and views over the neighbouring islands. By the ruins of the Ponta da Ribeirinha Lighthouse, destroyed by the 1998 earthquake, one can enjoy the sublime outline of the island of São Jorge. At Ponta da Espalamaca, in the lookout by the monument of the Saint Nossa Senhora da Conceição and in front of the whole Bay of Horta, the Pico Mountain rises majestically. From Cabeço Gordo, on a clear day, the horizon extends to all the triangle islands and to Graciosa.

Looking inland, great extensions of pasture land come into view; they climb all the way up to the Caldeira, being interrupted here and there by woods and trees. This natural landscape coexists on the island with indelible elements of the human presence, with some typical windmills painted red dotting the landscape, along with flowery and cultivated fields in the Flamengos Valley, and rows of hydrangeas painstakingly aligned along roads or delimiting the fields.

And on the way between Varadouro and Castelo Branco, a rock surrounded by water and sea birds catches our attention. This is the Morro de Castelo Branco [White Castle Hill], which lives up to its name with trachyte white rock and a castle-like shape, as if it was some kind of impregnable fortress.

From the Triangle Islands, this is the one that has more volcanic sand beaches; the Porto Pim, Almoxarife and Norte Beaches invite you to enjoy sea bathing. The shape of the east coast varies considerably; sometimes it is high and other times it lies almost at sea level, given the action of gigantic tectonic forces that divide it into several blocks of large dimensions.

The coastline on the west side of the island is dominated by the imposing cliffs of Ribeira Funda and Praia do Norte and the ones that lie between Morro de Castelo Branco and Varadouro, sharply plunging into the deep ocean. These towering cliffs give way to rocky cliffs at the Capelo Peninsula, which extend west and correspond to the most recent geological formations of the island.

The amphitheatre made by the bays of Horta and Porto Pim, surrounded by houses and others buildings from the Horta city, has exceptional lookouts at the hill of Monte da Guia and at Ponta da Espalamaca. Among the buildings, the imposing São Salvador Church stands out, with its rich, golden wood interior and panels of tiles. The architecture of the houses reveals the international spirit of the island. The samples of this centuries-old cosmopolitanism are enriched by the buildings and homes built during the 20th century to accommodate the English, German and Americans who worked at the submarine cable stations. The eclectic atmosphere is still felt in Horta, and the mythical Peter Café Sport is a meeting place for sailors and travellers coming from all over the world.

The tanglement of streets and alleys runs down from the slopes until reaching the sea level at the seaside avenue and at the marina of Horta. This nautical infrastructure, which opened in 1986, is a modern extension of a port and bay with a centuries-old importance. It is traditional for yachtsmen to leave a painting on the grey concrete walls. According to legend, this act will safely lead the boat to its destination, and thus sailors can continue their trip with a sense of accomplishment. On the other hand, those arriving at the marina are faced with an open-air art gallery; the whole world fits in the breakwater of an Azorean harbour, represented by creative and colourful paintings and drawings.

The handicrafts of Faial made from fig tree pith are so famous that the Horta Museum has an entire room completely filled with the works of Euclides Rosa, the great master of this art. The motifs of the delicate pieces are varied, raging from flowers to ships, animals and well known buildings. At the Escola de Artesanato do Capelo (Capelo Handicrafts School), the talent of local artisans is preserved and encouraged as they do flower arrangements from fish scales or wheat straw embroideries on tulle.

Although no one is quite sure where Manuel de Arriaga was born, it is certain that he came from an aristocratic family from Horta. He studied Law in Coimbra, and later he stood out as a politician and one of the main ideologists of the Republican Party. In 1911, this Azorean lawyer was elected the first President of the Portuguese Republic.

Part of the history of Faial can be witnessed at the Museu da Horta (Horta Museum), installed in the old Jesuit College, storing collections of documents, ethnography, photography and art. In the old site of the Fábrica da Baleia of Porto Pim (Porto Pim Whaling Factory), there is presently a museum section with exhibitions of machinery and other instruments that were used in whale hunting and processing. Anchored in the Peter Café Sport, the Scrimshaw Museum stores a precious collection of sperm whale teeth and bones with engravings and paintings. These are the witnesses of the times when the whales were a source of income for countless families living in the archipelago and a source of inspiration for the local artisans.

São João Festival takes place on 24 June, a festivity which dates back to the settlement of the island by nobles from Terceira Island. The event includes the gathering of brass bands coming from all over the island that meet on the square Largo Jaime Melo, where the chapel built by the most pious devotees of São João is located. Concerts, folk dances and parades fill the day. Family members and groups of friends come together to either enjoy an open air meal or eat at the food stalls and enjoy the delicacies of the local cuisine.

Despite the Holy Ghost Festival also being traditionally celebrated on Faial, the biggest religious festival is the da Nossa Senhora das Angústias Festival. The streets of Horta are filled with the procession and popular celebrations on the sixth Sunday after Easter Sunday, a tradition that also goes back to the time of settlement when a statue was brought from Flanders. On 1 February of each year the town hall fulfils a centuries-old promise, with a procession and prayers in the Nossa Senhora da Graça church at the Praia do Almoxarife. This tradition dates back to 1718 when the people were frightened by the volcanic eruption which took place in Santa Luzia, Pico Island.

In August, the blue sea dominates the festivities. On the 1st, to celebrate the Senhora da Guia Festival, a parade of ships escorts the statue of the Virgin from the sands of Porto Pim to the harbour of Horta. The festivities continue during the Semana do Mar (Sea Week). This festivity was initially dedicated to yachtsman, but now it is shared by locals and visitors. The extensive programme includes music shows, handicrafts exhibitions, cuisine fair, whaling boat regattas and various sporting activities that enliven the bays of Horta and Porto Pim.

One of the most typical dishes of Faial is stewed octopus in wine, which is also common to the other islands of the archipelago. Fish is very important, especially stewed or served in a broth. Bread and corn cake are preferentially included during meals. As for meats, there are the local sausages, eaten either as a meal, when served with taro root, or just as a snack. The recipe for boiled beef tastes better when spiced, especially with pepper, cumin and cinnamon to stiffen the broth in which the beef is going to be cooked.

As for pastries, the Fofas do Faial are typical: this aroma pastries include fennel seed and are baked before being stuffed with a cream based on egg yolks, milk, sugar, flower and lemon peel.

• A Day In...

How To Make The Most Of A Day In Faial (Azores Islands)

Boasting a slightly less-wild version of the famous Azores lush greenery and its own unique barren volcanic landscape, Faial Island is a popular Azores itinerary addition—partly because its size makes it easy to explore in a short time.

My last day in the Azores took me on the ferry from Pico to Faial for a day trip, before flying back to Sao Miguel, so I wanted to share what to do on Faial and how to plan a day trip itinerary!

