Faial Island

Whoever visits Faial never fails to be impressed by the magnificent Caldeira, another green covered crater with magnificent views. Like other Azorian islands, Faial has magnificent hydrangea bushes scattered about the fields, and the sight of the sun going down, with Pico in the distance, is an unforgettable sight.

Horta has a well-known marina, a stopping place for yachts from all parts of the world.

Faial is one of the Azores islands that you very often see recommended by tourist authorities. And for some good reasons. It has a beautiful landscape, and placed in a good position if you want  to visit  the islands of Pico and Sao Jorge. Faial also has a sunny climate, and a wonderful view towards
Pico. Faial is absolutely worth a visit. Faial is about 21 x 14 km. and the main town is Horta. Here lives about 16.000 people.

If you are planning to go Faial by air from Terceira or Sao Miguel and it's sold out, then you can try  to get a ticket to Pico Airport instead. Take a taxi from the airport to the Madalena-Horta ferry, and the ferry only takes about 35 minutes, and sail all day long.

In 1957 there was a huge eruption on the east side of Faial, which together with a heavy earthquake destroyed many houses incl. the lighthouse. But it added about 1,5 Square kilometer to the area of the east part of Faial. Also in 1998 the was a huge earthquake measured to 6,8 on the Ricther scale, and of cause destroyed many buildings.

Faial has a good bus transport system, that covers all the island. Compared with the other islands Faial is visited by far the most tourists. The reason could very well be the very big Marina. Many sailors crossing the Atlantic take a break here.

There are several nice hotels and residencias in and around Horta, which is the biggest and most important town on Faial. About 4-5 km. east of Horta town there is a large and well equipped camping site.

The nature of Faial is dominated by the volcano named Caldeira, who created Faial in the beginning of time. It's possible to drive all the way to the very top of the extinct volcano. From the top there is a magnificent view towards the islands of Pico and São Jorge.
                                                                                             
The ferry to Pico leaves from Horta several times during the day. There are also ferries to Sao Jorge and Terceira. If you plan to visit Pico, and want to rent a car, it is recommend that you contact to a car rental company in Horta. They will arrange pick up at the ferry at Madalena harbour by a local car rental company. All the paperwork is done in advance, and soon you are on your way to discover Pico.   

Lodgings
FAYAL RESORT HOTEL		Rua Cônsul Dabney 9901-856 Horta	Hotel
HOTEL HORTA		Rua Marcelino Lima 9900-122 Horta	Hotel
CASA DO CAPITÃO		Rua do Capitão, 5 - Cedros 9900-341 Horta	Private guesthouse
QUINTA DAS BUGANVÍLIAS		Jogo, 60-Castelo Branco 9900-330 Horta	Private guesthouse
ESTALAGEM DE SANTA CRUZ		Rua Vasco da Gama Faial 9900 Horta	Quality Inn

 

Eating
Restaurant	Contact	Address	Information
Peter Café Sport		Horta Faial Island	"If you sail to Horta and don't visit the "Peter", you haven't seen the real Horta". This saying, popular among yachtmen, refers to the café-bar that has gained reputation principally among the international yaching fraternity, who find at the "Peter" a warm, helpful and welcoming atmosphere, as do those travellers and tourists who go there because of its reputation and its famed gin and tonic