The beautiful island of Faial in the Azores is nicknamed Ilha Azul (the Blue Island) because of the vast number of blue hydrangeas that bloom there. It lies west of Pico, and on clear days, you can see the Azores’ highest mountain on Pico from almost anywhere on Faial. This volcanic island, with the “caldeira”—a crater about 2 km wide and a staggering 500 meters deep—at its center, offers excellent hiking opportunities.
Faial Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the capital, Horta. Here you’ll also find the harbor where many sailors stock up on supplies before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. You can take an inter-island flight from SATA from Terceira to Horta on Faial, but you can also easily reach Faial by ferry from locations such as Porta Delgado on São Miguel. Click here for more information about ferry routes and schedules. You can also easily take the ferry from Pico Island to Faial. To explore Faial at your leisure, a stay of 2 to 3 full days is recommended.
The views during the drive to Caldeiro do Faial are breathtaking, especially when the island of Pico is clear of clouds. In good weather, you can even see the islands of Santa Cruz de Graciosa and São Jorge. It can get quite windy at this altitude (about 1,000 meters), so layering your clothing is recommended, as are sturdy hiking boots. The trail is mostly narrow and, on both sides, sometimes runs right along the edge of the crater. Plan on a hike of about 3 hours before you return to the starting point. Caldeira – Faial PRC04 FAI can be found on Azores Trails.
The Peninsula do Capelo is impressive; it was formed in 1957 by the eruption of Vulcão dos Capelinhos. The material spewed out formed a small island that has since become attached to Faial. The 20-meter-high lighthouse, Farol da Ponta dos Capelinhos, built in 1894, has been pushed significantly inland by the volcanic eruption and no longer serves any real purpose for shipping, but it can still be visited. The Centro de Interpretação, which focuses on the eruption and volcanism, is located underground here and provides a good picture of what happened some 66 years ago. The place is surreal, and the views alone make it worth the visit.
In the harbor of the capital city, Horta , you’ll find Peter’s Café Sport, a true institution among ocean sailors. Every sailor crossing the Atlantic between America and Europe stops in Horta to enjoy a meal or at least a famous gin do mar at this bar on the edge of the harbor. The bar is decked out with flags and other sailing memorabilia and is bustling from opening to closing time. Before stepping inside the bar, take a stroll along the harbor’s quay. Sailors are welcome to leave their own drawings or paintings here, and some of them are true works of art.
If you’re staying in Horta, the Entre Montes – Faial PRC08 FAI trail by Azores Trails. As the name suggests, you’ll hike over and between the two mountains, Queimado and da Guia. At the official starting point of this trail, you can visit the Museu da Fábrica da Baleia de Porto Pim. Here you’ll also find Dabney House. This family lived here from 1806 to 1894, and the house offers a fascinating glimpse into life back then. The museum is beautifully laid out and well worth a visit if you want to learn more about the history of whaling in this region. This Entre Montes trail also consists of ups and downs, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Horta Bay, Forte de São Sebastião, Praia do Porto Pim, and the surrounding islands. On the final stretch back to Horta, you could take a dip in Porto Pim Bay.
Just north of Horta lies Praia do Almoxarife, which many consider to be the most beautiful beach in the Azores. The long, black-sand beach is surrounded by green mountains and bordered by a pier with a concrete platform where locals and tourists spread out their towels before heading down the stairs into the water. In addition to a parking lot, you can use the changing rooms and showers here, and there’s also a restaurant. On clear days, you can enjoy the view of Pico.
Relatively recently, in 1998, Faial and Pico were struck by a major earthquake. On Faial in particular, this is still clearly visible at the Farol da Ponta da Ribeirinha, the lighthouse right on the coast, and at the Igreja de São Mateus, the church in Espalhafatos in the northern part of Ribeirinha. Both buildings were destroyed at the time but are still standing. The trail Ribeirinha – Faial PRC09 FAI by Azores Trails starts in the center of the village, where you can easily park your rental car. In wet weather, it’s definitely advisable to wear good hiking shoes.
With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
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