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Should you visit Faial Island?

Honestly, it depends.  I had trouble choosing between different islands for my six-day Azores itinerary.  I knew I wanted to do Sao Miguel and Pico (I picked it over Terceira because of its wine history), and also toyed with the idea of Sao Jorge.  Faial made the itinerary precisely *because* it’s an easy day trip and I could juuuussst cram it in.

Home to about 15,000 locals, Faial is known as the Blue Island of the Azores due its profusion of blue hydrangeas (especially in July and August).  I visited in early September and didn’t see them at all, but not sure if that’s because of where I went, or if it was a down year.

To me, this island felt more settled and domesticated than Pico did, even to some extent versus São Miguel.  It had less of that wild Hawaii-like vibe.

It was easy to navigate and there are some cool things to see like the Capelinhos volcano landscape, the Caldeira, natural pool swimming, and plenty of whale-watching opportunities.  Outside of the Capelinhos, most of those can be found on other Azores islands as well.

Faial is a small island and it only takes about one hour to circumnavigate if you stay on the main road.  That makes it a perfect day trip option since you can fit all the main sights into just a day.  However, you should be aware that if you have a specific thing you want to do or see, consider how the unpredictable weather could impact your itinerary and necessitate a longer stay.

Conversely, you could base yourself in Faial and use it to visit Pico and Sao Jorge.  However, Pico is quite large and so I would recommend against just doing a day trip.  So to me, basing in Pico and then doing a day trip to Faial made more sense.

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How to get to Faial

As I was coming from the island of Pico, ferry was the easiest way to get to Faial.  I booked ahead of time with Atlantico Lines for €3.80.  The boarding process was smooth, though it was a rollicking 30-minute ride (I don’t have any issues with sea sickness so that wasn’t a problem).  I made a fun IG Reel about it if you want to take a peek!

Faial is connected to Pico, Flores, Sao Jorge, and Corvo (all tiny islands, excepting Pico).  I stayed a couple nights on Pico and came over to Faial as a day trip, then flew directly from Faial to Sao Miguel that evening to fly back home the next day.

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How to get around & where to stay

You’ve got two options for getting around—guided tour, or rent a car.  I typically strongly prefer to explore on my own, but I really waffled back and forth in this case since I wasn’t going to have tons of time on the island.  I have a detailed guide to renting a car in the Azores that you should check out as well!

I ended up getting a rental car in Faial for greater control.  I used DiscoverCars to book all three rental cars across the Azores and would highly recommend them…good rates, no hassle, and they found me an automatic when no one else could.  I also always compare RentalCars.com .  I picked up my car from the Ilha de Verde office at pier and hit the road in just a few minutes.

Another great option is a half-day or full-day guided tour.  I strongly considered this one and this one but the times didn’t quite match up with my ferry and flight times so I opted for the freedom of a rental car.  Also, I STRONGLY thought about this “swimming with sharks” (friendly sharks!) experience.

Where to stay in Faial:   I had three options picked out when I thought I’d stay there overnight.  For something unique and local, Azul Singular or Quinta da Meia Eira and the Internacional Azores Boutique is another great option.

Other Azores adventures to help plan your trip:

Everything You Need To Know About Car Rental & Driving In The Azores

A Super Detailed Road Trip Guide For Sao Miguel Island

Exploring the Vibrant, Medieval City of Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel

Sao Miguel’s Glorious Sete Cidades: Miradouro Vista do Rei & More

Why You Have To Go Whale Watching In The Azores & What to Expect

Steeped In Tradition: Visiting A Tea Plantation In The Azores

A Guide To Pico Island: How To Plan An Amazing Roadtrip

Where To Stay On Pico Island: The Unique, Beautiful, & Historic Casas de Incensos

A Unique Taste Of History (& Wine!) On Pico Island

Check out all my Portugal  posts here!

A few packing tips

As I’ve mentioned in my other Azores posts, one of the things I wasn’t quite prepared for was how hot and humid it was!  I was visiting in early September, so still summer I guess, but it was SO hot and a lot of both cars and hotels aren’t air conditioned (thankfully my car in Faial was).  With the super humidity they have, I was constantly sweaty.

I wished I’d brought more sundresses (a lot of mine are from  StitchFix  & I love  this one  from Amazon).  I had mostly brought lightweight, breathable stretchy travel pants ( Athleta  and  these Eddie Bauer ones  are my faves), lightweight sleeveless or short-sleeve tops, and alternated between my beloved  cute/comfy walking sandals  and my  cute white sneakers .

I also relied on my  my fave natural, non-toxic makeup (which does great in sweaty weather!), a headband (for keeping my hair out of my eyes in the wind along the coast), and polarized sunglasses .  I’d skip jeans (too heavy, don’t dry easily, and take up packing space).

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What to do on Faial

I’ll start with what I *wasn’t* able to do—visit the famous Caldeira .  It’s a massive volcano crater in the center of the island, covered with greenery and 2km in diameter.  But the weather there wasn’t cooperating.

How did I know that??  The webcams!  It’s one of the most important thing to know about traveling in the Azores.  The weather is mercurial and varies depending on where you are on the island.  Many of the viewpoints, lakes, and hikes are prone to fog and cloud cover but a weather forecast is too general.  You’ll want to download the SpotAzores app to see a real-time view of the weather at different sites.  IT’S CLUTCH.

So with that said, let’s dive into what I *was* able to see and do in Faial.  I got my rental car at the airport and drove into Horta in search of coffee and breakfast.  There was a lot of road construction going on along the waterfront, which made stopping there a little messy (and less picturesque).

Instead I ended up parking down near Praia de Porto Pim , a small black/gray sand beach in Horta.  I parked and walked around a bit, enjoying the brightly-colored murals and buildings.

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I finally found somewhere open (A Padaria) and snagged a coffee and delicious pastry, which I took outside to enjoy with the waterfront view.

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I also realized that Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Angústias was close by, so decided to swing by and see that before heading out to explore the island.

It’s a beautiful church built in what I’ve found to be the typical Azores style, likely in the 1460s or 1470s.  I loved how the mosaic tile contrasted with the building as well!

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I’ll be back to Horta later in the day, but for now let’s see what else Faial has to offer…

First stop was Monte da Guia which overlooks Horta.  Finding it was a bit tricky…it was NOT the first place Google Maps tried to take me.  And even once I got to the right place, it still wasn’t clear.  Basically, keep going up the hill…it’s a very narrow road so watch for oncoming traffic.

But WOW, is it a great viewpoint!  I just made a quick stop here but apparently there’s a hiking trail as well?  On a clear day, this is definitely one of the viewpoints on Faial to hit.

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I was heading clockwise around the island from Horta toward the Varadouro Natural Pools, but stopped whenever the whim struck.  I made a quick stop at Miradouro da Lajinha , which has nice but not earth-shattering views.

