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Faial Island, known as the “Blue Island,” is a stunning gem marking one of the three points of the Azores’ “triangle islands.” The island’s beauty stems from its blend of gorgeous landscapes, rich history, and unique volcanic features. This two-day Faial, Azores itinerary introduces visitors to the best of Faial, helping to explore scenic viewpoints, natural pools, historic sites, and delicious Azorean cuisine. We also included an optional third day for those who want to dive deeper into this unique island.
Faial, Azores Itinerary Day 1: Volcanic Landscapes and Natural Pools
Breakfast in Horta
Start your day with breakfast along Horta’s famous marina. Café Volga and Café Internacional are both popular spots where you can enjoy fresh pastries, espresso, and a view of the water and sailboats.
Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
After breakfast, head out of town, going up to Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. This scenic viewpoint features a statue of the Virgin Mary along with panoramic views of Horta and the surrounding islands.
Caldeira
One of Faial’s most stunning natural features, and a must on anyone’s Faial, Azores itinerary, is the Caldeira. This massive volcanic crater stretches over a mile (2 km) in diameter. My favorite part is walking through the tunnel at the edge of the parking lot and watching as the breathtaking view opens up on the other side. The trail around the circumference of the caldeira offers a moderately challenging 2.5-hour hike, with unobstructed views of the crater floor and surrounding greenery.
Lunch at Aldina Restaurant and Bar or Restaurante O Esconderijo
After your hike, refuel at Aldina Restaurant and Bar or Restaurante O Esconderijo. Both spots serve traditional Azorean dishes with local ingredients and are not too far out of the way when heading to your next destination.
Volcanic Interpretation Center
Next, continue towards the Volcanic Interpretation Center and stop at the beautiful Miradouro da Ribeira Funda along the way. At the interpretation center, visitors can delve into the island’s geological history through the museum’s exhibits documenting the volcanic eruption of Capelinhos in 1957. The exhibits outline how the 1957 eruption reshaped Faial’s western tip, making the museum a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural forces that shaped the Azores. While in the area, take some time to enjoy the viewpoints and the Farol do Ponta dos Capelinhos (lighthouse) nearby.
Swim at Varadouro Natural Pools
After a day of hiking and learning, cool off with a relaxing swim at Varadouro Natural Pools, a set of lava-formed pools along Faial’s coastline. These pools are my favorite spot to swim on the island! They are also popular with locals, so they may be crowded during peak season.
Dinner at Restaurante Bela Vista or Restaurant Atletico
End the day with a delicious local dinner. If you want to eat somewhere close to Varadouro Pools, check out Restaurante Bela Vista. If you’d rather head back to Horta for dinner, Restaurant Atletico is a great option for fresh seafood.
Faial, Azores Itinerary Day 2: Beaches and Maritime History
Breakfast at Café do Porto Pim
Start day two with breakfast at Café do Porto Pim, a cozy spot by the beach and near your first stop of the day. Enjoy your coffee while soaking in the views of Porto Pim Bay.
Monte da Guia
After breakfast, hike up to Monte da Guia, an ancient volcanic cone that later fused with Faial Island. The journey to the top is fairly easy and rewards one of the best panoramic views of Horta, Porto Pim Beach, and the surrounding waters.
Fábrica da Baleia de Porto Pim
Also part of Porto Pim Bay, the Fábrica da Baleia teaches about the island’s whaling history. The former whaling factory turned museum gives visitors a fascinating look into Faial’s whaling industry, which played a significant role in the island’s past. You can learn about the process of whale oil production and see artifacts from when whaling was a major industry in the Azores.
Relax at Porto Pim Beach
After the museum, take a break at the nearby Porto Pim Beach. This sandy cove is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, making it one of the best beaches on the island. The calm surroundings make it an ideal spot to relax before continuing your day.
Lunch at Peter Café Sport
For lunch, head to the iconic Peter Café Sport, a legendary spot for sailors that should be on every visitor’s Faial, Azores itinerary. Known for its lively atmosphere and maritime decoration, Peter Café Sport offers a hearty menu featuring local specialties. While there, don’t miss the Scrimshaw Museum within the restaurant. The museum houses an impressive collection of scrimshaw (art carved into whale bones and teeth), providing a unique look into Azorean culture and craftsmanship.
Horta Marina
After lunch, stroll along Horta Marina. While exploring, keep an eye out for the famous colorful murals left by sailors passing through. This tradition of painting murals for safe travels dates back decades and adds an artistic touch to the marina. Nearby, you can also explore Forte de Santa Cruz, a historic fort dating back to the 16th century.
Farol da Ponta da Ribeirinha
Your next stop will take you on a short detour out of town to visit Farol da Ponta da Ribeirinha. The lighthouse was heavily damaged from the earthquake of 1998 but continues to stand as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the natural forces of the Azores Islands.
Igreja de São Mateus
Nearby, visitors will also find a charming whitewashed church called Igreja de São Mateus, another victim of the earthquake in 1998. While the church is now in ruins, it offers visitors a quiet place to appreciate a still impressive piece of Faial’s religious heritage.
Praia do Almoxarife
End your afternoon with a visit to Praia do Almoxarife, another popular beach that features volcanic black sand. From the beach on a clear day, visitors can also enjoy views of Pico Island across the water.
Dinner at Bliss Beach Club Faial or Gastro Bar Principe
For dinner near Praia do Almoxarife, head to Bliss Beach Club Faial, a trendy spot with a view of the beach, delicious food, and late-night drinks. If you’d rather head back to your Horta accommodations to freshen up before dinner, end your evening at Gastro Bar Principe in the town center.
Faial, Azores Itinerary Optional Extra Day
We always recommend spending extra time at a destination if you can.
Horta Botanical Garden + Horta Museum
If you have an extra day in Faial, explore more of Horta’s gems. One popular spot to visit is Jardim Botanico do Faial, where you’ll find a variety of native and exotic plants. For more history about the island, head to the Horta Museum, which provides insights into the island’s maritime heritage and volcanic landscape.
Whale Watching
To enjoy a staple experience of the Azores, join a whale-watching tour. Faial is one of the best places in the Azores to spot whales and dolphins, particularly between May and October. Many local companies offer guided tours, allowing you to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Horseback Riding
Faial is one of the few Azores Islands that offers horseback riding tours. On these tours, visitors can enjoy a scenic horseback ride along the Lusitano Trail on the northern coast of Faial. The ride takes guests along the coastal cliff and through local villages providing awe-inspiring views along the way.
Day Trip
Just a short ferry ride away, visitors can explore one of the other two triangle islands – Pico or São Jorge. Both are worth taking a day trip to explore if you have the time.
With this Faial, Azores itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Faial’s nature, history, and Azorean charm. If you’d prefer to explore Faial on a full-day tour instead, I recommend this Faial Island Tour to hit the must-see spots. Whether you’re hiking around the caldeira, exploring Horta’s vibrant marina, or relaxing on a volcanic beach, Faial promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.