Faial is the most cosmopolitan of the central Azores islands and also one of the most beautiful with its gently sloping pastureland that gives way to steeper hills atop which sits the main volcanic crater that dominates the island. The natural landscape is unspoilt and the undersea volcanic caves hide shoals of colorful fish. On Faial, you can enjoy a lively, activity filled holiday in addition to discovering the delights of Horta, a vibrant city renowned for its whitewashed houses.

Faial experienced the most recent major volcanic activity in the Azores when Capelinhos erupted (1957-58), adding seven miles of land to the island. Today, you can visit the site and marvel at the power of the eruption which engulfed a whole village in 16 feet of volcanic ash. This area, resembling the surface of the moon, sits in stark contrast to the hydrangea lined lanes of the rest of the island.

Faial is famed for its marlin fishing and is a favorite port of call for international yacht crews crossing the Atlantic. A four mile channel separates the islands of Faial and Pico. Horta is the nearest village to Pico and is Faial’s capital. It is the liveliest and most eye-catching town in the Azores. A haven for sailors and whale watchers, it is filled with colorful yachts which stop here during their voyage across the Atlantic. The bustling international atmosphere is characteristic of Horta. Over a beer or coffee, yachtsmen, visitors and locals alike share stories of their dreams and adventures.

Cycling around Faial is wonderful as the lanes are bordered by enormous hydrangea hedges and cascading of trails of roses. You can also walk along the spectacular crater rim and peer down at the crater floor 1000 feet below. The highlight for many visitors to Faial is the superb whale and dolphin watching from Horta.

Getting To and Around Faial

Regular flights link Lisbon to Faial and flights take about 2 hours. SATA, the regional airline, flies daily to Horta from S. Miguel and Terceira. A few different ferries connect Horta with Sao Jorge and Pico. The duration of the journey can depend upon the company used. Horta is also a port of call for a ship that carries passengers and cargo between the Portuguese mainland and the islands. Rental cars, taxis and local bus lines are all options for getting around the island. The main bus stop in Horta is at Avenida Marginal. Minibuses cover the central area of Horta and their routes are displayed on the map.

Places to Stay

Hotel do Canal – Overlooking the narrow straight between Faial and Pico, Hotel Do Canal sits on an oceanfront avenue in the historic area of the capital of Faial and is approximately seven miles from Horta Airport. The location is also close to the Pico ferry departure point, yacht marina, and the famous Peter’s Cafe Sport. Faial, one of Portugal’s nine isles, has a history of sheltering American whaling ships and ocean-crossing sailors. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, cocktail lounge, exercise room, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna and massage treatments.

Pousada da Horta, Forte de Santa Cruz – Overlooking Horta Bay, the Pousada da Horta, Forte de Santa Cruz, is a historic Horta hotel on Faial Island in the Azores archipelago. Situated next to Horta’s marina, the hotel enjoys a magnificent view of Pico Island and is a great destination for walking or cycling holidays as well as horse riding, whale and dolphin watching, and diving excursions. The Pousada Forte de Santa Cruz has a fascinating history which is sure to make a stay in this Faial hotel feel a little out of the ordinary.

Casa do Moinho – Casa do Moinho is a spacious windmill property with a garden and a view of the sea. This vacation home is notable for its natural comforts. It is quietly located on a large property with a windmill. Cozy nooks of solitude, tropical trees and a grill area are all located within this one square mile of land which also has a fantastic view of the Atlantic and the neighboring islands. Beautiful hiking paths into the park-like surroundings start right by the house.

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Highlights:

Sport Fishing – The coast of Faial Island offers amazing fishing grounds, some of which are locally marked. There are opportunities to hook sea bream, wrasse, grouper, mackerel, axillary sea bream, porgy, bluefish, barracuda, saw fish and more. Take a boat and try some big game fishing. Blue marlin, shark and tuna are found in abundance.

Monte do Guia – A visit to Monte do Guia and a climb to the Chapel offer a spectacular views of Faial and Pico. Climb down to Porto Paim and a bay with a wonderful beach and calm blue ocean water awaits you. (Mount Guia and Mount Queimado were classified in 1980 as protected countryside due to their botanical and landscape characteristics).

