Sightseeing in Ilha do Faial - what to see. Complete travel guide

Ilha do Faial is the volcanic island situated in the heart of the Azores archipelago. It constantly attracts yachtsmen from all over the world, as well as fans of beach recreation and eco-tourism. Hydrangeas that can be seen literally everywhere are considered hallmarks of the island. Ilha do Faial owes its unofficial name, Blue Island, to its beautiful flowers. Ilha do Faial is the leader of the archipelago by the number of suitable beaches for recreation. However, its guests should definitely pay attention not only to the scenic coast, but also to historical sites.

There are many amazing churches built in the 17th - 18th centuries, they can be seen in almost all localities. The oldest settlement on the island is Sedrush village. You won’t find a better place to explore the way of life of indigenous people. There you can see amazing residential buildings, look into craft shops and enjoy classic home-cooked meals in one of the cozy restaurants.

Volcanic islands are famous for their amazing natural attractions; sightseeing is the basis of any excursion program. In the immediate vicinity to the island's capital, Horta, there is the coastal area of Punto Furada that would be interesting to explore. During formation of the island there appeared a series of stunningly beautiful lava caves and arches that are striking in their harmony and order. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Largo Jaime de Melo and Vale dos Flamengush vacationers can explore endless green meadows. The fabulously beautiful Ribeirinha mountains are fully occupied by pastures. In the immediate vicinity of Salru, which is notable for its architecture, there is a vast field of hydrangea, which is the largest on the island. Tourists can appreciate the diversity of local flora and fauna during a walk around the Caldeira Park. Free access to the protected area is prohibited, so guests can walk on the unique natural places of the island only with a guide.

Norte Pequeno and Fazha da Praia do Norte attract many travelers with their amazing Martian landscapes. Here you can stroll through the extensive lava fields and see extinct volcanoes. Ilha do Faial has appeared thanks to once vigorous volcanic activity. Adventurers will enjoy walking along Costa Brava cliff, whose height is more than 300 meters. This is one of the most beautiful places on the island, so a lot of impressions are guaranteed.

Travelers who wish to diversify traditional vacations by exploring historic sites have to take a stroll through the town of Horta. This small town has a number of unique historical buildings; priority attention should be given to the lovely Church of San Salvador. Built in the 18th century, it has fully retained its pristine interior decoration. The religious monument of the earlier period is the Igreja de Sao Francisco built in the 17th century. The beautiful old Porto Pim Church has survived in the capital; the most visited cultural venue is the Museum of Church Art. One of the most unusual attractions of the island is Levada, the incredibly beautiful shaded roadway that runs along the coast and covers almost the entire island.

Ilha do Faial knows how to please fans of beachside recreation. The island has many picturesque coastal areas. Not far from Horta, there is an incredibly beautiful beach named Porto Pim. It is famous for its light sand that is absolutely not typical for the coast of a volcanic island. The beach is very calm and silent, and there are almost no strong waves there. Castelo Branco Beach is located in the bay with the same name. The picturesque beach is surrounded by rocks that safely protect the coast from the wind. The beach offers simply unique conditions for sunbathing.

Varadouro remains one of the most unusual places for swimming. It is a gorgeous area with naturally created pools formed by black rocks. Such an unusual nature is the result of a volcano eruption. The pool is at some distance from the seaside, and this fact makes it even more inimitable and unique. Despite the fact that this is such a rare wonder of nature, locals make up the vast majority of its visitors. Travelers with children usually enjoy visiting Porto Comprido. In the past, an ancient port was located in this area. Nowadays, it is a comfortable beach that never ceases to attract numerous tourists. The area has a rich underwater life, so many come simply to look at various marine creatures.