Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving around Faial is the best in the Azores. The season runs between June and September where the seas are calmer and average water temperatures are between 17-23°C (yes that means 7mm wetsuits!). There are around 30 regular dives site in the area, with many concentrated around Monte da Guia, on the edge of the marine protected area Baía das Caldeirinhas. The dive centres also run special dive trips including a shark expedition to seek out blue and mako sharks and a trip to the world famous Princess Alice Bank, a submerged mountain that comes from a depths of more than 1000m up to 32m, attracting a whole variety of marine life.
We recommend Dive Azores as the centre of choice. They have a great team of instructors, quality equipment and boats, and operate as a Conservation Diver centre.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is the most popular activity on Faial. The area is one of the best and diverse areas in the world to see whales and other cetaceans. Baleen whales such as blue, fin and sei whales usually arrive early spring, whilst resident pods of sperm whales and dolphins can be seen all year round. Trips can last around 3 hours and cetaceans are spotted on almost all trips, with a 90+% chance of seeing whales.
We recommend you go whale watching with Dive Azores as their operation is run by marine scientists who are actively working to gather data and support the science of cetology.
Island Day Tours
Half or full day driving tours
Driving tours are a great way to cover a lot of the island in a short amount of time. You will visit various areas of natural beauty such as the Caldeira do Faial, Capelinhos Volcano, Praia do Norte and the Morro de Castelo. If your opt for a private tour then it can be tailored to meet your needs. There are a number of great guides with deep knowledge about the history and culture of the island and the Azores in general.
Canyoning
An adventurous activity involving the decent through canyons, overcoming obstacles by foot, swimming, climbing or rappelling. A great way to see the wild side of the island.
Mountain biking
There are many places in Horta you can rent bikes, however a tour can take you right across to island from Horta to the Capelinhos Volcano via the Caldeira. The ride is not too intense as mostly dirt roads are used, but the tour can be adapted to different fitness levels and a pace set that suites the whole group.
Horta City Tour
Take a walking tour through the port city of Horta and learn about its history, centring around its infamous harbour.
There a number of places that provide the tours above, but we recommend the following:
Endemic – a small operation run by two passionate biologists who try to preserve the environment in all that they do. Also check out their store featuring items locally crafted to be nature friendly, in many cases using reused products.
Our Island – a team of local enthusiasts producing a great Azorean spirit on their tours.
Swimming & Beaches
Unlike may islands in the Azores, Faial is blessed with a number of sandy beaches. Apart from the wonderful bay in Porto Pim, there are a number of black sand beaches on the north-eastern side of the island stretching from Praia do Almoxarife (Google Maps), past the small coves in Pedro Miguel (Google Maps), up to beautiful Porto do Boca da Ribeira (Google Maps). These beaches tend to be a little rougher and so if you have small children, it is usually better to bathe at Porto Pim where the waters more calm. However, if you like big waves and surfing, you should head to Praia da Fajã (Google Maps), where you find a sparkling mix of gold and black sand, dramatic cliffs and witness the stunning power of the Atlantic waves roll in.
If beaches weren’t enough, you will find that many people prefer to make use of the natural lava pools in the ocean, perfectly formed to provide a sheltered swimming and bathing area for the Azorean people. There are many of these all over the island that are well sign posted, however our favourites are the Piscina Lajinha (a short 25 minute walk from the house, Google Maps) or the pools at the Porto do Comprido near the Capelinhos Volcano (Google Maps). Both these pools quieter then the others, and both with unreal backdrops.
Museums
Fábrica da Baleia
In Porto Pim, the newly opened Whale Museum called the Fábrica da Baleia gives a great insight into the islands history of whale hunting (Google Maps).
Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre
This modern museum showcases the volcanic origins of the Azores and some of its most famous formations. The centre has a scientific mission, with exhibitions that emphasise on the Capelinhos Volcano eruption in 1957/8 and the formation of the whole Archipelago. The building is underground so not to disrupt the natural beauty of the area. You can also climb the lighthouse that survived the whole eruption to gain the most beautiful view of the volcanic, moon-like landscape (Google Maps).
Scrimshaw museum
Inside Peter’s Café Sport, this museum hosts the world largest collection of whale bone and teeth sculptures, depicting art and records of times at sea by the skilful hands of the fishermen of the Island (Google Maps).
Manuel de Arriaga’s House
Explore the house where the elected first President of the Portuguese Republic, Manuel de Arriaga, lived. It was recently restored and features a museum which portrays the life of this illustrious son of Faial (Google Maps).
Porto Pim Aquarium
Featuring the most common coastal species found around the Azores, with the aim to promote environmental awareness and the recovery of sensitive marine mammals by spreading knowledge about the underwater biodiversity of the area (Google Maps).
Dabney’s House
The house portrays the story of the Dabney family in Faial, who left a cultural, historical and scientific heritage, still visible and recognised on the island today (Google Maps).
Day Trips to Other Islands
Should you wish to visit São Jorge or Pico for the day, you can catch the blue line ferries from the marina. All schedules can be found here.
Forest Reserves
Reserva Florestal de Recreio da Falca
This beautiful forest area is on high ground and can be found on the drive up to the Caldeira from Horta (Google Maps). It is a beautiful picnic spot totally encompassed by nature, with a beautiful view of Horta town from above and Mount Pico.
