15 Amazing Things to Do in Faial, Azores Portugal, Top Tours and Travel Tips
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If you’re looking for things to do in Faial Azores, I am here to help.
Hi! This is Isabella, I have been traveling around the Azores for about two months and am already dreaming of going back. It’s one of my favorite places on earth. I have been exploring Faial for about a week as well, and in this post, I will tell you what I think it’s the most unmissable thing to do on this precious island in the Azores, Portugal.
Though not as popular among tourists as Sao Miguel or Pico, Faial Island is a stunning place with many unique sights and experiences.
In this post, I will guide you to the island’s best attractions and give you some tips to help make your trip even more memorable. So, stay tuned, and here we go!
Things to do in Faial Azores
1. Explore Horta
Horta is the vibrant heart of Faial Island Azores, and this is where you can explore the island’s charming culture and fascinating history.
This capital city of Blue Island is colorful and filled with excitement—its marina has many ships and yachts moored, there are open-air painting exhibitions and lots more!
Among all those things, there are a couple that I highly recommend seeing when you visit Horta. Let me tell you briefly about them.
👉🏽 Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Angústias
The Church of Nossa Senhora das Angústias is a historic landmark and one of Horta’s most famous attractions, so you can’t miss it while exploring this beautiful city.
It’s located in the south of the city and features some unique characteristics—like its Neoclassical design and the volcanic material used in its construction—and it’s built on the site where the first-ever mass of the island was celebrated.
Inside the church, there’s also a statue collection, including a striking 16th-century statue of the island’s patron saint, Our Lady of Angústias. Many other attractions in its surroundings are worth checking out.
👉🏽 Horta Marina
The Marina of Horta is one of the liveliest in the Azores, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its nautical traditions from centuries ago, it’s a vibrant part of the city and makes for an unforgettable place to visit in Horta. It’s got bars, shops, and restaurants, which makes for a lovely oceanfront walk.
A fascinating aspect of the Horta Marina is the thousands of fascinating murals and colorful paintings on its walls, which are believed to have been made by sailors who visited the island in the past.
The legend goes that whichever ship left Faial without its sailors painting a mural on the wall, will have bad luck on its journey.
2. Hike the Caldeira
Located in the very central part of the island, Caldeira do Faial is a crater over 1,200ft (390 meters) deep. It resulted from a volcanic eruption, but now it’s brimming with lush greenery and a huge variety of flowers.
To cut things short, a hike in the Caldeira means breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience overall!
One thing though, the Caldeira is a protected natural reserve, and you can only visit it along with a certified guide as per Faial Natural Park’s policy. So, if you don’t know where to find one, here’s a tour that I recommend.
Also, keep in mind that because of the altitude of the crater, it’s foggy most of the time. Tour guides have a camera to monitor the weather conditions and may change the itinerary if there’s no visibility.
👍🏼 Caldeira do Faial Descent – private hiking tour
5.0 ⭐️ 9 Reviews
This private hiking tour to Caldeira makes hiking and seeing the stunning beauty of the area a breeze. It includes private transportation to the hiking site, the park entrance fee, the gear you might need (like hiking poles), and a certified guide to show you around.
A challenging but doable hike. Luis was in tune with our pace, very knowledgeable and passionate about his homeland . He spoke not only of the biology and geology, but also the culture and history. Very highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Jun 2023
3. Marvel at the Capelinhos
Located on the western coast of the island, the Capelinhos is an imposing volcano that is part of the Capelo peninsula (which was created by lava flow from the various volcanoes of the region).
Capelinhos is at the very edge of the island, with the entire ocean as its backdrop, so it makes for an awe-inspiring sight.
Along with the mesmerizing beauty of the surroundings, there is also a lighthouse that gives you a better view of the Capelinhos from its top. And the underground museum at the site is where you can get a deeper insight into the history of Capelinhos.
4. Relax at one of the Faial beaches
Speaking of enjoying the ocean views, Faial Island Azores also has some nice beaches.
Despite most of the island’s allure being for nature and hiking, ocean lovers won’t be disappointed here. Visiting them to swim or simply relax makes for a pleasant thing to do here.
🌊 Porto Pim
Praia do Porto Pim is the most popular beach on Faial Azores because it’s the closest to Horta and features fine, clear white sand, unlike the rest of the island’s beaches.
Along with being convenient to visit, it’s also perfect for families (especially if you have little ones along).
