The Top Places to Explore on Your Faial Island Vacation in the Azores
Featuring a bit over 15k inhabitants, Faial is an iconic island on what comes to volcanoes and landscapes. Home to the last volcanic eruption of the Azores, this Azores’ island offers amazing sites and pretty views of Mount Pico on the horizon.
Here are the top 13 sights of Faial Island in the Azores.
1. A Journey Through Faial Island's Historic and Picturesque Capital City
Stroll around Horta’s historical streets and behold the beauty of the old-world architecture of the Azores. Horta, the capital of Faial Island, offers superb views over the neighboring island of Pico from where Mount Pico magnificently stands out. Most of Faial’s hotels are located in downtown Horta, so if you choose to stay there you’ll be gifted with this incredible view every morning. From the historical buildings in town, we highlight the São Salvador Church and the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, easily recognizable by their iconic architectural features.
2. Peter Café Sport: The Legendary Cafe That Has Been Welcoming Sailors
The most famous and coveted bar in town is Peter Café Sport and its history makes it a mandatory place to visit while in Faial Island in the Azores. Initially a traditional craft shop and later a sports bar, it became what it is today when the English ship HMS Lusitania II of the British Royal Navy anchored in Horta after being hit by a depth bomb in 1939. Horta was already an important stopping point for vessels crossing the Atlantic and still is nowadays. Read more about Peter Café history here, but take our advice and don’t skip a visit and try their signature drink: their famous gin.
3. Discover the Natural Beauty of Porto Pim: Faial Island's Hidden Gem in the Azores
Porto Pim Bay is one of the most popular swimming areas of the Azores and a favorite amongst Faial inhabitants and visitors alike. The calm and clear crystal waters beach surely invite a relaxing afternoon at the beach! It is sheltered by the Monte da Guia, a volcanic crater that is attached to the island, which you can access to the top for the most amazing panoramic views over the bay and Horta.
4. Genuíno Madruga: The Heart and Soul of Faial Island, Azores
Another place sailing connected on the island is the Genuíno Restaurant, owned by a local who was the first Portuguese man to sail the world solo. Once he returned to Faial, he opened a themed restaurant, a living museum of its iconic adventure. Aside from the great food and ambiance, the restaurant offers a privileged view over the Porto Pim beach.
5. Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Monte da Guia in Faial Island, Azores
Head to the top of Monte da Guia for the best panoramic aerial view over Porto Pim Bay and the city of Horta as a background. Continue to go up to fully appreciate the beauty and shape of Monte da Guia.
6. Experience the Beauty of Faial Island from Above at Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint in Azores
This viewpoint is one of the most popular in Faial. It offers a clear and panoramic view over the city of Horta with Monte da Guia, from where you can perfectly see that the Monte is a shelter of the city. Nature knew its way in the Azores.
7. Horta’s Marine: A Colorful Charm to Discover in Faial Island, Azores
Horta’s Marine is the most popular of the Azores due to its geographical importance for ships crossing the Atlantic and for sailors, but also because of its iconic look. Nobody knows how the tradition of painting the walls of the marine started, but it is said to give good luck to the seafaring souls who’re about to go on their journey.
8. Experience the Tranquility of Ribeirinha Village: A Hidden Gem in Faial Island, Azores
An earthquake that occurred on July 9 1998 destroyed a major part of the village of Ribeirinha. The symbol of this natural disaster is the Ribeirinha lighthouse which was not rebuilt to serve as a memoir -- it is now one of the most popular attractions on the island of Faial in the Azores. Another highlight in Ribeirinha is the São Mateus church, as shown in the photo.
9. Discover the Charming and Historic Windmills of Faial Island, Azores
Built in the 19th century, Faial’s red-dotted windmills are Portuguese and Flemish-influenced.
10. Discover the Natural Beauty and Serenity of Almoxarife Beach in Faial Island, Azores
Another local favorite is the Almoxarife beach and the photos really prove why. Presentations are dismissed!
11. Capelinhos Volcano: A Powerful Reminder of Faial Island's Volcanic Past
Visit and walk amongst the volcanic paths of the Capelinhos Volcano, the last eruption of the Azores Islands (1957). See for yourself the result of the rage and power of Nature and behold the beautiful creation out of that. Don’t skip a visit to the Interpretation Center of the Capelinhos, located on the underground of the Capelinhos lighthouse in order to respect the natural landscape born out of the eruption.
12. Discover the Beauty of Norte Beach on Faial Island, Azores
This beach deserves a highlight and a visit by its gorgeous surroundings: the green hill sheltering it is incredible.
13. Caldeira do Faial: A Stunning Volcanic Crater of Faial Island
Alongside the Capelinhos Volcano, the Caldeira do Faial is another ex-libris of volcanic activity on Faial Island. The crater is quite different from its homologs across the other islands of the Azores, with tall green walls and small lakes. One of the most popular hiking trails on Faial Island is the “Volta à Caldeira”, but just from the viewpoint on the site, you’re able to get a perfect view of this iconic landscape of the Azores.
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!
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