7 Best Sights in Faial, The Azores

Located toward the center of the island (and therefore best accessed by car), this stunning ancient volcanic crater with a diameter of 2 km (more than 1 mile) and a depth of 1,312 feet started forming at least 400,000 years ago, with the last volcanic event taking place 1,000 years ago. There’s a scenic viewpoint to snap a few pictures, or opt for the fairly easy hike around the 7-km (4-mile) circular trail that winds around the rim’s perimeter; there are some narrow sections, so bring your hiking shoes. The perimeter walk takes two to three hours to complete and offers lovely views of the lush laurel forest and, if you’re lucky and the day is clear, to Mt. Pico in the distance.

Set in a sheltered bay—with very few waves, making it a great choice for families—Porto Pim Beach is a long, narrow strip of gray sand backed by Monte Queimado and next to Monte da Guia. The first settlers on Faial landed here in the 15th century. Today it’s the most popular beach on the island for swimming and sunbathing, very walkable from the center of Horta and with a number of attractions off its western end, including houses belonging to the once-prominent Dabney family that have been turned into low-key museums. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

Perhaps the most beautiful sandy beach in the Azores, with black volcanic sand, clear water, and views out to Pico Island. Though the Atlantic water can be a bit cold, with the possibility of waves, Praia do Almoxarife makes a delightful stop for lunch at one of the beachside restaurants before or after a stroll, swim, or snorkel. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

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 at the site of the volcano—created underground to respect the landscape above—to get a better sense of what happened at that time, as well as to learn more about the geological history of the Azores. If time permits, start with the 10-minute film for an introductory background on volcanoes. Afterward, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse, partially buried during the eruption, for panoramic views. Once back outside, you have the option of taking the steep climb up the volcanic ridge to get an even better sense of the desolate terrain.

Stop at this viewpoint at the Ponta da Espalamaca, a short drive northeast of the town of Horta, for spectacular views on a clear day not only of Horta itself but also of Monte da Guia, Praia do Almoxarife, and Mt. Pico. There’s a monument dedicated to Our Lady of Conception along with a 98-foot cross.

It’s worth a stop at this small museum within an 18th-century Jesuit college to learn more about Faial’s history, from the first Atlantic seaplane flight that stopped here in the late 19th century to historical submarine telegraph cables used to reduce the communication time between North America and Europe. There’s also an interesting collection of elaborate miniatures made out of the pith, or white kernels, from the inside of fig tree branches.

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.