The island of Faial is part of the central group of the Archipelago. It is located 66 nautical miles from Terceira, 4.5 nautical miles from Pico and 11 miles from São Jorge. With an area of ​​approximately 172 km2, being the city of Horta the seat of the unique county of the island. The island is designated Blue Island by the abundance of hydrangeas that border the roads and divide the fields and the grasslands in hedges of flowers.
Its location in close proximity to other islands produces a comfortable sense of accompaniment and a strong aesthetic impression. Pico, in particular, is a presence that greatly values ​​the landscape of Faial. Sit in the entire city of Horta the attraction of the majestic mountain of the neighboring island.
One of the most relevant elements of the island's identity is the port of Horta. The port was first developed as a trading warehouse for the Pico wine, since the owners of the vineyards resided in Faial and all the wine was drained by the bay of Horta.
Another distinctive feature of the island is the intense seismic activity that has characterized it in the past, visible in the various craters that exist on the island. In 1957 a large volcanic eruption, that of the Capelinhos, on the islet of the same name, located about 1 km from the coast, projected large amounts of lava and ash that formed a small island that later connected to the island of Faial an isthmus.

The University of the Azores has in Faial a department with international projection dedicated to research in the area of ​​oceanography and fisheries.

On this island, there are some departments of the Regional Government of the Azores, such as the Regional Directorate for Tourism and the Regional Secretariats of Agriculture and the Environment. It is also in Horta that the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores meets.

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Cabeço Gordo - With an altitude of 1,043 meters, it is located in the center of the island. It offers breathtaking views of the nearby islands of Pico and São Jorge;

The Caldeira - A huge crater, 2 km in diameter and 400 m deep, is an area classified as a nature reserve and is a major attraction of the island;

Monte da Guia - A mountain from where you can have a look at the city of Horta. It is also a protected nature reserve;

Ponta dos Capelinhos - One of the main tourist attractions on the island of Faial. Here the visitor can see the results of the eruption of 1957, which transformed the landscape, burying fields and houses. The old lighthouse still exists and offers a view of the surrounding space;

The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center - located in the parish of Capelo, is a bold architecture project, where the building, buried to the ground before the eruption, simultaneously assumes itself as a center of science and memory, registering the history of the eruption of Capelinhos Volcano since the formation of the solar system, and the emotions associated with the event.

Lajinha and Ponta Furada - are a great attraction, presenting caves and strange arches of lava, where the sea usually flows violently against the rocks;

Valley of Flamengos - Beautiful area of ​​colorful plantations, flowers and picturesque houses;

Scrimshaw Museum - Private collection belonging to the owner of the popular Peter's Café Sport. It has on display more than a hundred pieces, among which are beautiful engravings of sailboats, mermaids and images of whaling;

Museu da Horta - Installed in the old Jesuit College, the museum is known for its collection of works in fig tree, a form of traditional handicraft of the island;

Porto da Horta - Built from 1876, this important seaport is the main port of call for many transatlantic yachts. The seawall is of special interest as it is covered by hundreds of paintings and messages left by travelers.

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Although Faial is facing the sea, over the centuries, its cuisine has received several influences. Thus, Faial escapes the rule in relation to many dishes characteristic of other Islands.

There are the typical dishes of Yam with Sausage, Meat Sauce, Morcelas, "Torresmos de Vinha-de-Alhos", Soups of the Holy Spirit, Fish Broth, Fish Stew and Octopus Stew with wine, accompanied by corn bread and soaked pasta.

Seafood lovers will love the taste of local lobsters, chipfish, crabs and delicious limpet rice. Cheese Island and other cheeses produced in Faial, that provide an excellent end of meal.

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Like the other islands in the archipelago, the climate in Faial is influenced by the current of the Gulf. The Azores Anti-Cyclone acts as a restraining force on the islands, keeping temperatures between 14 ° C (57 ° F) and 27 ° C (80 ° F) throughout the year. Some Atlantic storms arrive on the island during the winter months.

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