Carneiro – A trip to Mount Carneiro is definitely worthwhile. From here one can observe the exquisite landscape of the green Flamengo Valley, the city of Horta and the island of Pico.

Espalamaca – The ascent to Espalamaca offers a beautiful view of the valley from a different angle.  A dazzling display awaits the viewer who climbs towards the center of the island. The Caldeira do Faial, a veritable cathedral of silence and beauty, is the vast crater of the extinct volcano from which the island originated. The Caldeira do Faial was classified as a Natural Reserve due to its valuable endemic vegetation and unique landscape.

Food and Drink

The abundance of seafood makes for tasty fish chowders and shellfish dishes. The sausage, fish fillets, stewed octopus and “molha de carne” are local delicacies that you should taste accompanied by the marvelous local wines.

No visit to Horta would be complete without a stop at the Peter’s Cafe Sport, the most famous bar in the North Atlantic. Having first opened its doors on Christmas Day 1918, the Café Sport started life as just another bar in the busy port and city of Horta. It was in the 1950s that the yachts began to visit Faial and the Café Sport began to build its unique reputation. The Café Sport, or Peter’s, as it is better known, has witnessed a continuous parade of the world’s best sailors and many international celebrities.

Culture & Festivities

There are several secular and religious festivals that make up the calendar of events on Faial. The most important ones occur in the summer. From Ascension Day until August, the feasts of the Holy Spirit are major events in each parish and neighborhood. During these events, a procession and cortege will travel to the local church where a mass (and crowning) will occur in conformity with the tradition/legend of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal. Following the mass, the procession will return to the local império where a feast of meat broth and soup is served to the invited guests, and the same soup and massa sovada (sweet bread) is handed out as a traditional sign of penitence. On Faial, generally, these feasts are by invitation, whereas on other islands, public events occur.

The patron saint of Faial is Saint John who is celebrated as São João da Caldeira on June 24. This is a day celebrated with a mass at the Chapel of São João, and followed by family picnics along the roadways and fields of the Caldera. Similarly, in Largo Jaime Melo in Horta, people gather from around the island to enjoy picnics and other diversions such as band music and singers.

On August 1, the faithful celebrate the annual feast of Nossa Senhora da Guia, a celebration originally started by local fishermen in the name of the Virgin Mary. A flotilla of small boats with one carrying the statue of the Virgin arrives in the harbor at Port Pim. From there, following benedictions, the statue is taken in procession to the top of Monte da Guia, where a mass is celebrated at the chapel of Monte da Guia.

The most important festival of the Faialense calendar is the secular Semana do Mar, or Week of the Sea. It is a week-long celebration in Horta of Faial’s link to the sea, celebrated in song, dance, exhibitions and kiosks selling different foods (local and from mainland Portugal) and goods. During the day, there are several sailing competitions and exhibits. In the evening, many will sample foods along the Avenida Marginal while others will listen and dance to popular and traditional musical acts on any of the several stages devoted to both traditional and contemporary artists. The events culminate with a traditional closing ceremony and fireworks display.

São Jorge is a green island with vegetation covering hills and valleys that afford amazing views of Pico and its mountain. Sheer cliffs plunge into the sea and its stunning open landscapes are punctuated by native birdsong. Often compared to a huge stone ship anchored in the blue sea, a holiday on São Jorge is a walker’s paradise that will bring you closer to nature. One of the most scenically dramatic and friendly islands in the Azores, São Jorge is a long, snaking spine of peaks peppered with lush green craters, the sides of which dramatically tumble to the ocean blue below.

HD Panoramic View of São Jorge

The walking on São Jorge is just spectacular. One of the most beautiful paths heads from the top of the island down to Fajã do Santo Cristo with its pretty church and lagoon. After a refreshing swim in the ocean, you continue along the coastal path past an abandoned fajã (coastal plain) until you reach the stunning Fajã dos Cubres.

Velas, the picturesque capital, is a sleepy harbor town that dates back to the mid 1400s and has a delightful traditional Azorean bandstand in the main square. The majority of the locals live on the coastal plains (fajãs) which lie at the foot of the steep volcanic cliffs and are home to an abundance of bird life including the Cory’s Shearwater.

