3 Best Hotels in Faial, The Azores

Located inside a 16th-century fort perched directly on the harbor’s edge, this atmospheric hotel offers rooms with balconies overlooking the military cannons positioned next to the fort’s walls. There’s a good-sized outdoor swimming pool with the same gorgeous views from the lounge chairs. Modern rooms are comfortable but a bit on the small side; the sea view rooms are the way to go. The on-site restaurant Sal & Pico serves lunch and dinner, and guests are also a short walk away from a large choice of tempting places to dine in Horta itself.

This collection of pale pink buildings, formerly part of the undersea cable company and perched up the hill from Faial’s harbor, is a little dated, but the lovely and extensive grounds include lots of amenities. These include an outdoor infinity pool with harbor views and a poolside bar, an indoor pool with a whirlpool, sauna, and gym, and balconies off of some guest rooms with prime views of Mt. Pico. Though the hotel is removed from the center of Faial, it’s only a short stroll down the hill to restaurants and bars.