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About Faial
It’s the perfect island destination for sailing, visiting a famous sailors’ cafe, and exploring an extinct volcano.
Faial is known as the blue island because of the hydrangeas of a very particular tone. These flowers are relatively common in all the archipelago, and they change color based on the soil’s pH level. This “hydrangea blue” is more common in Faial.
At the Capelinhos volcano, the world seems to stand still. The volcano was active for 13 months between 1957 and 1958. The lava that slid towards the Atlantic Ocean added new land to the island’s landscape.
No one died, but people left their ruins behind. Most of them moved to nearby islands or to North America. Although some plants have started to grow in the area these days, it’s still deserted enough to make you think about the force of Nature.
Horta, Faial’s only city, is worldwide famous among sailors. The almost 100-year-old cafe Peter’s and the Marina are well-known in the sailing community.
Top things to do in Faial island
Faial has a strong connection to the Ocean and to sea activities.
Take a stroll in Horta’s marina and see the paintings made by those who sailed by or stayed for a while on the island.
Lying on a black sand beach is also an acceptable sea activity. And, speaking of black sand, a trip to the extinct Capelinhos volcano has to be on the top things to do on your list.
Religious events take center stage on this island throughout the year too. Those include the Holy Spirit festivities in the Summer and Nossa Senhora das Angústias after Easter (a celebration that is as old as the Flemish settlement in the late 1400’s).
But celebrating the Ocean is what this island does best. They dedicate a full week of events to the sea. Semana do Mar (week of the sea) takes place every year in August, mixing music, folklore, and sea activities.
What to eat in Faial
Faial’s traditional cuisine is rich in fish, beef, and pork. A pastry called Fofas do Faialis unique to the island. The small cakes stuffed with a rich egg-based cream have a distinct flavor of fennel seeds.
Oh, and if you’re a gin and tonic enthusiast (I’m sorry, I can’t vouch for this myself since I don’t enjoy the drink at all), then the folks at Peter’s make a good one.
Maybe it’s a secret gin and tonic recipe, or perhaps it’s the view that gives it a unique taste. I guess you have to try it and let me know later.
Local souvenirs
Local handicrafts in Faial include works made from fig tree pith and flowers made from fish scales.
Creating art from fig tree pith is so unique that the city’s Museum has a whole room dedicated to the local artist Euclides Rosa and his work.
Any memorabilia from Peter’s Cafe Sport is also a great souvenir to add to your “I was here” collection.
* Please note that this information may change over time. Refer to the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in the country of your departure for updated information.