Faial is an island located in the central part of the Azores, and an obligatory intermediate point for yachtsmen from all over the world at the crossing of the Atlantic. Here is the famous marina, where you can see yachts from all over the world, as evidenced by the flags of different countries.
Faial is a young island that appeared as a result of volcanic eruptions, however, like all the islands of the Azores archipelago, so the sandy gently sloping beaches here a rarity (this is due to the fact that sand is formed millions of years later - as a result of the destruction of rocks).
Surprising is that literally from any point of the island you can contemplate the highest point of Portugal on the island of Pico - Pico volcano. The capital of the island is the city of Orta where the harbor is located.
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How to get to Faial Island
By plane TAP Port ugal and Sata from Lisbon. Flight will take about 2 hours
Search for air tickets to the city of Horta (the nearest airport to Fiale)
Transportation
The main type of public transport is the bus. The steamer is a classic means of transportation between the islands. The boat that connects Orta and Piku runs four times a day.
Car rental agencies and motor scooters are operating on the island. You can also easily travel to the island by taxi.
Money
You can exchange money in shops, multibancos, which work around the clock.
Climate of the island Faial
The climate is subtropical oceanic, soft and warm. The average temperature in summer is +24 ° C, in winter - +17 ° C.
Beaches Fiala
On the island of Faial there is the largest number of beaches, compared to other islands of the Azores archipelago.
- Porto Pim - the beach near Orta, where the lightest sand is compared to the rest of the islands, is the quietest and quietest beach.
- Castelo Branco is a delightful hidden bay, fenced by rocks, located just below the airport.
- Varadouro. The village of Varadouro has always been a place for recreation of citizens of Horta. It is located at the foot of the cliff, so there is the most mild climate. Here is a swimming pool surrounded on all sides by black rocks (the consequences of a volcanic eruption) and separated from the open sea.
- Comprido. Next to the Capelinhos volcano there is an ancient port surrounded on three sides by stone walls and today it is intended for bathing. There is a lot of fish and crabs in its waters that the kid likes.
- Faja - a big black sandy beach with waves, which are fun to frolic.
- Porta da Eira - which is not so easy to get. The road includes a steep climb up the mountain, and then back - a steep descent. But all efforts are justified, since after reaching this beautiful place, it is struck by its crystal clear and fresh water.
- Porta da Salão - Salão's bathing place is similar to Porta da Eira, as the path to it is also not simple.
- Praia de Pedro Miguel - today it is the quietest and most hidden beach. It is difficult to meet someone here, the place is too secluded, so you can have a picnic outdoors and secluded from the worldly bustle.
- Praia do Almoxariffe - a beach in the east of Horta. A very popular black sandy beach. Nearby there is parking and several restaurants and eateries. In the summer months, music groups perform in the central square
Cuisine and restaurants at Faial
Gastronomy on the island of Faial does not contain any exotic dishes that are different from traditional Azores.
Here are prepared dishes such as: linguiça com inhames, molha de carne, morcelas de porco, torresmos de vinha-de-alhos (bacon cooked with wine and garlic), sopas do Esperito Santo (beef broth), as well as caldo de peixe (fish soup), caldeirada (stewed fish) and polvo guisado com vinho (octopus stewed in wine) served with corn bread and massa sovada (dough), arroz doce (rice dessert). Lovers of mollusks will be happy to try local lobsters, deep-sea crabs and delicious arroz de lapas. Fiala produces llha cheese, as well as sweet cheeses called fofas, and are well-suited to local food.
Cafe Peter Cafe Sport (Horta , Rua José Azevedo, 9) - an international club of yachtsmen in the Atlantic and the most popular place where a special audience gathers - yachtsmen, skippers, sea wolves from around the world. Today, no self-respecting yachtsman and tourist leave the island without visiting this famous cafe.
The restaurants on the island of Faial well prepare both fish and meat, and poultry. Fish is cooked only with freshly caught, hence the choice in the menu, if you can not catch the swordfish today, something else will be suggested, but always fresh.
Canto do Doca (Rua Nova Angustias, Horta) - an interesting place where bring fresh raw food and put on the table, and before each guest on the table is a hot stone (something like an alternative to a frying pan), on which he prepares his own food, if the stone cools, then it is replaced by a new hot one. An informal institution, sailors everywhere and a fairly simple audience, but the atmosphere is pleasant.
Faial Mar (Complexo Balnear Foz da Ribeira do Faial) - it's well cooked, tasty home-made wine, large portions. The average bill is 8-12 EUR per person.
Restaurante Ponta Furada (Lajinha s / n | Feteira, Horta) - a great place with a view of the ocean and Pico. Here the friendly staff and delicious food. The cost of lunch for 1 person with drinks is about 7 EUR
Entertainment, excursions and attractions of the island Faial
Faial is famous for churches of the 17th and 18th centuries, decorated with tiles and gilded carvings. It is also worth visiting the Caldeira Reserve, the grottoes and caves of Costa da Feteit and the Monte de Guia Observation Deck.
Another municipality's landmark is the pier and the mole wall around the harbor of Horta - a colorful carpet of hundreds of "autographs" of sailors from all over the world. , with ship names, names, dates, mottos and pictures.
Faial is also one of the most successful places in the Azores where you can admire whales and dolphins. During the sea trip, it is possible to meet other species of marine life: turtles and marlin. You can also swim with dolphins. This excursion program is suitable for the whole family. One excursion (3 hours) will cost around 60 EUR per person
On the island almost on every beach near the hotels Norberto organizes diving (diving), equipment is rented. For golf lovers, there are also golf courses with their cozy restaurants with a beautiful view of the sea.
Events
On the island of Faial, the St. John's festival takes place on June 24, which attracts pilgrims from all over the island. The action takes place in the park of Largo Jaime Melo, where, to the sound of the music played by the ensembles of stringed instruments, they dance and have a good time.
Every year in Orth, from the first to the second Sunday in August, there is a week of the sea - a festival dedicated to the sea. At this time, the port is filled with dozens of sailing vessels with their colorful sails and flags, sailing competitions, the Faial Piku regatta, water games for young people. Cities are filled with music, ensembles of stringed instruments perform, songs and dances everywhere, folk music, animation, charity fairs, exhibitions of arts and crafts.