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I also found some of the most colorful and quirky church architecture on Faial.  The ones in Horta seemed very much traditional for the Azores, but as I drove around little villages and even crossroads, I found these smaller chapels that each had their own personality.

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Many people will tell you that the Varadouro Natural Pools are one of the “must” things to do in Faial.  I made a quick stop but if you’re not planning on swimming then I’d skip.  There are better coastal views elsewhere, and these pools feel much more manmade (or “mankind-touched” at least).

This is something you could include on a private full-day tour as well, if interested (if you’re traveling in a group, a private tour may be more cost-effective and gives you control over the itinerary and timing).

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I continued on toward Capelinhos , one of the top attractions on Faial Island.  This volcano last erupted in 1957-8 and it created this 3 square kilometer part of the island—it’s why it looks so different from everything else.

It’s a fascinating, barren landscape more suited to like…the moon.  I was able to snag a parking space and started to walk toward the volcano cone.  Sadly the weather was a bit wild on this day and it was SUPER windy.  I was just getting insanely sandblasted as I walked even just a few steps, getting in my mouth and ears and eyes.

It was miserable so I gave up partway and turned back around.  You can see it blowing in some of the pics below.  I don’t know if it’s always like that, but maybe bring some protective gear (especially for your face) just in case?

Capelinhos will definitely be a stop on most tours of Faial .  You can walk around and up the ridge of the volcanic cone to view inside, and they have a very informative underground museum.

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I was absolutely starving at this point but having some trouble finding a decent place to eat lunch.  I kept driving but had to stop for a few minutes at Miradouro da Ribeiro das Cabras .  This was secretly maybe my favorite miradouro in Faial?

You can see a deep gorge between two lava streams that opens up to a beautiful view of the crashing waves below.

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I did finally find a…unique lunch spot that got great reviews and is definitely an interesting local experience to try.  It was a few minutes off the main road, but I easily found Restaurante O Esconderijo .

I was just Googling anything that was open that had decent reviews.  The owner is I think German maybe, or similar?  He serves a set four-course surprise plant-based menu from his garden or other local stuff he can forage, nothing imported.  My napkin was a leaf 🙂

The first course was a salad, then a kind of bland tomato soup, then the main was a kind of bean patty that was pretty good with some potatoes and root veggies that could have used salt.  Dessert was bananas with apple purée.

It took a bit longer than I’d have liked but was definitely a unique and unexpected experience!  I didn’t love the food but enjoyed sitting in the verdant back patio area and relaxing.

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At this point it was starting to get late and I still wanted to explore Horta some more before my flight, so I completed my loop of the island fairly quickly—sadly cutting out the far west side.  But I did briefly stop at Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceiçāo (a.k.a. Ponta da Espalamaca).

There are two separate views here, one which looks out over Horta, the harbor, and out to Pico.  The other looks toward the unique black sand beach of Praia do Almoxarife .  I didn’t have time to visit that beach, but I’ve heard it’s a really relaxing spot with crashing waves and great views (you can see it in the second and third pics below).

Using the webcams, try to time your visit for when there’s little or no fog, and ideally blue skies.  This will increase your chances of seeing Mount Pico on nearby Pico Island.

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And now we’re back to Horta!  I first headed toward the famous marina to see the painted murals.

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Horta’s harbor is one of the most visited in the world due to its advantageous location in middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  It’s a stopping-off point for sailors and yachtsmen from around the world, and many of them paint a small mural to commemorate their voyage.  You can walk throughout the marina and see thousands of them.

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I then spent a half hour aimlessly wandering the streets of Horta.

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In addition to the big one we saw at the beginning of the post, I came across a couple other imposing and visually-arresting churches in Horta that I couldn’t resist snapping photos of.

I believe the first one is Igreja de Sao Francisco but it doesn’t even show up on Google Maps (see here ).  The second one is the Church of the Holy Savior (or Sao Salvador).  The buildings that surround it became the Town Hall and Museum of Horta.

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I also stumbled on the Municipal Market of Horta , which was pretty dead when I was there but you may find a nice local souvenir.  Try earlier in the morning to see the farmer’s market portion.

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I loved the detailed images in the sidewalks, a little bit different than the patterns you see elsewhere in the Azores (and Porgual writ-large).  I also enjoyed the colorful buildings and different architectural styles.

There wasn’t much to “do” in Horta per se, I just walked around a bit and soaked it in.

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Finally it was time to return my Faial rental car and hop a tiny plane back to Sao Miguel!  One note, the flight was very stuffy and warm and they didn’t do drink service since it’s so short so bring your own water bottle (once you’re past security).

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I enjoyed my whirlwind exploration of Faial!  On balance, I think it was worth coming over here for just one day, though there’s a piece of me that wonders if I should have spent one more day exploring Sao Miguel (doing one of the half-day hikes, maybe).

Hopefully this post has given you plenty to think about to plan your own trip to Faial or decide whether you want to!

Other day trip adventures you’ll love:

• 24 Hours On Wild & Beautiful Inis Mor, In Ireland’s Aran Islands
• St. Michael’s Mount & A Whirlwind Tour of Cornwall
• A Day on Scotland’s Mystical Isle of Lewis & Harris
• A Day Trip to Sintra’s Fairytale Castles
• Abbeys, Castles, & Coast: A Day Trip To South Wales

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A Guide to Faial, Azores

Faial is one of the most beautiful islands in the Azores , and it offers several interesting things to do.

It has a good airport and so it’s possible to get here from mainland Portugal (Lisbon mainly) as well as from many of the other islands on the Azores including Terceira and São Miguel.

It also has one of the best ports in the Azores, and it’s a popular destination for sailors on transatlantic crossings to stop off at.

Useful Resources for Your Trip to Faial

Here’s our top tips and tricks for getting the best deals for your trip to Faial in the Azores. 

• Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb are the two most comprehensive websites for finding hotels, hostels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Faial. 
• Car Rental: Discover Cars , Rental Cars, and Azores Rental Cars are the three most useful sites for booking local car rental. 
• Airport transfers: There are taxis at most Azores airports, but you can also pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups at some airports. 
• Tours & Things to Do: Both Get Your Guide and Viator list lots of local tours and activities in the Azores, particularly the larger islands like Terceira and São Miguel. It’s worth checking for Faial but for the smaller Azores islands, you’ll find fewer listings and you may need to contact tour operators directly. 
• Luggage Storage:  Luggage Hero and Bounce are two great sites for finding places to store your luggage in Portugal. 
• Flights: Skyscanner and Google Flights are the two most useful websites for finding flights to Portugal. Inter-island flights are usually all with Azores Airlines . 
• Ferries: Ferries are operated by Atlânticoline and this is the best site to use. 

