Faial (Ilha do Faial) is an island in the Central Group (Grupo Central) of the Azores, lying on the Eurasian plate along the Terceira Rift. The volcanic island has also been referred to as the Blue Island (Ilha Azul) due to the large quantity of hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months, as portrayed in the poems by the Portguese poet Raul Brandão.
Together with the neighbouring Pico and São Jorge, the islands are often referred to as the Triângulo. On most days you are able see all three islands at once, with the peak of Pico slicing though the clouds that are pulled towards it.
Faial became famous through its invaluable worth to sailors crossing the Atlantic, with Horta becoming the necessary stop and the safe port for the trans-Atlantic sail traffic. The harbour in Horta is a bustling hub for the sailing community, the area being full of excitement, stories from the sea, the kissing of dry land and celebration. Friends from across the oceans meet up to take a cooling sip on the islands famous Gin & Tonics.
A tradition spanning generations, also makes Horta the most colourful harbour in the world, as its walls have become a great open air exhibition of paintings made on the jetty by all the visiting sailors. They make their mark to cement their achievement to reach the island and to gain safe passage on. The harbour is also the host of several international regattas each year, as well as many weekly events such as the heritage regattas of the old whaling sailboats.
The ocean can often bring wild water weather in the forms of precipitation, mists and thunderstorms. Casa Via d’Agua is perfectly placed to enjoy watching this weather roll in and out by the hour.
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