2 Best Sights in Capelo, Faial

When the Capelinhos Volcano erupted in the 20th century, it completely changed not only the landscape of Faial, but the population as well. The undersea eruption created a lunar-like island that extended the coastal land mass, and resulted in about half of the population leaving Faial, never to return. Today you can visit the innovatively designed Volcano Museum—created underground to respect the landscape above—to get a better sense of what happened, as well as to learn more about the geological history of the Azores. Afterward, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse, partially buried during the eruption, for panoramic views.

At these dramatic black basaltic natural rock pools about 20 km (12 miles) northwest of Horta, you’ll find two enclosed “pools” created from the ocean water, perfect for a dip without having to worry about waves; one pool is especially for children. It’s also possible to access the ocean directly here, though this is recommended only for strong swimmers as the waves can be substantial. There’s a concrete area around the pools suitable for lounging between swims. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.