Faial Azores

Yachtsmen and Yarns
Crossing the 4 mile channel which separates the islands of Faial and Pico, you arrive in Horta, the island’s capital and the liveliest and most eye-catching town of the Azores. It is a haven for yachtsmen and whale watchers, filled with colourful yachts which stop here during their voyage across the North Atlantic. The bustling international atmosphere is characteristic to Horta, where yachtsmen, visitors and locals swap dreams and adventures over a beer or coffee.

Moonscape and hydrangeas
Faial was the last location of major volcanic activity in the Azores, when Capelinhos erupted (1957-58), adding 1km2 of land to the island. Today, you can visit the site and marvel at the power of the eruption which engulfed a whole village in 5m of volcanic ash. This area, resembling the surface of the moon, is in stark contrast to the hydrangea-lined lanes of the rest of the island.

Focus on Activity Holidays
Cycling around Faial is wonderful as the lanes are bordered by enormous hydrangea hedges and cascades of trailing roses.  Or you can walk the spectacular crater rim and peer down at the crater floor 1000 feet below.  But the highlight for many visitors to Faial is the superb whale and dolphin watching from Horta.