While you are on São Jorge, make sure you sample the local food including the famous São Jorge cheese and the clams farmed in the lagoons on a number of Fajãs. Don’t miss a visit to the church of Santa Barbara at Manadas, one of the finest examples of religious architecture on the Azores containing glazed tile work, carved ceilings and rich gilded altars.

Getting To and Around São Jorge

SATA, the regional airline, has daily flights to the island departing from Ponta Delgada in São Miguel or Lajes airport in Terceira. There is also a ferry to São Jorge island. From Faial, the ferry takes one hour and 15 minutes. From Pico, the ferry takes 30 minutes and departs from Madalena and S. Roque. There is also a ferry from Terceira which takes two and a half hours.

Places to Stay

Garden Velas Hotel – The fantastic São Jorge Garden Hotel is a 3-star hotel on the Azores’ São Jorge Island. It is the best accommodation option for those looking for a relaxing vacation. The modern São Jorge Garden Hotel sits in the picturesque Velas village in a seafront location which affords it stunning views of the Atlantic and Pico Mountain. As it is located in village of Velas, the hotel is only minutes away from the local airport and offers a free shuttle service for your convenience.

Quinta do Canavial – Quinta do Canavial is a manor house located on the outskirts of Velas overlooking the spectacular Bay of Entre-Moros. This converted home has 3 double rooms and 1 twin room in the main house and 6 twin rooms and 1 one bedroom apartment in a nearby annex. All have en suite bathrooms. Guests can dine at the owner’s restaurant which serves evening meals upon request. Guests can also visit the family’s lovely Holy Spirit Chapel on the grounds.

Caminho da Ribeira – Lovely house with a terrace and a garden offering spectacular views over the ocean and the islands Pico and Faial. A small harbor is 130 meters from the house, where you can swim, dive, snorkel, and fish. There’s also a bar with a terrace at the seaside. There are shops nearby where you can buy food and other things. The house is furnished with a living room, one bedroom with a double bed, an attic with a double bed, library, kitchen, bathroom with shower and washing machine.

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Highlights

Pico da Esperanca – From Pico da Esperanca, the highest point on the island at 1,000 meters, one can catch a glimpse of the other islands in the Azores’ central group: Terceira, Graciosa, Faial and Pico. The vegetation that covers the hillsides is a rare and beautiful sight.

Topo – Topo, located at the extreme east end of the island, has a lighthouse and an islet where colonies of sea birds nest and rest. The islet has been classified as a Nature Reserve and excellent examples of endemic Azorean flora are found here.

Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo – The town of Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo is famous for its delicious clams and, nearby, you’ll find Fajã dos Cubres with its crystal lake. There are other interesting fajãs (coastal plains) you can visit while touring São Jorge which offer rare and unforgettable natural beauty.

Velas – In Velas, many manorial homes bear witness to São Jorge’s noble past. Also, the São Jorge Church (mother church), the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church, City Hall, the Portão do Mar, and the “Arte Sacra” Museum are distinguished and impressive structures.

Food & Drink

The local gastronomy not only includes many Azorean basics, but also includes local plates of fish and pork seasoned with an abundance of spices originating from the communities visited in the far east by Portuguese sailing vessels during the Age of Exploration. Clam dishes are fairly unique to São Jorge as it is the only location in the archipelago where clams can be found (usually in the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo). There are many local and delicious sweets for visitors to try, including: coscorões, roquilhas de aguardente, espécies, suspiros, olvidados, bolos de véspera, cavacos, queijadas de leite, and açucareura branca. In addition, the traditional corn bread (made from white or yellow cornmeal) is still very popular. At one time, wheat based breads were generally reserved for the privileged classes of the island. The Azorean yam was also an important base of the local diet, as well as being an export product. The local São Jorge cheese has been the most important part of the local economy, resulting in the establishment of an order, the Confraria do Queijo de São Jorge, to promote the consumption and sale of this popular cheese.

