Faial Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Located in the stunning Azores region of Portugal, the island of Faial is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. With its rugged volcanic landscapes, vibrant flora, and charming towns, Faial offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

One of the highlights of Faial is its dramatic volcanic caldera, known as the Caldeira. This massive crater, formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, is now a protected natural park that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking trails wind their way through the lush greenery, leading visitors to stunning lookout points where they can marvel at the beauty of the island.

For those seeking a taste of Faial's vibrant culture, the town of Horta is a must-visit destination. Known for its colorful marina and bustling waterfront, Horta is a haven for sailors and artists from around the world. Wander through the narrow streets lined with traditional white-washed houses adorned with brightly painted doors, and you'll discover a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and workshops showcasing the works of local artists.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Horta is Peter Café Sport, a legendary sailor's bar that has become a meeting place for adventurers and seafarers. Steeped in history, this charming establishment is adorned with nautical memorabilia and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink while swapping tales of their adventures.

Nature lovers will also be in awe of the island's stunning coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Capelinhos volcano, which erupted in the 1950s, leaving behind a lunar-like landscape that is now a protected natural monument. Take a boat tour around the island to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, or simply relax on one of Faial's pristine beaches and soak up the sun.

Local name: Ilha do Faial Area: 66.8 mi²Elevation: 2723 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°34'41"N, 28°42'13"W

Location

AzoresPortugal

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Faial Top Attractions

Faial Attractions - What to See and Explore

Faial offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Farol dos Capelinhos, Capelinhos, Church of Santa Bárbara, Praia da Conceição. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Farol dos Capelinhos
The Lighthouse of Ponta dos Capelinhos, or alternately Lighthouse of Capelinhos, is a former beacon/lighthouse located along the coastal peninsula of Ponta dos Capelinhos and Costa Nau, in the civil parish of Capelo, on the island of Faial in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Capelinhos
The Capelinhos is a monogenetic volcano located on the western coast of Faial Island in the Azores. It is part of the larger volcanic complex of Capelo, which includes 20 scoria cones and lava fields that are aligned west-northwest to east-southeast from the Caldeira Volcano caldera.
Church
Church of Santa Bárbara
The Church of Santa Bárbara is a church in the civil parish of Cedros, municipality of Horta, on the Portuguese island of Faial in the archipelago of the Azores. Its parish falls within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Angra, and serves the parishioners of the northern coast from the border with Salão to Ribeira Funda.

Beach
Praia da Conceição
Conceição Beach is a beach located within Horta Bay, in the parish of Conceição, municipality of Horta, island of Faial archipelago of the Azores.
Park • Hotel
Capelo
Capelo is a freguesia in the municipality of Horta on the island of Faial in the Azorean archipelago. The population in 2011 was 486, in an area of 26.64 km².Capelo may be considered the westernmost settlement of Eurasia, if Fajã Grande, on Flores Island, is considered part of North America, for it sits on the North American Plate.
Volcanic peak with a caldera trail
Cabeço Gordo
Cabeço Gordo is the highest point in the island of Faial, measuring 1,043 metres above sea level. Located on the southern rim of the Caldeira Volcano, on a clear day, most of the islands of the central group of the Azores are visible: Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa, although normally the caldera may be covered in clouds and fog.
Park
Nature Park of Faial
The Nature Park of Faial, or simply Faial Nature Park, developed from the intention of better managing the protected areas of the island of Faial, and was instituted by the Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e do Mar of the Autonomous Regional Government of the Azores.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Lighthouse of Vale Formoso
The Lighthouse of Vale Formoso is a beacon/lighthouse located along the southwestern cliffs of the civil parish of Capelo, in the municipality of Horta, on the Portuguese island of Faial, in the archipelago of the Azores.
Manor house
Palacete of Pilar
The Residence of Pilar is a Baroque-era residence, now in complete ruins, on Lomba do Pilar in the civil parish of Conceição, municipality of Horta, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
Forts and castles
Porto Pim bartizan
The Bartizan of Porto Pim is a medieval watchtower located in the civil parish of Angústias, in the municipality of Horta.
Forts and castles
Fort of Greta
The Fort of Greta is a medieval fortification, whose remnants are located on the cinder cone of Monte da Guia, along the southern coast of the civil parish of Angústias, in Horta, island of Faial, in the Portuguese Azores.
Forts and castles
Military Battery of Espalamaca
The Military Battery of Espalamaca, also known as the Position of Espalamaca or the Fort of Espalamaca, is located over the promontory of Espalamaca, civil parish of Conceição, municipality of Horta, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
Mountain
Tambroso
Tambroso is a mountain peak on the Azorian island of Faial. It is located in the civil parish of Ribeirinha, in the municipality of Horta.
Park
Parque de merendas do Poço das Asas
Poço das Asas or also Poça das Asas is an interesting forest park, still in formation that is located in the place of Chão Frio, parish of Praia do Almoxarife, municipality of Horta, Azores archipelago.
Beach
Praia da Fajã
Praia do Norte is a beach located on the north coast of the island of Faial, in the place of Fajã da Praia do Norte, parish of Praia do Norte, in the municipality of Horta, Azores archipelago.
Church
Igreja de Santa Catarina
The Church of Santa Cantarina is a Portuguese Christian religious temple located in the parish of Castelo Branco, in the municipality of Horta, on the island of Faial in the Azores archipelago.

Day trips

Faial – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Faial, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mount Pico (Pico), Gruta das Torres (Pico), Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara (São Roque do Pico).

18 milesSE
Towering volcano with hiking trails
Mount Pico, Pico
Rising majestically above the verdant landscapes of the Azores, Mount Pico stands as a testament to nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and power. Located on Pico Island in Portugal, this stratovolcano is not only a geological wonder but also the highest point in Portugal...
12 milesSE
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Gruta das Torres, Pico
Gruta das Torres, is a lava cave, a geological formation of volcanic origin formed from the flow and cooling of subterranean magma rivers.
21 milesE
Church
Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara, São Roque do Pico
The Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara is a Baroque convent and church complex in the civil parish of São Roque, in the municipality of the same name, in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores.
26 milesE
Lake
Lagoa do Caiado, Pico
Lagoa do Caiado is the largest lake on Pico Island, Azores. The high-altitude lake is located on the Achada Plateau, an extensive volcanic mountain range covering most of the central area of the island.
25 milesE
Volcano
Achada Plateau, Pico
The Achada Plateau is an extensive volcanic mountain range located on Pico Island, Azores. It is a protected area with many valuable features that characterize the Azorean landscape.

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Best Time To Visit Faial

Learn when is the best time to travel to Faial weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February, March, April and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Faial?

The top attractions to visit in Faial are:

What is the best time to visit Faial?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February, March, April and December.