Faial Island, Azores: Horta, Capelinhos and the Caldeira

Faial, the “blue island”, is famous for its hydrangeas, the sailors’ harbour of Horta and the moon-like landscape of the Capelinhos volcano, which erupted in 1957–58. It’s also the perfect base for visiting Pico across the channel. Here’s how to visit Faial.

Quick answer: see the paintings on Horta marina’s walls and have a drink at Peter Café Sport, visit the Capelinhos volcano and its underground interpretation centre (€10), walk around the rim of the Caldeira, and take the 30-minute ferry to Pico.

Horta

• The marina: a famous stopover for yachts crossing the Atlantic. Sailors paint the harbour walls for good luck, and the colourful paintings cover every surface.
• Peter Café Sport: a legendary sailors’ bar, known for its gin and its scrimshaw museum.
• The town: churches, a whaling factory museum and views across to Pico.

Capelinhos

At the island’s western tip, a volcano erupted from the sea in 1957–58, burying a lighthouse and creating new land. The striking interpretation centre is built underground, and you can climb the old lighthouse. Entry is €10 for the full visit (free for under-12s).

The Caldeira

A huge volcanic crater in the centre of the island, about 2km across and 400m deep, lined with green vegetation. Walk part or all of the rim on a clear day.

Other highlights

• Hydrangeas: blue hedges line the roads in early summer.
• Whale watching from Horta.
• Beaches: Porto Pim, a sheltered sandy bay next to Horta.
• Pico: 30 minutes by ferry. See Pico.

Getting there

• Flights: Faial’s airport has links to other islands and Lisbon.
• Ferries: year-round to Pico and São Jorge (the “Triangle”), and in summer to more islands.

See Faial tours · places to stay in Horta.

More: Azores island hopping and the Azores travel guide.

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