Where to stay

Horta, the main town on the island, is a good place to stay. There are restaurants, bars, cafés, and at least one large supermarket.

Of course, if you have a car, you can stay just about anywhere on the island. Anyone visiting without a car should probably stick to Horta as this is where the tour companies and taxis are based.

From Horta, you can get the ferry to Pico or Flores, and Horta Airport is just a short drive away.

What to See & Do

Visit capelinhos.

Formed after a volcanic eruption that took place between 1957 and 1958, Capelinhos is one of the most interesting places in Faial.

The black terrain looks like something from another planet. You’ll get some fantastic photos of the landscape.

There’s a lighthouse, which you can climb up, and a museum which describes the history and explains how Capelinhos was formed.

Visit Caldeira, An Extinct Volcano

There are lots of extinct volcanoes around the world, but they don’t always look like a former volcano. Caldeira does.

It’s incredibly beautiful, green, and dramatic, especially if you can get the right weather. Caldeira is often covered in fog, particularly early in the morning. This is a good reason to rent a car – you can always come back if you don’t manage to get a good view.

For those that like walking, you can walk around the edge of the volcano entrance. It’s also the starting point of the “10 Volcanoes” walk which finishes in Capelinhos.

Explore the artwork at Horta’s Marina

Horta Marina is one of the most colourful marinas in the world. Whenever sailors arrive there, they each paint a rectangular image onto the pier. It’s sort of a middle class form of graffiti.

Having opened in 1986, the marinha is now home to hundreds of these pictures – many of which have been updated when sailors returned a second or third time.

What to Eat

Fofas do faial.

Fofas do Faial are a type of pastry made with egg yolks, milk, sugar, lemon peel, and fennel. They’re very aromatic, but also surprisingly difficult to find on Faial.

Ask in any of the cafés and they’ll know what you’re talking about, but they probably won’t have them and won’t know where you can get one.

What to drink

Gin & tonic.

Faial is a popular destination for sailors crossing the Atlantic and, over the years, Peter Café Sport (or Peter Bar) has become known as the place to stop for a drink.

Gin and Tonic is normally the drink of choice. Peter Bar is known for whipping up particularly good ones, and the rumours definitely don’t lie.

Unless you’re on Pico, the nearest island to Faial, flying is the easiest way to get here.

As well as internal flights from other islands like Sao Miguel, Terceira, Corvo, and Flores, there are also flights from Lisbon to Horta, so you can fly here directly.

Flights from other Azores islands are operated by Azores Airlines . Several airlines offer flights between Lisbon and Horta, including Azores Airlines and TAP, so it’s worth using a flight comparison website like Skyscanner to see which is best for your trip.

There are ferries to Faial from Pico and from Flores. Pico is incredibly close to Faial – just 30 minutes on the ferry – while Flores is further away (roughly a 9-hour journey time). It’s also important to note that the Flores (Lajes) to Faial (Horta) ferry doesn’t go every day, so you may need to fly.

Ferry tickets can be booked at Atlanticoline.pt

The best way to get around any of the islands on the Azores is to rent a car. Public transport is quite limited and often doesn’t go to the tourist attractions anyway.

There are plenty of car rental options on Faial, both from international companies like Europcar and local Azores companies like Ilha Verde.

The majority of these companies are listed on comparison sites like RentalCars.com and Skyscanner.net , but sometimes some of the smaller companies aren’t.

• Be sure to rent a car as soon as you have your travel dates planned. There are a limited number of cars on Faial (and all of the Azores islands) and every year the rental companies run out of cars.
• It is possible to rent a car on Pico or one of the other Azores islands and bring it over on the ferry if you can’t find a car on Faial. However, it might be a good idea to ask the rental company if this is okay.

By Tour Group

Several tour companies operate on Faial and will take you to all of the main attractions, including Capelinhos and Caldeira.

Booking a full or half-day tour is usually enough to quickly see all of the main attractions on the island, and this is usually the most cost-effective way as well.

Tours can be found on Viator , including this half-day tour run by researchers and biologists who work in conjunction with local universities and research centres.

You can book a taxi to just about any of the attractions on Faial. Rather than working on a meter, taxis on Faial normally have a commonly agreed price list. This way, you know exactly how much the journey will cost.

Tip: It’s a good idea to take the phone numbers of several taxi drivers, particularly if you’re hiking and need to get picked up from the end of a route. Sometimes it can take a while to get through to one of the drivers.

There is a bus service on Faial, and it does stop at Horta Airport as well.

A few companies rent scooters and motorbikes on Faial. This isn’t a common way of getting around the island, particularly because the Azores weather can be so temperamental, but it can be a fun way of getting around.

It’s probably not the best place to learn to ride a scooter, however. The roads are bendy, and drivers on Faial take the corners extremely fast.

If you are experienced, and your driving licence and travel insurance allow you to ride a scooter in Portugal, the following companies offer bikes for rent: 

• Jp Scooter Rent (Horta)
• Moto Rent C&R (Horta)

Where to visit next

Pico is the closest island to Faial – just 30 minutes by ferry – and São Jorge is next to that. If you haven’t visited either of those two islands, it’s worth visiting both of them.

It’s also worth considering both São Miguel and Terceira, if you haven’t been to them already. They’re two of the largest and most popular islands on the Azores, and both have quite a lot to do. They also both have good flight connections to other islands on the Azores and to mainland Portugal. Of course, Faial also has flights to Lisbon.

If you’ve already seen all of those islands, or have plans to visit them later on your trip, it’s a good opportunity to head over to the Western Azores islands of Flores and Corvo.

Flores, being the largest and closest of the two, is the easiest to get to, as there are normally both flights and ferries to there.

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Faial Azores: 14 amazing things you must do

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Faial Azores? Then this list in which we share what to do in Faial is perfect for you.

The island of Faial in the Azores is one of the beautiful islands that make up the Central Group of the archipelago, and it is an incredible place to visit.

If you’re looking for picturesque coastlines, impressive landscapes, and lush greenery, you’ll be able to find it here.

Read on to discover more about all of the things you can do while visiting this serene island.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Best tips for your Faial trip

Here is an overview of the most important things to know before traveling to Faial.

How to get to Faial island

You can fly to Ponta Delgada and take a connecting flight to Faial or you can take the ferry from Pico island.

Where to stay in Faial

Premium comfortable hotel: Hotel do Canal , Quinta: Quinta das Buganvilias , vacation apartment: Lofts Azul pastel

Renting a car in Faial

The easiest way to explore Faial is by car.

We advise you to check out  Discover cars.  This is a website where you can quickly and easily compare the prices of different rental companies. All rates include the CDW and I like that the deductible is already clearly shown on the comparison page. The fuel policy included mileage and the cancelation policy is also clearly stated.  Most cars are cancellable up to 2 days in advance without any fees.  In some cases, a fully refundable deposit is taken at the time of booking.

