Horta Marina – Faial Island

Horta Marina, located on the Faial Island, is the most important marina in the Azores and the fourth most visited in the world. This is due to its location, which offers good shelter against winds coming from all directions, making it a must-stop for sailboats traveling from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.

Horta Marina was the first recreational port to be inaugurated in the archipelago, and in addition to welcoming thousands of yachts and vessels crossing the North Atlantic, it has also hosted a large number of tourist cruises.

(C) Néri Goulart

History of Horta Marina

Horta Marina was inaugurated in 1986 and is a modern extension of a port of centuries-old importance. In 2001, it underwent expansion works to provide better services and was reopened in 2002.

The marina has the capacity for 300 vessels and, in addition to being the fourth most visited marina in the world, it is one of the most important, having received the Blue Flag of Europe in 1987, which guarantees its quality.

Horta Marina is also a venue for many international regattas, as they make annual stops during their journeys. These international regattas are usually aimed at ocean cruising sailing, where the marina can be either the destination or a stopover for these races.

(C) Néri Goulart

Past versus Present

Since 1986, Horta Marina has begun receiving its first vessels, thus creating its nautical traditions and unforgettable regattas.

As a stage for major regattas and a stop for thousands of vessels, the marina began to gain more notoriety, eventually becoming the fourth most important marina in the world. Today, Horta Marina continues to welcome thousands of vessels and curious visitors eager to experience such a beautiful and exciting place. In addition to private yachts, the marina also receives many tourist boats.

Memories of the Sailboats

Upon entering the harbor, visitors are drawn to the immense paintings on the walls, which serve as a true open-air museum.

The paintings decorate the area, making it more colorful and fun, and eternalize important moments of the sailboats that have passed through.

The tradition is that every vessel that docks at Horta Marina must leave a painting representing the boat; in return, it will have luck and safety during its journey. The breakwater is already covered with paintings, some faded and others more recent, but there is always something new to see. It is a way for them to leave their mark after visiting one of the most important marinas in the world.

(C) Néri Goulart

Peter’s Café Sport and the Marina

Peter Café Sport is a historic and well-known café in the region. Located in the historic center of Horta, it is a historical and cultural landmark on the island.

A well-known expression among sailors is, “If you sail to Horta and don’t visit ‘Peter Café Sport,’ you haven’t really seen Horta.”

The story of Peter’s Café Sport began in the late 19th century with the founding of the “Bazar do Fayal,” which focused on handicrafts. In 1888, its founder participated in the Portuguese Industrial Exhibition and received a gold medal and diploma for the quality and diversity of his crafts.

In the 20th century, they moved premises and expanded their activities, adding a bar to their offerings. Its new location favored their business, as they were situated right next to the Horta harbor.

(C) José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa

In 1918, the founder’s son moved the café again and renamed it “Café Sport” due to his passion for sports. The name Peter is linked to a crew member of one of the ships who found the young man very similar to his son Peter, thus beginning to call him Peter.

The young man was then recognized as Peter until the end of his life. In 1986, the café was named one of the best bars in the world by Newsweek magazine. It has since become a regional brand and now has handicraft shops in the airports of the Azores and in Praça Velha in Angra do Heroísmo. The café is so famous that it now has three branches: one in Oeiras, one in Parque das Nações in Lisbon, and one in Cais da Ribeira in Porto.

Location on the Map

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Curiosities

Some curiosities about Horta Marina:

• The Horta Museum once held a temporary exhibition featuring images of the paintings in the Marina;
• Horta Marina is the oldest and busiest marina in the Azores and has received over 26,000 vessels since its inauguration;

The beautiful landscape surrounding the yachts, the paintings on the walls, the sea, and the view of the city of Horta and the neighboring island of Pico create a sense of peace and tranquility, pleasing all who pass by. It is a place with a rich history and a great atmosphere, ideal for lovers of the sea and boats.

Photos: Horta Tourism (C) Néri Goulart