Faial Island is a stunning destination in the Azores archipelago, located in the central group and part of the “triangle islands.” With an area of about 66.5 square miles, Faial is 13 miles long and has a maximum width of 8.7 miles. It was discovered in 1427 and colonized in 1432 by Flemish settlers, and it’s famous for its blue hydrangeas that frame houses, separate fields, and border roads, earning the nickname “Blue Island.”

Faial has undergone significant development and is now a mandatory reference point for international yachting. The island’s highest point is Cabeço Gordo, located in the center of the island, at 6473 feet above sea level, and nearby is a massive crater called Caldeira, approximately 1.2 miles in diameter and 1312 feet deep, surrounded by blue hydrangeas and lush vegetation.

The city of Horta offers unbeatable views of the island of Pico and, sometimes, São Jorge. There are many beautiful areas to explore on Faial, such as Varadouro, a beautiful bay dominated by the jagged black rocks of the Castelo Branco hill, vineyards, and flowers. The North Coast provides a succession of panoramic views, while Castelo Branco and Feteira, on the south coast, provide breathtaking scenery of the island of Pico.

Faial Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers, and its marina in Horta is one of its greatest features, welcoming people of diverse nationalities and cultures for many years. Horta, a picturesque town, has many interesting sights, including the churches of São Salvador, Nossa Senhora da Carmo, and S. Francisco, as well as the Museum of Sacred Art and the Horta Museum.