Guided tours in Faial, Portugal

If you don’t want to drive yourself you could always join a guided tour. This small-group tour will show you all the highlights in a full day. Do you have less time? This half-day tour will show you the impressive Caldeira, The Capelinhos volcano. You will also stop at several viewpoints to soak up the view.

Travel insurance

Don’t forget to get travel insurance. Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee. 

Good travel insurance covers things like medical expenses, trip cancellation, overseas medical costs, evacuation, baggage damage or loss, and theft. 

If you still need travel insurance, check out HeyMondo and SafetyWing. Both companies offer good insurance for a competitive price.

Overview of what there is to see in Faial

Here’s an overview table of all the best things to do in Faial that we cover in this post.

Read on for a short description of all the Faial highlights.

Best things to do in Faial

Table of Contents

Is this your first trip to the Azores and do you feel a bit overwhelmed by the travel preparations?

Creating a fantastic itinerary for the Azores will be much easier and much more enjoyable with our Azores Travel Planner .

Hike around the Caldeira

• Highlights: The beautiful and dramatic views you can take in as you hike around the crater
• Price: Free
• Opening hours: 24/7
• Tip: You can hike around the Caldeira itself, but if you want to descend into the crater you’ll have to do so with a guide

The magnificent 2-kilometer wide Caldeira crater is a beautiful sight, and a can’t-miss excursion on your trip to Faial.

One of the most popular ways to experience the crater is by hiking the 8-kilometer trail that will take you around it, taking in the breathtaking views from every angle.

The Caldeira will occasionally have low cloud coverage.

This would not be the best time to go. It is spectacular to see the clouds descend into the crater but you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the distant views you see on other days. Doing the trail with limited visibility can also be dangerous as at several parts the path is narrow and runs close to the edge of the crater.

Be sure to check the weather forecast before driving up.

Currently there are no live webcams or other up-to-the-minute resources that can tell you exactly what the conditions are. But if you see that the top is shrouded in clouds, you better postpone your plans.

You can also experience the Caldeira simply by stopping by and taking pictures from the lookout point.

If you visit this area, note that it’s a good idea to bring rain jackets and wear shoes that are weather-resistant.

The weather here can change somewhat quickly, so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Read more about the Caldeira Hike here.

Visit the lunar landscape of Capelinhos

• Highlights: The sight of the barren landscape is one-of-a-kind for the Azores, which typically has a lush green environment
• Price: Visiting the area is free, but the price for the museum is €10 per adult / €5 for children aged 7 to 14 and 65+. When you buy tickets for the museum you can also go up the lighthouse.
• Address: Farol dos Capelinhos Capelo, 9900-000 Horta, Portugal
• Opening hours: The area is open 24/7, but the museum has limited hours depending on the time of year you are visiting, and the day
• Tip: Visit the futuristic visitors center to start. Not only can you learn about the area, but you can experience the interesting futuristic architecture as well.

In stark contrast to the vibrant blue and green hues that are so prevalent in the Azores, the Capelinhos Volcano has a unique environment that more closely resembles a lunar landscape than a tropical island.

The eruption in question occurred over 50 years ago, and lasted for approximately 18 months.

The prolonged eruption deposited ash and other debris, leveling the surrounding area and damaging nearly everything – the Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos was left standing and remains an iconic site to visit to this day.

If you visit, you can start off at the incredibly unique museum and visitor center – it was built underground so as not to disturb the landscape. It gives the structure a futuristic feel. You can also hike here and experience the area that way.

The route is approximately 3 kilometers and begins and ends at the visitor center.

Explore Horta

• Highlights: Visit the Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Angústias
• Price: The church is free to visit. Bring some cash for food or drinks or any activities that you may want to do such as stopping in one of the local stores
• Address: Horta, Faial Island Portugal
• Tip: You can explore Horta by scooter – rent one for €20 and move around the town in a unique and fun way!

Horta is the major town on the island of Faial, and it is full of things to do.

You can walk through the town taking in the historic and cultural sites. There are various shops, bars, and restaurants. Be sure to venture down to the marina where you will find several small eateries.

You should also take the time to visit the Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Angústias, a beautiful church that was built over four centuries ago.

It was made by Josse van Huerter, a Flemish settler who was the first to come to Faial and begin colonizing the island. He and his wife lived there for many years and had the church built during that time.

Although the exact date is unknown, the construction likely happened in the 1460s or 1470s.

Admire the mural paintings and boats at Horta Marina

• Highlights: The hand-painted murals that have been created over the years are not just a pretty sight – they’re a historic marker as well
• Address: Horta Harbour, Horta, Faial Island Portugal
• Tip: The Horta Marina is a great place to watch the sunset with Pico island in the background

The Horta Marina is a major port – not only today, but throughout history as well.

The geography of the area creates an ideal stopping point for ships traveling long journeys across the Atlantic as the Azores are really in the middle of the ocean.

Because of this, many sailors have spent time in Horta and you can see evidence of the unique mark they left on the city to this day when you view the vibrant and colorful hand-painted murals lining the walls in and around the marina.

It’s not known who the first person to create a painting was, but soon it became a tradition and sailors passing through would paint something as tradition held that if you painted something there, you would have good luck – something sailors would want to ensure before setting out on another leg of their journey.

As you walk around the harbor, you can see images and motifs representing various cultures from around the world.

Have a drink at the legendary Peter’s Café Sport

• Highlights: The opportunity to dine in a historic cafe, beloved by locals and travelers alike
• Price: Free to enter. Menu items range from €1 to €18.
• Address: Rua José Azevedo “Peter”, Nº 9 9900-027 Horta
• Opening hours: Sunday through Thursday 9AM -12AM, Friday and Saturday 9AM to 1AM
• Tip: If you want to dine here, it is strongly recommended that you make a reservation in advance

Peter’s Cafe Sport has been a Faial island staple for over a century.

It serves as a familiar central destination for sailors passing through the Azores, and has provided them with information, as well as a place to rest and get a nice meal.

Today you can visit Peters’s Cafe and experience their famous hospitality for yourself! If you drink alcohol, you can sample some of the cafe’s homemade gin while you’re there.

In addition to the food and drinks you can savor while there, you can also pop into the museum and learn about the history of the cafe and the history of the area that surrounds it.

The cafe also facilitates whale watching tours and other activities such as kayaking or snorkeling tours.

How to go whale watching in the Azores

Go dolphin and whale watching

• Highlights: The opportunity to see a high number of whales and dolphins from either the shore or from a boat
• Price: Varies, but an average half-day boat tour will cost around €50-€60
• Address: the boat tours start mostly from the marina
• Opening hours: Varies depending on what company you are booking with
• Tip: Book your whale or dolphin watching boat trip in advance to ensure you get the experience you want

The Azores is home to countless incredible marine life, and that includes the whales and dolphins that you may be able to see on your trip.

