The places you can’t skip to visit on your Azores vacations to Faial Island
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 to Mount Pico in the horizon.
Here’s the top 13 sights of Faial Island in the Azores.
Downtown Horta in Faial Island, Azores
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.
Peter Café Sport in Faial Island, Azores
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.
Porto Pim in Faial Island, Azores
The 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 invites for 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.
Genuíno Restaurant in Faial Island, Azores
Another place sailing-connected in 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 that is a living-museum of its iconic adventure. Aside from the great food and ambience, the restaurant offers a privileged view over the Porto Pim beach.
Monte da Guia in Faial Island, Azores
Head to the top of Monte da Guia for the best panoramic aerial view over the 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.
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint in Faial Island, 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 really knew its way in the Azores.
Horta’s Marine 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 really 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.
Ribeirinha Village in Faial Island, Azores
An earthquake 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 with the purpose of serving as a memoir -- it is now one of the most popular attractions in the island of Faial in the Azores. Another highlight in Ribeirinha is the São Mateus church, as shown in the photo.
Windmills of Faial Island, Azores
Built in the 19th century, Faial’s red dotted windmills are Portuguese and Flemish-influenced.
Almoxarife Beach in Faial Island, Azores
Another local favorite is the Almoxarife beach and the photos really prove why. Presentations are dismissed!
Capelinhos Volcano in Faial Island, Azores
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. Read more about the Capelinhos volcano here.
Norte Beach in Faial Island, Azores
This beach deserves a highlight and a visit by its gorgeous surroundings: the green hill sheltering it is incredible.
Caldeira do Faial, Azores
Alongside the Capelinhos Volcano, the Caldeira do Faial is another ex-libris of the volcanic activity in Faial Island. The crater is quite different from its homologues across the other islands of the Azores, with tall green walls and small lakes. One of the most popular hiking trails in 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.