Just keep in mind that the beach gets plenty crowded during the high season of tourism on the island, and if you’re not a fan of noise and too many people around, then the other beach options on the island would be better for you.
🌊 Praia do Almoxarife
Located east of Horta, Praia do Almoxarife is considered one of the best beaches not only on the island of Faial but the entire Azores archipelago.
Its unique features – like the black sand, surrounding lush greenery, and lots of restaurants and bars – make it a one-of-a-kind beach.
🌊 Norte Beach
Playa is a picture-perfect beach in a scenic part of the island featuring summer houses, gardens, and old buildings. It’s also sheltered by a green hill and popular as a surfing spot because of the strong swells experienced here during winter.
5. Admire the views of Monte da Guia
Monte da Guia is a volcanic cone offering fantastic views of the city of Horta and Faial Island.
There’s a chapel here (Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia) and it makes for a great viewing point for the Crater of Hell (Caldeira do Inferno) and pretty much the rest of the island.
The volcanic cone is located close to Porto Pim Beach, so it makes for a stunning sight from the beach. And what’s more, you can also combine your Pim Beach visit with a trip to Monte da Guia to double the fun of the day.
6. Enjoy some drinks at Peter Café Sport
If you’re looking for a charming slice of history and culture, hit up Peter’s Café Sport – it’s the most famous bar on the island and has been open to Horta Marina visitors for the past 80 years, which means even sailors used to come here in the olden days.
This welcoming cafe is perfect for delicious food, and drinks, and finding tidbits about the island and its history. The atmosphere is also very warm and cozy, featuring lots of interesting art on its walls, which includes intricately carved ivory whale teeth called scrimshaw.
7. Visit the Espalamaca lookout
Like Monte da Guia, Espalamaca lookout is another popular viewpoint on Faial Island Portugal, with breathtaking views of the island on offer.
This lookout point is considered the top one on Faial Island because of the encompassing views, which include landscapes, beaches, and even historic sights of the island.
The viewpoint is located close to Horta, and it can be visited any time of the day – but I recommend visiting early in the day to beat the crowds. Also, try to pick a day with little to no fog so you can see the nearby Pico Island’s famous Mount Pico as well!
8. Soak at the Porto do Comprido natural pools
A favorite among locals, Porto do Comprido is perfect for a dip when the weather is warm and sunny.
The pool is located very close to Capelinhos, which makes fitting it into your itinerary very convenient so make sure not to miss out on this one.
Oh, and you don’t have to wait for the weather to get hot before visiting this pool for a soak – just hit it up whenever you’re feeling like relaxing in the loving embrace of mother nature and enjoy a laid-back evening in this incredible natural pool.
9. Birdwatching at Morro de Castelo Branco
The Azores archipelago is known for its thriving flora and fauna species, and if you’re a fan of birdwatching, Faial Azores is perfect for it.
With lots of hiking opportunities on offer, you’re bound to spot some exotic bird species on this island.
Morro de Castelo Branco is considered one of the best hiking trails because you get to watch a variety of the island’s birds and lush greenery, all while taking in the relaxing vibe of its incredible surroundings.
Also, one great thing about Morro de Castelo Branco is that you can either hike here or you can also drive if you want – so birdwatching and enjoying the soothing vibe of the place is super enjoyable here no matter what your preferences are.
10. Stroll around Ribeirinha Village
The civil parish of Ribeirinha in Horta is a must-visit place when you’re vacationing in Faial.
It’s home to the famous ruins of Farol da Ribeirinha – a lighthouse destroyed by an earthquake – incredible views of Sao Jorge and Pico, and the starting point for various hiking trails (also a popular circular hiking trail itself).
Taking a walk around this village is a rejuvenating experience. You can simply drive up to the lighthouse and park your car there.
Look around the ruins of the lighthouse and start your stroll around Ribeirinha Village for a truly unforgettable time!
11. Visit the Porto Pim Whale Factory museum
Even though whaling is no longer allowed in the Azores, the industry is a big part of Faial Island’s history – so much so that you will find museums dedicated to it on the island.
One such museum is the Porto Pim Whale Factory Museum, located near Porto Pim Beach (at the base of Monte da Guia).
Originally a processing plant for whales caught by the whalers of the island, the factory now showcases a collection of the tools that were used here, as well as a whale skeleton from back in the day.
Visiting this museum is a great way to learn more about the long-gone whaling culture of Faial and it only costs less than 5 bucks.