If you’re looking for a free option, you can look out from one of the overview points on the shore using binoculars and see if you get lucky.

If you are looking for your own pair of binoculars, check out this post in which we share 10 great lightweight binoculars. 

However, if you’re looking for a more up-close-and-personal experience or want to increase your chances of seeing these impressive animals, you can book one of several whale or dolphin watching boat tours for a more immersive opportunity.

There’s no shortage of the type of marine life you might see on these tours. For example, if you’re looking for whales, you’ll be able to see varieties like sperm whales or pilot whales which are the most common types of whales to see in the area.

However, there’s a good chance that you’ll see more than just those two, as the waters of the Azores are home or serve as a stop-over point to over 30% of all types of whales.

If you are hoping to take a tour, you’ll likely be able to find one that fits your schedule.

Whether you’re looking for  a half day excursion, or a multi-day immersion, you’ll be able to work with one of the local companies to make that happen.

Read more about whale watching around Faial here.

Visit the Porto Pim Whale factory museum

• Highlights: The permanent collection of the museum includes all of the original machinery that was used when it was an active factory
• Price: €4
• Address: Monte da Guia, 9900-000 Horta
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm from November through March, and from 10:00am to 6:00pm the rest of the year
• Tip: Guided tours can enhance the experience! If you would like to take one, it must be booked in advance

Th e Porto Pim Whale Factory Museum is the place to go to learn about the history of whaling as it relates to the Faial island’s culture and that of the surrounding islands as well.

Whaling had huge socio-economic influences and was a major industry of the area.

The museum seeks to pay tribute to that era, while educating visitors about it as well.

The factory that was the purpose of the building that now houses the museum was essentially a processing plant for the whales that were caught – they would extract oil and grease, as well as other parts of the whale such as the meat or the bones.

Many different parts of the whale were used and had economic value.

You can see a female sperm whale skeleton in one of the rooms.

Visit the Porto Pim aquarium

• Highlights: The opportunity to learn about local marine life in depth
• Price: Children under 6 years old can enter for free. Those under age 14 or over 65 pay 2€. Everybody else pays 4€. It is possible to buy combi-tickets with the whaling museum or Capelinhos.
• Address: Monte da Guia, 9900 Horta, Ilha do Faial
• Opening hours: The hours vary throughout the year, but generally it is closed on Mondays and on holidays, and open the rest of the week between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Outside the tourist season, there are brief closures at 1:00 pm.
• Tip: You can book a private tour for a small group, but these must be booked at least 48 hours in advance

The Porto Pim aquarium and Live Fish Station is not a traditional aquarium that is set up to be bright and colorful and entertaining.

Instead, this facility strives to be educational and work towards studying and conserving marine life.

This facility is an active working location, so don’t expect excessive frills when you tour.

The displays consist of three tanks that contain various types of common local marine life – the exact species and specifics will vary depending on when you go as the facility also serves as a marine life rehabilitation center.

Scientists here will study the animals and help them if necessary, before setting them free again or sending them to other aquariums throughout the world to further their educational efforts.

The small fee you spend when you enter goes back towards the facility as well.

Enjoy the view from the Espalamaca lookout

• Highlights: The incredible views of the island
• Address: 9900-122 Horta
• Tip: Try to visit at a time when there’s little to no fog to increase the chance of seeing more of the view including the nearby Mount Pico

The Espalamaca lookout is a fairly popular destination and with good reason!

The views you can experience from this lookout point are nothing less than remarkable, and this lookout is often considered one of the best.

When you’re standing here you have the chance to see beaches, historic sites, and more of the region’s lush greenery.

If you visit on a day with little to no fog, you have even more of an opportunity to see not only what the island has to offer but what the rest of the ocean and some of the neighboring islands have to offer as well.

Get a tan in Porto Pim

• Highlights: The sugar-white sands of the beach provides a beautiful photo opportunity
• Price: Free to visit the beach
• Address: the beach lies within walking distance from the city center of Horta
• Tip: Not only can you relax and tan here, but you can also see the marine life here up close: this is also a fantastic spot for snorkeling!

The beach of Porto Pim is a great place for your traditional beach experience – but you can experience those things while basking in an exceptional environment.

The bay has been a popular site ever since the first European settlers came to the island.

You can lay out on the sand and get a tan, or if you’re a more adventurous type you can try your hand at windsurfing or diving.

The average temperature of the water in the summer is about 22ºC,

There are also restaurants and bars nearby so you can enjoy some delicious food in between soaking in the sunshine.

The beach also offers amenities that include:

• Outdoor parking
• A nearby bar and restaurant

Read more about the other fantastic Azores beaches here.

Admire the view of Monte da Guia

• Highlights: The beautiful views of Porto Pim and Horta
• Address: Monte Guia can be found right next to Horta and Porto Pim
• Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, or come late to enjoy the sunset

Located near Porto Pim, Monte da Guia is a volcanic cone from which you can see beautiful views of the town of Horta and the surrounding area.

The Porto Pim Whale Factory Museum is located at the foot of the mountain.

Not only is the sight of the mountain beautiful, but the views you can get from the lookout point at the top of the mountain are incredible as well.

Relax at Praia do Almoxarife

• Highlights: The black lava beach
• Address: the beach can be found 5 km away from the city of Horta. Drive for 8 minutes on the EN1-A.
• Tip: When the weather is nice, Mount Pico provides a great view while you can relax and listen to the sounds of the ocean

Faial has many beaches, but the unique black sand of Praia do Almoxarife makes it one of the most unique destinations.

You can relax here, meditating to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, or you can take some great photographs with Pico mountain on the background.

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, the natural beauty of the landscape will make it easy to take a great shot.

• Restaurants

Go birdwatching at Morro de Castelo Branco

• Highlights: The opportunity to hike while looking out for birds and other wildlife
• Address: drive South on the EN1-1A for 14 minutes
• Tip: If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, this is the perfect thing for you to do

The Azores is home to a variety of species of birds, which makes it a great place if you enjoy bird watching.

You can take the trail down from the main road until you arrive at a rock formation that follows the coastline.

The trail is beautiful and definitely adds to the experience, but if you would rather drive, you can do that as well.

There is a parking lot at the coastline which is the endpoint of the hike.

Don’t forget to bring binoculars , as they’ll come in handy if your purpose for this hike is to spot some of the seabirds. You’ll also be able to see some flowers and other greenery that is local to the area.

Learn more about hikes you can take at this location.

As you may have noticed from some of the earlier items on this list, Faial is a fantastic place for hiking and exploring the outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for an easy trail or something with more of a challenge, you’ll be able to find it here.

