3 Days in Faial: A Wild and Unspoiled Gem of the Azores

Day 1: Arrival in Horta and Coastal Exploration

Fly from São Miguel to Faial’s capital, Horta, and settle into the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

A great first stop is Monte da Guia, a scenic hill that offers panoramic views over Horta, the marina, and neighboring Pico Island. Depending on the time of year, it’s also an excellent whale-watching lookout, a fitting introduction to the island’s maritime heritage.

Take a leisurely walk along Horta's waterfront. Make sure to visit Peter's Cafe Sport, a bar located across from the marina. It also houses the island's scrimshaw museum and is a point of reference for transatlantic sailors. Horta's marina is a primary stop for yachts crossing the Atlantic and boasts a vibrant maritime culture. Enjoy the famous harbor paintings made by visiting sailors in a long-standing tradition of good luck. Occupying all of the walls of the port, new ones are painted over old paintings in an ongoing iteration of colorful murals. All drawings and words represent the many vessels that have docked in Horta.

In the evening, enjoy a unique dining experience at Canto da Doca, where you cook your own fresh seafood or meat on a volcanic stone at your table. We didn't know what to expect, as we happened upon the restaurant and decided to give it a try. While definitely a bit kitschy, we enjoyed the experience! Our own hibachi, but courtesy of the local volcano.

End the night with a glass of wine — from mainland Portugal or more locally, from Pico island — on your deck. Take in the silhouette of Mount Pico in the distance.

Day 2: Volcanic Landscapes and Hidden Beaches

Start your day with a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise over Pico Island. Located east of Faial, Pico boasts the highest mountain in all of Portugal. (Mt Pico's elevation is 7,713 ft above sea level.) After breakfast, hike up Monte da Guia and around the paths where you'll encounter historical sites, including an old whaling station and the famous location where the dramatic ‘Neptune’ photograph was captured during a fierce storm in 1986.

Next, head west to the Capelinhos Volcano. This is the site of a major volcanic eruption from September 1957 - October 1958 that reshaped the island and forced many locals to emigrate. Walking through the desolate, lunar-like landscape feels surreal and is a stark reminder of the Azores’ ever-changing geology. The nearby ruins of Costado da Nau whale lookout add to the historical depth of this area.

Head back to Horta and grab lunch at one of the cafes before visiting Praia do Porto Pim, a sheltered beach with calm waters, perfect for a refreshing dip. If you’re up for more exploring, drive up to Caldeira do Faial. This is the island’s central volcanic crater — and the highest point on the island. You can hike the rim or take a guided excursion down into the lush interior. (Hiking into the caldeira can only be done with a specially licensed guide and must be organized well in advance. There are strict limits on the number of people that can enter this protected area.)

Wrap up the day with a sunset at Miradouro de Cedros. This is a scenic lookout at the island’s northern point. Head back to your accommodation to enjoy local cheese, fresh bread and wine as the stars emerge over the Atlantic.

Day 3: Whale Watching

No visit to Faial is complete without a whale and dolphin-watching tour. There are several options, with each outfitter having an office set up along the Horta pier. We opted for Azores Experiences and loved it! It was an ethical, educational excursion where we saw Sei whales, bottlenose dolphins and even false killer whales. The waters around Faial are some of the best in the world for spotting marine life, and the guides prioritize conservation over aggressive whale-chasing practices.

Relax and spend the rest of the day as you'd like, whether at the beach or enjoying the views. Depending on your schedule and preference, you can fly out to your next island destination in the afternoon. Or spend one more evening and depart first thing in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Faial’s rugged beauty, deep maritime traditions and unique volcanic landscapes make it an essential stop on any Azorean adventure. Whether you’re gazing at Pico from your balcony, tracing the island’s volcanic history or encountering marine life up close, Faial offers a rare blend of history, adventure and raw natural splendor. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in the Azores, three days on Faial will deliver.

• Restaurante Genuino

• Canto da Doca

• Restaurant Atletico

• Cantinho das Provas

• Peter's Cafe Sport