12. Explore the historic windmills of Faial
Windmills were once crucial not only in Faial but in Azores Portugal entirely. The nine islands of the archipelago had so many of these, built by settlers in the 15th century to mill grain, source water, and support agriculture on the islands.
Some of the windmills have survived the tides of time and still stand on the islands.
Faial also has its share of windmills, and they’re some of the most well-preserved. What’s more, they have a unique design that makes these windmills stand out.
The windmills aren’t operational anymore, but exploring them will give you an interesting glimpse into the history of Faial.
13. Go scuba diving
Visiting the Azores without water sports on your to-do list is an opportunity missed – because this archipelago is one of the most popular around the world for its water activities.
And just like the rest of the Azores, Faial also has tons of great experiences that you can take up for an up close and personal encounter with the underwater world.
I recommend booking a scuba diving tour here because the island has so many beginner-friendly diving sites and plenty of things to see and explore.
These range from fascinating marine life to shipwrecks and underwater caves, which means you’re bound to have a memorable time.
14. Book a Faial Island Day Tour
Faial Island is one of the smaller ones, so you can take a day tour of the island and some of its most popular spots with an experienced guide.
So, if you’re up for a full day of exploration, fun, and excitement, a day tour is just perfect for it. Here are a couple of tours I recommend for it.
✔️ Full Day Tour – Faial Island
5.0 ⭐️ 107 Reviews
This small-group day tour around Faial Island is perfect for a personalized experience, and it includes so much – visiting attractions like Capelinhos Volcano and the Caldeira do Faial Nature Reserve, swimming and sightseeing, and much more!
Air-conditioned transport to and from your hotel is provided by the tour operator. You will also have a native guide to tell you all about the places you visit on this day tour. And a delicious lunch at a local restaurant is also included.
Excellent guide and tour of Faial. Ramiros is very knowledgable and flexible, and we had a great time 🙂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chris_a, Oct 2023
✔️ Explore Faial with a Biologist – Half Day 4h
5.0 ⭐️ 38 Reviews
If a full day of exploration sounds too much for your preferences, you can also opt for a half-day tour around Faial. This one will take you around the island with more focus on its stunning natural beauty and landscapes.
You will visit the Capelinhos volcano, Faial’s most popular Caldeira, and several other spots as well as viewpoints. A biologist will also be by your side to tell you about the rich Azorean ecosystem and its history.
Fernando was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Connor_H, May 2023
15. Go Whale Watching
Whale watching in Faial is one of the best whale-watching experiences in the Azores, or at least it was for me. I went on Peter’s whale-watching tour, and I was so happy with everything: the organization, the guide, and the sights. We saw playful dolphins, a lot of them, humpback whales, and even sperm whalers that wouldn’t leave our boat. They are usually very shy creatures but they were just hanging out around our boat. it was amazing. I tell more about it in my dedicated article on whale watching in Faial. A shout-out to Raquel, our guide, who took amazing footage. Here below you can find my full video as well.
16. Visit the neighboring islands in the Azores
Faial is part of the Central Group of Azores Islands, which means Pico and Sao Jorge are close by and make for excellent day trip opportunities from Faial. Let me tell you a little bit about both of them.
🏝 Pico (travel time: 35 minutes)
Pico is located just a short ferry trip from Faial and, since it’s the second-largest and one of the most popular Azores islands, you are in for a treat if you decide to take that trip.
Along with the highest mountain in Portugal (which you can see from even Faial), this island is home to breathtaking landscapes, some of the world’s best vineyards, and tons of incredible attractions and things to do.
🏝 Sâo Jorge (travel time: 2 hours 5mins)
Sao Jorge, though a little farther than Pico, is another nearby island that’s worth a visit if you’re in Faial. Also known as Dragon Island (because of its slender shape) or Island of Fajas, it’s a truly unique island.
The island is famous for many reasons, including its cheese, natural swimming pools, and of course, fajas – the unique coastal plateaus created by lava and landslides that are now home to many of the island’s villages.
Why should you visit Faial Island?
Faial Island offers a compelling array of reasons to visit, featuring volcanic craters, lush landscapes, and captivating coastlines.
The island’s geological wonders, like the Caldeira and Capelinhos Volcano, offer excellent hiking and exploration opportunities.
The island also provides panoramic views of neighboring Pico Island and its iconic volcano, Mount Pico.
In the capital city of Horta, visitors can immerse themselves in the charming historic town, characterized by colorful buildings and a bustling marina, all steeped in maritime heritage.
