By Shannon Gomes
The Portuguese island of Faial (population 15,000), one of the nine Azorean islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, was initially discovered in 1427 and later colonized by Flemish settlers in 1432. Located near the tectonic divide between the European and North American Plates, the volcanic island of Faial is the westernmost point of Europe.
Nicknamed the “Blue Island” because of the different shades of blue hydrangeas that line the roads throughout the island, Faial offers something for every type of traveler – from city life in Horta to adventurous activities on both land and sea. In fact, Horta Bay has been named “One of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World.” It is one of the meeting points of international sailing with several international regattas crossing its waters.
My husband’s parents are from the island of Faial (they moved to California in their 20s) and this was my 4th visit back to this magical island to visit our family. There are nine islands in the Azores (I’ve also visited Pico & Sao Jorge) but here are my recommendations for visiting the beautiful island of Faial.
🗓️ Best time of year to visit? Summer! ☀️ Anytime between June-August, but try to plan your trip in late July/early August to attend the big Sea Festival in Horta called Semana do Mar.
❓How long should you stay? At least 7-10 days, building in time to do day trips to the neighboring islands of Pico & Sao Jorge.
✈️ How do you get to Faial?
If you are coming from CA, MA or NY, there are flights that go direct to the Azorean islands Sao Miguel or Terceira, then you take a quick flight to Horta, Faial. There are also daily flights direct to Faial from Lisbon on Azores Airlines.
🚙 How do you get around Faial?
While there are taxis in Horta, I highly recommend renting a car (note: book months in advance- limited cars are available in the summer!) from Auto Turistica Faialense.
🏨 Where to stay?
I highly recommend renting an apartment or house for your stay (we rented through Airbnb but there are also options through HomeExchange), however there are a few hotels in Horta including Hotel do Canal, Faial Garden Hotel & Pousada Forte da Horta.
For a unique country experience, consider staying at Patio Ecolodge in Cedros where you can go horseback riding, practice yoga and swim in the pool. 🐎🧘♀️
🍴Let’s talk food!
Portuguese food is delicious…lots of great fish, high-quality meat, great bread, cheese from Queijo Ilha Azul and of course wine. In my opinion, the best food is found inside someone’s home but there are so great restaurants around the island. Some of my favorites include:
🍨 Best gelato?
Hands down Gelados do Atlântico in Horta
☕ Need some caffeine?
Be sure to order a Galão – foamed milk over a shot of espresso – from any local cafe. The best!
🧀 Love cheese?
You’ve come to the right place! Faial makes some of the most delicious cheese in the Azores. Be sure to try all of the Ilha Azul cheeses plus one of my favorites, Omorro, a soft-ripened cheese. So delicious!
🛒 Best grocery stores?
Don’t miss the big Continente store in Horta (offers everything from food groceries to electronics and more!) and the smaller Fayal Kompra for local Azorean foods, fish, meats and bread.
🛍️ Shopping for best artisan good in Faial?
You must visit Centro de Artesanato do Capelo. You’ll find handmade crafts, linens and more in this beautiful shop. Perfect items to bring home as gifts or memoirs from your time in Faial.
🐋 A must-do activity?
Dolphin & Whale Watching. There are many companies in the Horta harbor area that run daily tours, but we had an awesome experience booking with “Base Peter Zee” that is associated with Peter Café Sport Horta. Such a beautiful experience – go!
⛱️ Best beaches/places to swim?
One of my favorite places to swim in the Atlantic is at Praia do Almoxarife, a beautiful Black Sand beach. The other family-favorite spot is the pools filled with ocean water at Varaduoro. And if you are brave enough, you can also jump off cliffs into the ocean and swim in the waves of the “ocean pool.”
🌋 Sights not to miss?
Be sure to visit the Vulcão dos Capelinhos and the Caldeira. Wear good walking shoes and don’t forget your camera!
⛴️ Take a day trip!
Head down to the ferry terminal in Horta and buy a R/T day ticket to visit either the island of Pico or Sao Jorge (but ideally visit both islands while staying on Faial!). If you are a big hiker, pack your hiking gear and book in advance with a guide to climb Mt. Pico, the tallest point in Portugal! If you have a rental car, there are limited spots available on the ferry to bring your car (book this option in advance). Otherwise, you can book a driver for the day to take you all around the island for the day. When in Sao Jorge, be sure not to miss their cheese!
🚙 When on Faial, be sure to carve out lots of time to drive around the island and spend time in all of the villages. You’ll meet some wonderful people, see some incredible sights and eat delicious food. Slow down and savor “island life.” Visiting Faial is a truly magical experience. ✨
