Description Faial

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Faial is located in the central group of the Azores archipelago, and is part of the so-called “triangle islands”, together with São Jorge and the neighboring Pico Island separated by the Canal do Faial, a narrow arm of the sea with about 8 km wide.

Cabeço Gordo, in the central zone of the island, with 1,043 m of altitude is its highest point. It is a magnificent natural viewpoint that, in good weather, allows you to see all the islands in the triangle and even Graciosa.

Nearby, there is a huge crater called Caldeira, about 2 km in diameter and 400m deep. It is surrounded by blue hydrangeas and lush vegetation, of which cedars, junipers, beech, ferns and mosses stand out, part of which are significant examples of the island's original vegetation.

Due to its geographical situation, the city of Horta offers unique landscapes of the island of Pico and, at times, of S. Jorge. It is flanked by Ponta da Espalamaca and Monte da Guia, whose viewpoints, together with those of Monte Carneiro, offer rich panoramic views of the city and the immensity of the sea.

At the western end of the island, the Capelinhos Volcano stands majestic, as a testament to the last volcanic eruption that occurred in the Azores between 1957 and 1958 and which added new land to the existing one. Entering this area is like landing on a lunar surface. Here we can visit the Interpretation Center, equipped with the most modern exhibition and multimedia techniques. The visit to this center ends with the climb to the top of the lighthouse, for an incomparable visual and emotional experience.

The Capelo road, already on the way to the south coast, offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in Faial - Varadouro - a beautiful bay, dominated by the Castelo Branco hill, with black rock tips along with vineyards and flowers. A summer resort par excellence, it has several pools formed by the cut out of basaltic rocks of volcanic nature and hot springs.

The North Coast offers a succession of panoramic views. Access to this area is made from Horta, following the road that surrounds the island, passing by Praia do Almoxarife and Pedro Miguel. Further on, Ribeirinha, Cedros, and Ribeira Funda appear. Continuing along the same road, you arrive at Praia do Norte, where the viewpoint of Costa Brava, with an altitude of 320 m, offers views of Fajã. Then, Fajã da Praia and Norte Pequeno offer the contrast between black lava lands and lush vegetation.

Castelo Branco and Feteira, already on the south coast, offer stunning landscapes of the island of Pico. Close to Horta, Lajinha and Ponta Furada deserve special attention for their set of furnas and curious lava arches.

Horta, a small and picturesque town has a lot to visit. The church of São Salvador, the church of Nossa Senhora da Carmo, the church of S. Francisco (integrated in the Museum of “Sacred Art” and the Museum of Horta) are just a few examples.