Also, Faial is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and cycling on offer.
The local cuisine is a delight, featuring fresh seafood and renowned Azorean cheeses. And Faial’s friendly locals double the joy of your visit, sharing their warm hospitality and insights into the island’s culture.
All in all, Faial Island is a captivating destination if you’re looking for a unique Azorean adventure.
Where to stay in Faial Azores
Faial may be small, but it has no shortage of outstanding lodging options – no matter what your budget is.
You will find hotels ranging from pocket-friendly to luxurious and everything in-between here. That said, below are some hotel suggestions in different price ranges if you’re planning to stay in Faial.
🛏 Budget: Casa BuonVento
Casa BuonVento is one of the best budget options on Faial. It features a variety of comfy amenities, a great location, and excellent service.
Wifi works throughout the property, and all the rooms have a desk. Some rooms also feature seating areas and private bathrooms.
There’s a living area with a TV and books, a fully-equipped shared kitchen, and luggage storage is available to guests. Free parking is provided at the hotel.
And if you’re coming here directly from the airport, or going there, you can ask the staff to arrange airport transfers for you as well.
Very nice Italian hosts with great advice about what to do (and what not to do)! Small, but nice room.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ gertjan, oct 2023
🛏 Midrange: Hotel do Canal
A significant upgrade from the budget, this hotel is where you will find all the perks of a luxury hotel in midrange. The location is also perfect, just steps from the beach in Horta, which means stunning views of the marina and Pico.
All of the rooms at Hotel do Canal come with contemporary amenities, complete with cable TVs, private bathrooms, wifi connectivity, and room service.
Onsite dining options include a restaurant serving local specialties and meals throughout the day, as well as a bar with stunning views of the ocean to complement your coffee and drinks.
Some other facilities of Hotel do Canal include a fitness and massage center, a 24-hour front desk, a jacuzzi, and free private parking in the hotel garage. And all of that is topped off with the friendliest staff you will ever meet!
Great breakfast selections with very nice view from the tables. The buffet changes slightly everyday.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ brandon, dec 2023
🛏 Luxury: Azoris Faial Garden – Resort Hotel
Azoris Faial Garden takes luxury even further. Located in Horta, in a parkland at the edge of the island, this resort hotel features some of the most deluxe amenities on the island.
Multiple swimming pools, restaurants, a fitness center, breathtaking views of the ocean – you name it.
Air-conditioned rooms at Azoris Faial Garden come fitted with modern comforts, high-end furnishings, private bathrooms, and minibars. Some rooms also have balconies with pool views. A spa pool and sauna are also part of the property.
And when it comes to dining, the hotel restaurant serves exquisite cuisines throughout the day. Guests at Azoris Faial Garden also have access to a tennis court and a gym. Complimentary secure parking is provided onsite as well.
Great hotel, very comfortable room and nice staff, very friendly and helpful. We loved the location and the view from the hotel restaurant and swimming pool.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SHIRLI, AUG 2023
How to get to Faial Island?
✈️ By Plane
One of the best ways to get to Faial Island is to fly directly here. The island has an airport near Horta that receives flights from both mainland Portugal and the other Azores islands.
Azores Airlines is the main airline operating in the archipelago, and it offers plenty of direct and connecting flights to the island.
⛴ By Ferry
Planes are great, but if you’re island-hopping, connecting flights can be time-consuming. This is especially true when you’re in one of the other two central islands (Sao Jorge or Pico).
You can instead take a ferry and get to Faial faster from those two islands, all while enjoying picturesque views of the Atlantic on your way.
These ferries operate throughout the year, so all you need to do is check their schedule and get on one.
How do you get around Faial Azores?
🚘 Do you need a car around Faial?
I’d say yes, you do need a car in Faial. Although you can get by without a car, having a personal mode of transport makes everything so much easier here.
Public transport isn’t as extensive on the island, so you can’t rely on it to explore Faial properly, and too many cab trips will put a dent in your budget.
Renting a car takes away all the hassle that comes with taxis and public transport. Plus, driving to places and exploring at your own pace is how you will get to enjoy the beauty of Faial best.
You can plan your trips, but also make stops along the way to admire the views and attractions you encounter.
🚘 Renting a car in Faial Azores
There are plenty of rentals in Faial, but my recommended way of renting a car here (or anywhere else in the Azores and Portugal) is DiscoverCars.
Not only because the platform makes it easy to book a car from a wide range of options, but also because you can book it in advance and avoid dealing with availability issues.
