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The poet Raul Brandão nicknamed her “Ilha Azul”, the blue island, because of the many hydrangeas present on its territory: it is Faial, island of the Azores which - from year to year - sees an increase in the presence of tourists.
With an area of 173 square kilometers, and a population of around 15.000 people, Faial has the highest point at 1043 metres: it is the Cabeço Gordo, volcano with a large and deep caldera. After all, it is an island of volcanic origin which - together with São Jorge and Pico (from which it is separated only by an 8 kilometer wide channel) - forms the "islands of the triangle".
But what can be done in Faial? Above all, relax, enjoying its sea and its uncontaminated nature. However, there are points that cannot be missed, starting with Horta Marina, with the colorful ones drawings that sailors once made by hand, as a symbol of good luck. In fact, it is precisely his people who make Faial famous murals: not only the ancient inscriptions, but also those paintings begun on the initiative of a crew of a sailing boat docked at the port of Horta. There is even a legend circulating: the boat that leaves no memory is said to face bad luck.
To enjoy the most beautiful panorama you climb the ancient volcano of Monte Guia, or you reach the promontory of Ponta da Espalamaca, overlooking the port. Going along a road surrounded by hydrangeas, however, you arrive at the Boiler, volcanic crater with a diameter of two kilometers located in the heart of Faial: you can stop along one of the many panoramic points that allow you to admire it, or organize an excursion by taking a 8 kilometer route around its circumference.
Obviously, then, there are the beaches. With their pebbles or black volcanic sand, they are the ideal place to relax in front of the sea. The most beautiful? Almoxarife Beach, Playa Norte, Playa Varadouro, Playa Alagoa and Playa Porto Pim. And it is precisely in Porto Pim that it is possible to visit the Whale Station, an old factory where their meat was processed. Now that whales are no longer hunted, numerous whale watching boats leave from Faial.
How to get to Faial
The best way to reach Faial isplane, landing at Horta airport, where the companies Azores Airlines and SATA Air Açores operate: the first connects the island to Lisbon, the second with the other Azores islands. Alternatively you can choose the barca, if you come from one of the other islands.