Culture & Festivities

The principal festivals on the island are similar to those celebrated on the other islands of the archipelago. There are the festivals of Espírito Santo that are held around the island and celebrate the saints. The festivals are an important manifestation of the religious character of the islands. Typically, these festivals occur every Sunday during the seven weeks before Easter and culminate on the seventh Sunday (Pentecost). Although some traditions vary from place-to-place, in general, there are processions to the church and masses associated with this festival. There are also alms for the poor, the serving of a meat based broth (whose methods of preparation and serving vary from community to community) and gathering of the local citizens for conversation and/or dancing.

Velas’ Semana Cultural (Culture Week) is another festivity that mixes local traditions and cultural influences from abroad. During this week, expositions and presentations of local Azorean culture are mixed with local concerts, bullfights, and a regatta between Velas and Horta in Faial during the first week of July. Meanwhile, in the village of Calheta, the Festival de Julho (the July Festival) highlights four days of festivities that brings together ethnic processions, musical comedies, theatrical presentations and local sports competitions.

The Romarias (religious pilgrimages) are a tradition of the island’s Catholic communities and are strongly linked to historical catastrophes associated with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Romaria de Nossa Senhora de Carmo, which occurs annually in the Fajã dos Vimes on July 16, and the Romaria de Santo Cristo in the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo are popular processions where many faithful walk between religious sanctuaries, praying, contemplating, and usually stopping for mass at local churches.

From the vibrancy of city life with its museums, churches and palaces of art and historical treasures, to the tranquility of lush green countryside punctuated by colorful flowers and volcanic lakes, São Miguel makes the perfect holiday destination. São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago and maintains a charm typical of the islands, where life is polite and unhurried.

São Miguel is composed of two volcanic ranges with three stunning crater lakes: Sete Cidades, Furnas and Lagoa do Fogo. Sete Cidades, a green, fairytale-like crater with its twin lakes is almost ten miles in circumference while Lagoa do Fogo is the most remote of the lakes set within an imposing mountain range.

Through the city gates of the bustling Azores capital, Ponta Delgada, lies a traditional center home to some beautiful examples of Portuguese architecture dating back to the 17th century. A whole day can easily be spent here visiting the museums and churches and sampling the local delights of pineapple, cheese, wine, fresh fish and liqueurs.

Whether you like golf, hiking, walking or cycling, there is a wealth of things to see and activities to do on São Miguel. You’ll surely find scenes of untouched beauty as you explore this magical island.

Getting To and Around São Miguel

The best way to get to São Miguel is by plane. There are daily flights from Lisbon and non-stop flights from Boston. SATA, the regional airline, flies daily to the other Azorean islands. From May to October, travelers can get to the other islands by ferry.

Renting a car at the airport is one of the best ways to explore and get around the island. Sao Miguel is small enough to drive around in a day and there is much to see that is only accessed by car. You can also travel between the larger towns by bus.

Place to Stay

Hotel do Colegio – Boutique Hotel – The Hotel do Colegio, located in the center of Ponta Delgada on S. Miguel, is in a historical 19th century building that has been used in several important capacities over the years. Before it was converted into a hotel, this building was once a well respected school and, more recently, served as a fine music academy. This building is considered both architecturally and culturally valuable. The architecture and design details are strongly influenced by the typical masonry and local basalt work which is most evident in the ornamentation of the main doors, the windows, the staircase, the arches and the stone slab flooring.

Hotel Marina Atlantico – Across the marina and the Port of Cruises, in the center of Ponta Delgada in S. Miguel Island, Hotel Marina Atlantico offers a superb view of the ocean and the horizon which is colored by boat masts and flags. Hotel Marina Atlântico embodies a ship with high masts resting on the shore. Arguably the best hotel in town, its luminous and modern decor is inspired by nautical motifs which invite you to have a serene and unique experience. A first class health club is also available for guests to use.

Hotel Avenida – Perfectly located in the heart of Ponta Delgada in S. Miguel Island, Hotel Avenida has an urban flair paired with a modern and inviting interior design. Hotel Avenida is known for its hospitality, first class service and the professionalism of a team who caters to your well being. Complete your evenings at Mercator Bar where the ambiance is relaxed and enjoyable and you can sample a variety of drinks and snack on light meals.