Many of the easy trails are genuinely on the easier side, note that some of them may test you if you are afraid of heights.

Not all trails are easy though. Some of them have steep inclines and or descends as they take you through the dramatic mountainous landscape.

We therefor advise you to wear proper hiking gear such as hiking leggings and hiking shoes.

Learn more about hiking on Faial here.

There are many hikes you can consider on Faial. Click here to read a comprehensive list.

How to get to Faial

There is a small airport located on Faial, just 10 minutes outside of the main city of Horta.

It offers flights to Lisbon and to some of the other Azores islands.

Learn about traveling between Azores islands here.

You can also travel to and from Faial by ferry.

This mode of transportation is available throughout the year. The boats travel between Faial, Pico, and Sao Jorge .

The frequency of the trips varies so it’s advisable to double check the data for each trip you are planning on making.

The exact duration varies as well, but generally the trip between Faial and Pico lasts about 30 minutes, and the trip between Faial and Sao Jorge is about one hour long.

How to get around in Faial

During your trip to Faial, you will likely find that the easiest way to get around is by car.

Public transportation exists on several of the Azores islands, but they often have very sparse schedules.

Taxis can be great options, but if you need to take more than one or two, the cost will start to add up so this method of transportation tends to be expensive.

As a great alternative, you can rent a car. This gives you all the freedom in the world and you’re not stuck to anyone else’s schedule.

You can also drive late at night or early in the morning without worrying about securing a taxi at those unusual hours.

If you do plan on renting a car, it’s advisable to book the rental prior to your arrival on the island. This way you can ensure you are getting the kind of car you’re comfortable driving.

It’s also a good idea to select a car that’s on the smaller side.

Some of the roads on the island are narrow and include sharp turns, which can make it difficult when you need to pass by a car coming the other way. By renting a smaller vehicle you make the experience of driving on the island not any more stressful than it needs to be!

Learn more about renting a car in the Azores here.

Faial Azores is a beautiful island with a lot to offer.

Whether you are tanning on the beach, hiking the stunning Caldeira, grabbing a bite to eat at Peter’s Cafe, or hoping to catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales, you’ll be able to do it on Faial Island while surrounded by picturesque natural beauty.

If you are traveling to the Azores, check out our Azores travel guide which will help you plan an unforgettable trip.

• Miranda do Douro
• Viana do Castelo
• Corvo, The Crow Island of the Azores

Faial, The Blue Island of Azores

• Flores, The Yellow Island of Azores
• Graciosa, The White Island of the Azores
• Pico, The Black Island of Azores
• Santa Maria, The Sunshine Island of the Azores
• São Jorge, The Brown Island of Azores
• São Miguel, The Green Island of Azores
• Terceira Island, The Festive Island of Azores
• Central Portugal
• Lisbon and Tagus Valley
• Porto & Northern Portugal
• Portugal Survival Guide
• Entering Portugal
• Guide to Learning Portuguese
• Portugal Holidays
• Average Temperatures in Portugal
• Weather in Portugal
• Portugal Visa Guide
• Golden Visa Portugal
• Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 2023
• D7 Visa Guide
• D2 Visa Guide
• Food & Drink
• History and Culture

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The Blue Island of the Azores is named Faial because of the large number of beech trees which are called faias in Portuguese. It is nicknamed the Blue Island because of the hydrangeas in different shades of blue that span the landscapes of the island. 15,000 people live on this island of 67 square miles, making it a cosmopolitan island that still features activities for nature lovers.

Faial was initially discovered in 1427 and later colonized by Flemish settlers in 1432. The island is of volcanic origin and is located near the tectonic divide between the European and North American Plates. The island is the westernmost point of Europe! The island is located 4.5 miles from Pico and 11 miles from Sao Jorge .

Like Terceira , Faial is known for its festivals. The most important one is Sea Week, a week-long festival to celebrate the sea with music, dance, and exhibitions at the end of July. At the end of the week, a traditional ceremony occurs and fireworks fill the skies. Faial is also the site of religious festivals like the feasts of the Holy Spirits from Ascension day to August where there is a procession from the local church and a traditional mass.

What to do in Faial?

1. hike the caldeira.

The Caldeira in Faial offers one of the best views of the Azores. This volcanic crater is 400 meters deep and you can actually walk to the mouth of the Caldeira. Do not do this alone. We recommend booking this hike with a professional to do so for €65. You can also walk around the crater which will take around 2 hours. In fact, Faial has a lot of beautiful trails to hike such as this 10 Volcano trail that you can book here.

2. Explore Horta

Horta is the city center of Faial and the perfect place for some exploring, with quaint churches everywhere. The Horta marina is known all over the world.  It has a large mural where sailors from around the world paint a section to symbolize their voyage. Near the marina, you must visit Peter Cafe Sport , an emblematic cafe on the island that thousands have passed through. This place is known as the meeting point for sailors who are sailing the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Capelinhos

Located in the most westernmost point of Europe, the Capelinhos is a volcano that erupted in 1958 on the western side of the island. This section of the island was only created 60 years ago after the eruption. The volcano and the floor are the color of the black volcanic rock, making this an interesting and beautiful site. Here you can also visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center that has a set of exhibitions about the eruption and the formation of the archipelago. You’ll also get to see the volcanic rocks and crystals discovered from the eruption.

4. Whale and Dolphin Watching

Whale and Dolphin watching is a classic activity in the Azores, but particularly in Faial. The great thing about this activity in the Azores is that guides make sure not to disturb the wildlife and are environmentally conscious. The best seasons to spot some whales and dolphins are between April and October. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a sperm whale at around 20 meters long. For a full experience, book this tour where you’ll get to spot some whales and dolphins, as well as learn about the whaling history of the island and visit the whaler’s museum. This tour also takes you to Capelinhos!

5. Beaches and Natural Pools

Faial has some of the best beaches in the Azores. The primary beach is actually called Praia (Beach), original right? This is a sandy beach that is dark in color due to the volcanic nature of the island. The beach also has changing rooms and showers! Other beautiful black sandy beaches are the Praia da Conceição  and  Porto Pim,  which provide a gorgeous view of Mount Pico.

Vi ew Tours & Activities in Faial

Day trips from faial.

Faial is part of the “Triangle Islands” with Pico and São Jorge . You’re so close so make sure to cross the sea to visit these two neighboring islands. These three islands are completely different from one another and each one has a unique culture.

How to travel between the triangle islands of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge? Atlanticoline has a ferry service that functions all year. These ferries are an easy way to travel between the islands, and you can even take your car. You also get to witness the islands from the ocean with amazing views. The ferry from Faial (Horta) to Pico (Madalena) only takes 30 minutes and costs around €5. The ferry from Faial (Horta) to São Jorge (Calheta) takes around 2h30m and costs around €20.

