Portugal Maps: Faial Azores Map
Faial in the Azores archipelago is dominated by the central Caldeira, a volcanic crater over 300 meters (1,000 ft) in depth.
The main town and capital is Horta with numerous historic buildings and churches - its natural harbor and marina mean it has become a center for yachting.
At Ponta dos Capelinhos are dunes of dark volcanic cinders left by an undersea eruption in the late 1950s.
The island of Faial with an area of 173 square kilometres affords spectacular views of the other central islands forming what is known as the "Triangle" (Triangulo) along with Pico and São Jorge.
Horta hosts the Regional Parliament (Parlamento Regional) of the Azores and has a number of historic buildings, churches and museums.
The marina in Horta also attracts trans-Atlantic yachts and is a colorful and busy sight.
The island is volcanic in nature like the rest of the Azores. The Capelinhos volcano erupted as recently as 1957 and the coastal area is covered with black, volcanic ash.
The central part of Faial is dominated by the Caldeira around 2 km in width with a depth of 400 meters. It is about 15 km northwest of Horta.
The highest point on the island is Cabeço Gordo at 1,043 meters.
Accommodation on Flores mainly consists of lodges, rental homes and guesthouses.
Horta has the largest concentration of hotels on Faial with both high-end luxury hotels along with more budget guesthouses. Some recommended places to choose from include the boutique Hotel do Canal a 4-star hotel close to the sea, and the Hotel São Francisco with continental breakfast and free WiFi.
Elsewhere on the island try the Residencias Varadouro in the village of Capelo on the west coast or the Pátio Lodge, accommodation with vegetarian food as an option in Cedros on the northern coast.
See a listing of available accommodation in Faial.
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