Faial Island: What to Visit and Points of Interest

The Faial Island is located in the Azores archipelago and is part of the Central Group, being the westernmost vertex of the Triangle Islands.

Its formation is of volcanic nature with a rugged landscape, making it the third most populated island in the Azores. The highest point is Cabeço Gordo, located in the Caldeira, with an elevation of 1,043 meters.

Learn more about Faial Island, the places and points of interest to visit in this article.

Faial Island

This island witnessed the most impressive phenomenon of the entire archipelago in the last hundred years: the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano, which occurred between 1957 and 1958. This phenomenon transformed the island’s landscape and increased its total area.

Faial
Fotografia de Rui Simas

It is believed that the discovery of Faial Island occurred in 1427, with its colonization happening in 1432 by settlers from Flanders. The name Faial arose due to the high number of these trees in the region, but many refer to it as the “Blue Island.”

Historically, it was from the 17th century onwards that Faial experienced significant development, becoming a vital commercial hub, exporting wine and other agricultural products, in addition to the growth of the whaling industry, which bolstered its economy despite various natural disasters throughout its history.

Horta
Fotografia de Rui Simas

The city of Horta is the capital and heart of Faial Island, featuring stunning architecture that sets it apart from all other islands in the archipelago, especially for being a city close to the sea. The various vessels arriving at the Marina da Horta contribute significantly to the vibrancy and color of the city.

Other popular activities on Faial Island include water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, rowing, diving, snorkeling, among others.

The island’s flora and fauna are lush, rich in rock formations and volcanic eruptions. For those who enjoy diving or snorkeling, the underwater landscape is another wonder to explore.

See below the main attractions of this beautiful Azorean island that certainly deserve your visit.

Places to Visit on Faial Island

City of Horta

Horta
Fotografia de Rui Simas

The historic city of Horta is a delight for all who visit. It is located on the eastern coast of the island, facing the neighboring Pico Island, where you can see the Mountain of Pico, which stands at 2,351 meters high.

The city has various attractions, and for those interested in learning more about the island’s ethnography, as well as its history and cosmopolitanism, be sure to visit the Museum of Horta and the Scrimshaw Museum.

See also: Museums in the Azores – List and Information

Another major highlight is Peter Café Sport, considered a must-visit location, a historic and cultural landmark of the Azores, already voted one of the best bars in the world. It is said that the place serves the best gin and tonic in the world. To settle this debate, there’s no better way than to try it!

Marina da Horta

Photo taken from Horta Tourism (C) Néri Goulart

One might think that what stands out most at the Marina da Horta are the impressive types of boats. On the contrary, the main highlight of the location is the graffiti that adorns the beautiful marina.

The paintings and stories from all over the world, the moored boats—all of this makes the location a compelling stop for all visitors.

Considered the most important marina in the Azores and the fourth most visited marina in the world, it can accommodate up to 300 vessels.

Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo

Caldeira
Fotografia de Renata Monteiro

Located in the parish of Capelo, the Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo is the most notable and highest point of Faial Island, standing at 1,043 meters above sea level. Here, you will find the famous viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of Faial, dominated by the green of the vegetation and the blue of the sea.

A feeling of peace and tranquility. Fascinating!

Vulcão dos Capelinhos

This year, 2018, marks the 60th anniversary of the emergence of the Capelinhos Volcano from the sea floor.

The phenomenon became a milestone in the history of volcanology worldwide, all occurring at sea, near the Ilhéus dos Capelinhos, an area where violent and frightening explosions occurred, destroying the lighthouse and several nearby houses.

There was an increase in the total area of Faial Island, which now covers approximately 173.1 km².

Vulcão dos Capelinhos
Fotografia de Carla Dias

Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos

This is the main place to obtain information about the history of the Capelinhos Volcano, offering a range of exhibitions that show visitors the eruption of the volcano, the formation of the Azores archipelago, and other stories about volcanism around the world.

In 2012, the European Museum Forum named the Interpretation Center the best museum in Europe, highlighting the historical importance of this location.

There is also an auditorium, a temporary exhibition of rock and mineral samples, and the Lighthouse, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the place. Without a doubt, the Interpretation Center should not be missed on your itinerary.

Monte da Guia & Miradouro do Monte da Guia

Photo taken from Horta Tourism

Originating from a volcanic eruption in the sea and thus annexed to Faial Island, the Monte da Guia is another place in the Azores that leaves everyone impressed by its beauty, offering an excellent view over the Monte da Guia Natural Reserve, classified as a Protected Landscape Area due to its geological formation, endemic flora, and fauna.

To enjoy even more, the location features a viewpoint that offers a double panoramic view of the Caldeira do Inferno (or “little calderas”) and over the coast of Porto Pim Bay and the city of Horta. An excellent place for magnificent photographs!

Forte de Porto Pim

Photo taken from Horta Tourism (C) Néri Goulart