Monte da Guia – Faial Island

The Monte da Guia is a volcanic cone-shaped mountain, a geological structure formed around a volcanic crater. It is located on Faial Island, in the Freguesia das Angústias, in the city and municipality of Horta.

At Monte da Guia, don’t miss the beautiful view of Porto Pim Bay and the city of Horta. Monte da Guia, Monte Queimado, and other nearby areas have been classified as Protected Landscapes of Portugal and also by the Natura 2000 Network due to their high scenic value and rich fauna and flora.

Faial
Fotografia de Rui Simas

Monte da Guia

Monte da Guia is a volcanic formation originating from the sea, standing at an altitude of 145 meters and composed of two overlapping craters open to the sea, called Caldeira do Inferno or Caldeirinhas. These craters are about 500 meters long and 250 meters wide.

At the top of the hill stands the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Guia, located near the volcanic crater. The name of the hill was given in honor of the image of Our Lady of Guia, who is the patron saint of fishermen. Due to its altitude, the Hermitage is visible from almost the entire city of Horta.

Horta
Fotografia de Rui Simas

How to Get There

To reach the top of the hill, you should follow a path at the entrance of the Port of Horta, which provides access to one of the most beautiful views on Faial Island.

From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Horta, Porto Pim Bay, and on clearer days, you can also see Pico Island, São Jorge Island, and Graciosa Island.

Location on the Map

What to See

When visiting Monte da Guia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore other nearby attractions. At the top of Monte da Guia, you can enjoy the spectacular view, which is worth the visit on its own. However, there are other nearby sites you shouldn’t miss, such as:

Monte da Guia Viewpoint

Near the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia, there’s the fantastic Monte da Guia Viewpoint, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Porto Pim Bay, the city of Horta, other Azorean islands, Caldeira do Inferno, and the wild nature of Faial Island.

Ermida
Fotografia de Rui Simas

Porto Pim Beach

Porto Pim Beach is a swimming area located in a corner of Monte da Guia, in Porto Pim Bay. It’s one of the most popular beaches on Faial Island, known for its long sandy shore, calm waters, and pleasant temperature.

Horta
Fotografia de Rui Simas

It offers excellent tourist facilities and good accessibility for people with reduced mobility. It provides services such as restrooms, showers, a bar, and surveillance.

The beach, with warm waters and soft fine sand, is 350 meters long. Porto Pim Beach is also part of the Protected Landscape Area of Monte da Guia and is integrated into Faial’s Natural Park.

Hiking Trails in the Natural Park

For adventurers, there are hiking trails through the Faial Natural Park and Monte da Guia. One such route is the circular trail between Monte da Guia and Monte Queimado. The trail is of low difficulty, taking about an hour and a half. Along the way, you’ll see the magical, almost untouched nature of the island and pass by some maritime protection fortifications from the 16th and 17th centuries.

See more information and details about this hiking trail here.

Porto Pim Whale Factory

Photo by OMA

The Porto Pim Whale Factory is an industrial complex located in Porto Pim Bay. It was a whaling factory aimed at fully utilizing whales and other marine life, boosting trade with their products.

For a long time, the factory was highly profitable, but in 1974, the global whaling industry declined, and the factory closed its doors. It is now open to the public and receives about 7,000 visitors annually. The Porto Pim Whale Factory retains almost all of its original machinery and offers a rich history.

Address

Porto Pim Whale Factory
Monte da Guia
9900 Horta – Faial

Contact:

Email: centrodeciencia@oma.pt
Phone: 292 292 140

Azores Sea Observatory

The Azores Sea Observatory (OMA) is based within the Porto Pim Whale Factory. The OMA is a non-profit technical, scientific, and cultural association created in 2002.

The main goal of this association is to disseminate scientific and technological culture and promote activities related to marine sciences, environmental education, and interpretation.

The OMA also organizes guided tours of the Porto Pim Whale Factory.

Curiosities

Here are some hidden details about Monte da Guia that are worth knowing:

• In addition to the stunning landscape, you’ll find the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia, old military battery installations, and airport support facilities at the top of the mountain;
• Porto Pim Bay offers excellent conditions for diving;
• Monte da Guia is part of the Praia do Almoxarife volcanic complex, aligning with other volcanic cones in the area, providing a beautiful view.
• On the side of Monte da Guia facing Horta, there is a gentle slope that was once used for gardens and even the cultivation of crops, mainly corn.

Photos

Monte da Guia
Fotografia de Rui Simas

Horta
Fotografia de Rui Simas

Videos

For nature lovers, Monte da Guia is an excellent opportunity for relaxation, a connection with the purest and most beautiful nature, and the chance to appreciate the area’s history and curiosities.