We have selected a list of the best things to do on your day trips to Pico and São Jorge. We also suggest  renting a car  to be able to travel freely around the islands.

• Swim in a natural pool: Pico has some of the nicest seawater natural pools. We recommend the Poço da Maré do Verdugo, Ponta do Admoiro , as well as the classic  Lajes do Pico Natural  and  São Roque do Pico  pools.
• Whale-watching: Pico island is famous for whale watching. You can book a dolphin and whale guided tour with a biologist here .
• Visit the whaler’s museum: Known as  Museu dos Baleeiros in Portuguese, the Whalers Museum is a must-see, close to Lajes Port. The museum is situated in three boathouses from the 19th century.
• Go on a hike: The best hiking trails in Pico are Caminho das Lagoas (22 KM, 7 hours),   Calheta do Nesquim (8.6 KM, 2h30),  and  Prainha do Norte (7.8 KM, 2h30).  We also recommend hiking up Mount Pico, the highest mountain in all of Portugal, if you are up for it. You can book a guided hike here  where you will also learn about the geology, fauna, and flora of the mount.

Vi ew Tours & Activities in Pico

• Explore the fajãs: São Jorge has over 40, more than any other island! Fajãs are small plains located at sea level which were once created by lava flows.   Our favorite f ajã is Fajã do Ouvidor,  one that the locals go to the most. It’s home to the  Poça Simão Dias , the most amazing swimming hole on the island. The water is clear and you can even jump from low rocks.
• Visit the coffee plantation: You must visit the coffee plantation in Fajã dos Vimes.  You can try the locally grown coffee at  Cafe Nunes , owned by a family who opened the cafe at the plantation in 1997. But fun fact, coffee beans did not grow in the Azores originally. The story goes that coffee beans were brought in by someone in the late 18th century from Brazil to the island.
• Book a guided tour of the island: Perfect if you have not rented a car, book this van tour  that takes you to the coffee plantations, to a cheese tasting, a 16th-century church, as well as the  Poça Simão Dias.  The tour costs €110 and includes lunch.

5 Best Restaurants in Faial: Where to eat in Faial?

Genuino is one of the most famous restaurants in Faial. Located a few steps from Porto Pim beach, this place offers quality seafood. The restaurant has photos and memorabilia of the sailor Genuino Madruga’s trips around the world. Genuino has a beautiful view of the ocean and a terrace, perfect for a sunset dinner. We recommend trying their codfish and octopus. A meal here will cost you around €20 to €30.

2. O Esconderijo

O Esconderijo offers both Azorean food and international cuisine. It’s located in an old rustic home and was founded by a German family. All dishes are made from organic products and they have several vegan options, which are uncommon in the Azores. A meal here will cost you around €10.

3. Canto da Doca

Canto da Doca is decorated in a nautical theme to pay homage to the islander’s love of the ocean. This is a large restaurant with two floors that serves many of their dishes on hot lava stone, a unique experience. You can even choose what sauces you want on many dishes, particularly their steaks. We recommend trying their cookie pudding and seafood. They also have a few vegetarian alternatives. A meal here will cost you around €18.

4. Ah! Boca Santa

Ah! Boca Santa is all about home-cooked comforting food that showcases local products. They have the best artisanal burgers on the island made of 100% Azorean meat and served on bolo lêvedo (sweet bread from the Azores). They also have many vegetarian options, salads, toasties, and sandwiches. Their fries are to die for! A meal here will cost you less than €10.

5. Peter’s Cafe Sport

A Horta classic, Peter’s Cafe Sport is where sailors meet while traveling. Open for over 100 years, this place is not just a restaurant, but a tourist and currency exchange port, yachting club, and post office. They are known for their brand of gin, steaks, and seafood. You can have a meal here for €15.

Transportation: How can you get around the island of Faial?

If you visit any island in the Azores, you know that finding public transportation is difficult. The bus systems are not designed to get to the best tourist spots and are made for the locals.

If you can, definitely  rent a car.  You can pick up a rental car from the airport and return it when you are flying back. We recommend renting a car in advance because especially in the summer months, these run out fast. You can rent a manual car starting at €60 a day.

5 Best Places to Stay in Faial: Where to stay in Faial?

1. azul singular.

This place feels like a tropical oasis. Azul Singular offers a sustainable tented experience. You will sleep in your own little wooden hut or yurt tent, in the middle of gorgeous palm trees. This is truly a one of a kind experience. Every unit comes with an equipped chicken, a dining table, and a gorgeous bathroom. You get a continental or vegetarian breakfast, brought to your unit every morning. A yurt tent costs €70 a night and a superior wooden tent costs €75 a night.

2. Monte da Guia

Monte da Guia is a guesthouse located in Horta, a 30-minute walk from Praia da Conceição. The guesthouse has a gorgeous beachfront view and garden. The property offers a large communal kitchen and a shared living room. Each room comes with a desk, flat-screen TV, and a private bedroom. A double bedroom costs €30 to €40 a night.

3. Casas da Faja

Casas da Faja offers holiday homes with panoramic views of the sea and the mountains. The homes have exposed stone walls and have central heating, a kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom. The property also has a garden with a barbecue area. You can arrange a shuttle to pick you up from the airport. A one-bedroom house costs €65 a night.

3. Pátio Lodge

Pátio Lodge, located in the Natural Park of the island in the village of Cedros is a 4-star boutique nature lodge. This place offers views of green landscapes, the ocean, and the islands of São Jorge, Graciosa, and Pico. This lodge even has 20 horses on-site that you can ride with the help of professional staff. The property features a garden, a barbecue, and an outdoor fireplace. Their restaurant serves regional dinners and a continental breakfast. You can a room with a sea view for €80 a night.

4. Largo Bispo Boutique Hotel

Largo Bispo Boutique Hotel is located in Horta and a 5-minute walk from Praia da Conceição. This hostel is an adults-only accommodation that offers a lounge and garden, as well as a communal garden. A continental breakfast is available at the property. You can get a twin room with a private bathroom for 85 or a bed in a dormitory for €35.

Porto Pim Guesthouse is an affordable place, perfect for the whole family. They offer rooms at a good price that have a beach view and come with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy the shared lounge, kitchen, garden, and outdoor barbecue. You can get a double bedroom for €40 and a family room (four people) for €65.

Final Thoughts

It is no surprise that the Blue Island of the Azores is one of the most visited by tourists, as well as a hotspot for sailors. 15,000 people live on this island, making Faial both a cosmopolitan and traditional Azorean island filled with gorgeous nature to be discovered.  Its location makes it an amazing island to visit, as well as its efficient access to the islands of Pico and São Jorge . From whale watching to exploring Horta, Faial has an activity for all and does not disappoint.

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