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Highlights

Sete Cidades – Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a beautiful glassy green and blue body of water within a caldera northwest of Ponta Delgada. Sete Cidades has two lagoons (one green and one blue) and is storied with myths and legends. Stop at the viewpoint on the northern edge of the caldera and admire the lagoons of Carvao and Canario. It is also worth stopping at the viewpoint of Vista Rei which lends a panoramic view over the lagoons and Sete Cidades. Go down to the village and the lagoons stopping at the viewpoints of Cerrado das Freiras and S. Tiago lagoon.

Ponta Delgada – Ponta Delgada is a flat town that stretches along a bay on the island’s south coast. Founded in 1533, the parish church of São Sebastião is notable for its Manueline façade and two outstanding Baroque doorways, as well as an impressive high altar of carved cedar wood. Occupying the former monastery of Santo André, the Carlos Machado Museum portrays the development of the region’s fishing and farming industries over the centuries.

Furnas – Lagoa das Furnas is an active caldera with steam vents, mud pots and geysers where locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas. Pay a visit to the fumaroles, the lagoon and the park of  Terra Nostra which includes a beautiful botanical garden. Between noon and 3pm, you can catch the men removing a famous meat casserole from the earth ovens. Once all the casseroles are removed, they are delivered by truck to all the local restaurants where you can taste the traditional dish.

Lagoa da Fogo (Fire Like) – Lagoa da Fogo is a beautiful caldera lake which rests high up in the mountains. It is treasured for its dramatic views and white sand beach.

Food & Drink

Some of the specialties on the island include: caldo azedo, torresmos de molho de figado, assado misto, roasted or stewed octopus, and lapas de molho de afonso. Visitors should be sure and try the different cheeses the island has to offer: soft cheese, dry cheese and fresh cow milk cheese. The pineapple of Sao Miguel is a must at the end of a meal.

Vinho de Cheiro (a kind of strawberry wine) is produced on the island and is the most famous wine produced in the Caloura region. Worthy of a mention are the liqueurs, namely the pineapple and passion fruit liqueurs. The tea produced at Gorreana and Porto Formoso is also a much appreciated drink.

Culture & Festivities

The festival in honor of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres takes place annually on the fifth Sunday after Easter and constitutes the greatest religious celebration, not only for the residents of Sao Miguel, but for all the people of the archipelego.

Another manifestation of the faith of the people is the Procession of Snhor dos Enfermos, which takes place in several places on the island on the first Sunday after Easter. The procession that takes place in Furnas is very beautiful as it passes through the streets covered in carpets of flowers.

This island of wine, cheese and peace has neat, whitewashed towns, clean streets and sidewalks and a remote volcanic countryside filled with grazing cows and vineyards. The ever-present volcanic peak slips in and out of the clouds on visits to Lajes, a tiny seaside whaling village of black volcanic homes whitewashed in patterns. Today, Pico is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pico represents life on a grand scale, from the mountain that rises from the sea to form the island, to the epic struggle between whaling boats and the powerful sperm whale to the efforts of local men who built houses from black lava and cultivated vineyards and fields in volcanic soil.

Pico is its own small world that was built throughout the centuries by whalers, farmers and fishermen. Your holiday here will be full of contrasts, from the barren edges of an old volcano to vineyards of figs and grapes and from vast panoramas to cozy villages perched above the sea.

Getting To and Around Pico Island

SATA, the regional airline, flies daily to Pico, departing from the airports of Ponta Delgada  in São Miguel and Lajes in Terceira. There is also a ferry that connects Pico to the islands of Faial and Sao Jorge (This ferry route is also known as “the triangle”). Transportation options include car rentals, taxis and public bus. The bus line travels to and from the main towns and places of interest on the island, including stops in Madalena, in front of the Whalers’ Museum in Lajes do Pico and in front of the old fishing port in Sao Roque.

Places to Stay

Aldeia da Fonte Hotel – Aldeia da Fonte is a charming hotel perched above the sea with the splendorous Pico Mountain as a backdrop. Conceived to be a bastion of truly sustainable ecological tourism, the property was based on traditional local architecture using the natural materials of the region, such as volcanic rock. The surrounding gardens are  elegant and carefully maintained (most of the original flora has been preserved)  creating a serene locale. Aldeia da Fonte is located by the sea in the south of Pico Island, 5 minutes by car from Lajes do Pico, the traditional whaling village of the Azores.

