Faial
Faial is one in the Azores islands that you very often see recommended by tourist authorities. And for
many
good reasons. It has a beautiful landscape, and is placed in a good position if you want to visit the islands of
Pico and São Jorge. Faial also has a sunny climate, and a wonderful view towards
Pico. Faial is absolutely
worth a visit. Faial is about 21 x 14 km. and the main town is Horta. Here
you have a population of about
16.000 people.
If you are planning to go to Faial by air from Terceira or São Miguel and it's sold out, then you can try to get a
ticket to Pico Airport instead. Take a taxi from the airport to the Madalena-Horta
ferry. The ferry only takes about
35 minutes, and runs all day long.
In 1957 there was a huge eruption on the eastern side of Faial, which
together
with a heavy earthquake destroyed
many houses incl. the lighthouse. But it added about 1,5 Square kilometres to the area of the
western part of
Faial
named " Ponta dos Capelinhos", which is a very exiting area, and a
must to visit. Here you will get a very good
impression of the incredible power from the nature. There is a small museum
here. Also in 1998 there was a huge
earthquake measuring 6,8 on the Richter
scale, which
of cause destroyed many buildings.
Faial has a good bus transportation system, that covers the entire island. Apart
from Sao Miguel Faial is visited
by the largest numbers of tourists. The reason could very well be the very big Marina. Many sailors crossing the
Atlantic take a break here.
There are several nice hotels and residencias in and around Horta, which is the biggest and most important
town on Faial.
The nature of Faial is dominated by the volcano named "Caldeira do
Faial", which created Faial in the
first place.
It's possible to drive all the way to the very top of the extinct volcano. From the top there is a magnificent view of
most of Faial and towards the islands of Pico and São Jorge.
The ferry to the Pico island leaves from Horta several
times during the day. There Is also regular ferry service to
Sao Jorge and Terceira during the summer. If you plan to visit Pico and want to rent a car, I recommend that you
establish contact with to a car rental company in
Horta. They will arrange for you to be picked up at the ferry at
Madalena harbour by a local car rental company. All the paperwork is done in advance, and within
no time at all,
your are on your way to discover Pico.
If you are flying from Faial to Sao Miguel, you MIGHT have the
opportunity to see the very top of Pico, at a very
close range. The plane fly very close at the same altitude as the very top of
Pico. It's really a breathtaking view.
Being in position to take pictures, make sure you are sitting on the left side
in the airplane away from the wing.
2
restaurants I would like to recommend. "Restaurant A AVORE", Rua da
Conceicao 23. (Eastern part of Horta).
They only serve buffet, but what a nice big buffet. Several hot meals, and many
kinds of salads at an affordable
price. All well prepared in a cozy atmosphere.
They have English speaking staff.
"Restaurant Kabem Todos", placed next to the fire station in the
eastern part of Horta. Very nice meals from a
well assorted menu. Friendly and polite English speaking staff.
See also General information about the Azores. ( F. A. Q. )