Another good thing about DiscoverCars is that you can compare prices between a variety of rentals and score some of the lowest prices on rentals – and then there’s the no hidden fees guarantee, which is a solid plus because you face those sometimes when renting locally.
That being said, remember to book your car at least a couple of weeks in advance (especially if you’re visiting during the high season and want an automatic) and check the car when you go to pick it up to make sure everything is working properly.
When is the best time to visit Faial Azores?
The Azores are a year-round destination, and that includes Faial as well, so any time is a great time to visit.
Except, if you’re looking for the best weather to enjoy outdoor activities and adventures, the summer months (from June to August) are popular for exactly those.
These are the high season months when tourism in the entire archipelago is at its peak. There will be crowds and prices will be at their peak during these months – but all of that is worth it because the landscape is simply breathtaking.
Then there’s the low season (October through March), when the weather is more unpredictable and rains are more frequent. However, this is a great time to avoid crowds and score some of the best deals on everything.
The months between these two travel seasons are considered the shoulder seasons of the islands and they’re great if you want a little bit of both the high season and low season. The weather is decent, there are fewer crowds, and prices are not their highest yet.
How many days do you need in Faial Azores?
The number of days you need in Faial will depend on your travel plans. For those of you who want to stay and explore Faial, covering its stunning landscapes and volcanoes, as well as Horta, the marina, and other attractions, a stay of 2-3 days should give you a good taste.
You can plan an itinerary to include attractions like the Capelinhos Volcano and the Caldeira do Faial, visit the beaches, enjoy the delicious local food and drinks, learn more about the island’s past, and hit up so many landmarks and attractions within those 2-3 days.
Faial Azores travel tips
Faial Azores is a great place to go on adventures, and those take some prep. That’s why it’s important to keep a few things in mind. So here are those.
📌 Research and plan your trip, especially if you have specific activities or sights you want to see. This helps ensure you make the most of your time on the island.
📌 Book your flight as well as room in advance, so you don’t have to deal with availability issues and changing plans later.
📌 The Azores archipelago is known for its unpredictable weather. Check the forecast frequently, and plan accordingly, especially during the low season when rains are more frequent.
📌 Renting a car is a popular way to explore the island, but there are also taxis and public buses available if you’re only visiting for a day and don’t have many places on your itinerary. And you can also rent a scooter or bicycle for a more eco-friendly experience.
📌 The currency used in the Azores is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments.
📌 This shouldn’t need mentioning, but still – respect the environment. The Azores are known for their pristine natural landscapes, so be mindful of the environment during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faial Azores best known for?
The maritime history of the island is quite renowned as well. Faial Island has been an important stop for ships sailing the Atlantic from as far back as the 16th century. The marina of Faial’s capital has thousands of murals left by sailors of the past.
Also, Faial is known as the Blue Island because of the huge number of beautiful hydrangeas all across the island.
Other notable aspects of Faial are its whaling history and the dedicated whale museums of the island.
What is the main city in Faial Azores?
How long is the ferry from Faial to Pico?
Both the islands are very close to each other, and there are regular ferry connections between the two, making it easy to travel between Faial and Pico.
How long does it take to drive around Faial?
It’s a gorgeous place, so take 2-3 days and explore it at a slow pace to fully absorb the charm of Faial.
How to get to Faial from Ponta Delgada?
Azores Airlines operates them throughout the week, and it only takes less than an hour to get there.
Does Faial Island have an airport?
It’s located near the city of Horta and provides both domestic and limited international flights, primarily connecting Faial to other islands in the Azores and mainland Portugal.
Wrapping Up: Things to Do in Faial Azores
Faial is truly a gem, offering a variety of activities and attractions for you to explore. I have covered 15 of the top things to do in Faial Azores, you can either pick from them for your Faial to-do list or try all of them for the full course.
From its breathtaking natural beauty to its vibrant culture, this island has something for every traveler. You can hike the breathtaking Caldeira, kick back at the beaches, try water activities, and much more.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, explore its wonders, and create lasting memories in this Azorean paradise. Happy travels!
Before you Go…
Here are some useful posts that you might be interested in:
- How To Get To The Azores: All You Need To Know
- 20 Amazing Things To Do In Terceira Island Azores
- The Best Whale Watching In The Azores Islands
- 8 Best Hot Springs In Sao Miguel Azores And Refreshing Natural Pools
- 15 Things To Know Before Renting A Car In Ponta Delgada Azores