Pocinho Bay – Boutique Hotel – Located on the volcanic rocky coast on a small bay facing Faial, this former hamlet has recently been converted into a high quality, stylish retreat. This is an ideal place for a special occasion with its chic style. The owner has designed and decorated the original stone cottages beautifully with gorgeous gilded framed mirrors and antique paintings set against the interior volcanic stone walls. There are tranquil areas to relax everywhere from the extensive 12 acres of land and gardens to the hammocks on the terrace overlooking the bay.

Hotel Caravelas – This hotel is located in the heart of Madalena on Pico Island and is close to the beach with a view of the island of Faial. The Hotel Caravelas is 110 yards from the port and a short drive to the island’s airport. Experience exquisite dining at the stylish restaurant that serves a wide choice of excellent dishes. The hotel’s cozy bar is the perfect place for you to relax with exotic drinks. The hotel also features a swimming pool and meeting room.

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Highlights

Climb Pico Mountain – Considered one of the world’s most beautiful volcanos, Pico is the highest point in the Portuguese territory. Climbing the volcano is a challenge even for those who are in good physical condition and climbers must be accompanied by a qualified guide. The peak offers a spectacular view of the other islands in the central group of the archipelago.

Museu dos Baleeiros – Situated in Lajes do Pico, this whaling museum displays whale bones and teeth as well as various instruments used by the whaling industry. There is also a whaler’s canoe packed with gear and the first boat with an engine ever used.

Pico Vineyards – The distinctive Pico vineyards are a maze of stone walls which add a unique aspect to the island’s landscape. The product of these grapevines is the famous wine known as ‘Verdelho do Pico’. This is a superb aperitif sold in nearly every shop and restaurant. If laid end to end, the lava stones that combine to create the miles and miles of stone wall surrounding Pico’s vineyards would go around the world more than once.

Sperm Whale Encounter

Whale Watching – In the Atlantic, Pico is the meeting point of the Cetaceans. The rich food-chain attracts several whale species all year round. Sperm whales are present at all times and 24 different types of whales including baleen whales and blue whales are present at various times of the year.

Swimming with Dolphins – As a result of dolphins constantly swimming and diving along side the whale watching boats, the local companies have recently started tours that allow participants to swim with dolphins in the wild. Tour participants can swim and observe five different types of dolphins.

Food & Drink

There are many cafes in the area and all of them offer good food for reasonable prices. Great fish, amazing beef and excellent shellfish are at the heart of many delicious meals on the island of Pico. Delicacies that are worth a try include the famous fish soup known as “caldos de peixe,” a hearty meat dish called “mohla de carne” and octopus chowder. Served either in the beginning of or at the end of each meal, Pico cheese goes well with bread or homemade maize cake.

Pico wines are wonderful and have a long tradition. The aperitifs, white and red table wines, “vinho de cheiro” and angelica can all be tasted at the local restaurants.

Hocus Pocus – The Hocus Pocus Restaurant is located at the Aldeia da Fonte Hotel, but has been acquiring an identity of its own by welcoming external customers thus giving hotel guests of all nationalities an opportunity to mingle with the locals. Its exquisite and creative cuisine, matched by its high quality service, has earned Hocus Pocus the reputation as one of the the best restaurants on the island.

Restaurante O Ancoradouro – Located at the Esplanade in Madalena where waves crash and the salty air refreshes the spirit, Restaurante O Ancoradouro is a great place to try the local cheese and sip Pico wine.

Culture & Festivities

In Sao Roque do Pico, festivities that attract visitors to the island take place during the last week of July and include concerts, cultural events and exhibitions.

In Lajes do Pico, Whalers’ Week takes place during the last week of August. It is celebrated in honor of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes and has a strong religious component. Throughout the week, Lajes is visited by hundreds of people that come to watch and participate in concerts, whalers’ boat races, exhibitions and other cultural events.

Madalena pays homage to its patron saint on June 22 with great events. The religious activities, concerts and other cultural events mean a great deal to Madalena. In November, the Feast of Vineyards and Wine takes place in Madalena.