Reserva Florestal de Recreio do Cabouco Velho
This old forest reserve is located past the turning up to the Caldeira, on the way to Ribeira Funda, along the EN2-2A (Google Maps). A beautiful spot with plenty of BBQ areas and great walks into the wild forest, where you can break through the trees to find stunning views of São Jorge and, on a clear day, Graciosa.
Reserva Florestal do Recreio do Capelo
Take a right off the main road (EN1-1A), once you pass through Varadouro, before the turning to the Capelinhos Volcano (Google Maps). This park is well designed with lots of volcanic rock BBQ huts and eating areas.
Places of Cultural or Historical Importance
Horta Marina
As the main recreational harbour of the Azores, this marina is one of the busiest and famous in the world. It is a linking point for international regattas, and superstition tells sailors to paint a mural on the breakwater in order to attain divine protection during the rest of their trip.
Faial Botanical Garden
This project focuses on the conservation and study of the Azores natural flora, promoting scientific knowledge and environmental awareness. The gardens features a variety of exhibits featuring the rarest plants in the Azores, traditional crops, collection of medicinal aromatic plants, and examples of the most prolific invasive species. It also houses the Azores Seed Bank, a study case on the conservation of rare seeds and the Azores Orchidarium, a magnificent collection of diverse orchids species and hybrids.
The gardens are dedicated to the Natural History of the Azores Vegetation, giving emphasis to the archipelago, as a gathering point of unique plant species of different origins and biological ages, and explains the emergence of species and communities that only occur here, and the need to preserve this unique and fragile ecosystem (Google Maps).
Church Nossa Senhora das Aungústias
This church was built in the seventeenth century over a fifteenth-century chapel. Inside you will find an interesting eighteenth-century nativity scene presumably sculptured by Machado de Castro (Google Maps).
Fort of Santa Cruz
Also known as the Castle of Santa Cruz, this fort was erected near the landing quay of the city and became the main fortification of the island (Google Maps).
Espalmaca Lookout
Guarded by a 30-metre high cross and by a statue Nossa Sr.ª da Conceição, from there you can see the other islands of the Central Group (Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa) (Google Maps).
Restaurants & Bars
Atletico
A popular restaurant amongst the Faialense serving up local meat and seafood. Try the razor clams when they are in season, they are delicious!
Cafe do Porto Pim
Located just across the bay, Cafe do Porto Pim is our favourite place to wake up with espressos in the morning, or enjoy a couple of beers in the evening. It’s popular among the locals as well, so grab a couple of Sagres and enjoy the chilled atmosphere.
Taberna de Pim
Another great spot to enjoy the sunset. Located just beyond Cafe do Porto Pim, it’s only a few minute walk from the house. Arrive early to ensure a table on the patio. The tapas are especially nice here.
Genuíno
Right across the street from Taberna de Pim, Genuíno serves some of the best food on the island. It’s a bit pricier, but the charming atmosphere is worth it for a special night out. The owner of the restaurant, Genuine Madruga, is famously known as the first Portuguese who sailed the fearsome Cape Horn in solitary (and the tenth man to do so in the world). He’s completed two solo trips around the world, and the restaurant is adorned with memories from his voyages.
Peter’s Cafe Sport
World famous amongst sailors, Peter’s Cafe Sport opened in 1918 and has been a meeting point for people across the world for over a century. The cafe is decorated with flags and pennants from the thousands of ships that have passed by throughout the years. Be sure to try the gin and tonic – it’s brewed by the cafe itself!
Oceanic Cafe
Just past Peter’s Cafe is Oceanic Cafe, a thematc bar located within a historic building (1822). While it doesn’t do full meals, they do have a variety of tasty bar food snacks. More importantly, they have nice selection of draught beers, including some of their own craft beer (Oceanic’s our favourite), and often will have live music at night and DJs to the early ours
Casa Cha
A charming tea house at the top of hill overlooking the city, Casa Cha has an impressive selection of teas. Desserts are always freshly baked, and they have a rotating daily menu. Arguably the best vegetarian and vegan option on the island.
Cafe Volga
Along the main road past Oceanic is the inconspicuous Café Volga. Popular among the people of Faial for good reason. It’s cheese toasty and soup of the day are fantastic. The food is very basic, but comforting.
Gastro Bar Príncipe
This restaurant offers great fresh foods and delightful vegetarian dishes. A nice modern atmosphere has been created only a short walk from the house.
Padaria Popular
There are 3 locations on the island, with one of these amazing bakeries at the 50m from your door. A great place to grab breakfast, a light snack, café or beers. It has a lovely outside area amongst the fort at Porto Pim.
Shopping
Amazingly for such a verdant island, most fresh vegetables and fruit are imported from the mainland. Some vegetables in the supermarkets are produced locally or come from elsewhere in the Azores, but not all. Only recently some farmers markets have started, which offer organic and fresh vegetables:
Mercado Municipal
Located just off the Jardim da Praça da República, the municipal market has various stores selling different produce from the island. This includes a grocery stores, butchers and delicatessen.
For local shopping you can find a small store opposite the Padaria Popular. The large supermarket Continente is a 5 minute walk or a short drive from the house. There is also another supermarket called Fayal Kompra, which is a little further away, but has some more options for vegetarian cooking. There are plenty of other small stores around the island selling
If you are looking for souvenirs, there are a number of small stores along the main road Rua Conselheiro Medeiros. Along this road you will also find some clothing and jewellery stores
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