Faial is one of the nine volcanic islands of the Portuguese Azores. Along with its two closest neighbors Pico and São Jorge it makes up what is known as The Triangle. Faial is commonly considered the westernmost point in Europe, as the two Azorean islands found west of it are actually located on the American plate.
With less than 15,000 people inhabiting Faial it’s not the largest of the Azores but it is home to some of the most beautiful scenery. I was blown away by the vast fields of green and dramatic cliffs.
Visiting other destinations in the Azores? Check out our other delicious guides:
What To Do On Faial Island
The highlight of visiting Faial is spending time outdoors, exploring nature. To get the most from your time there you’ll want to hire a local guide. I met with Bruno of Tobogã Azores and I cannot recommend this company enough. A lifelong resident of the island he took all of my interests into consideration and made sure to develop a plan for my time there that was truly amazing. We spent the day on a Jeep tour of the island but he also specializes in adventure sports such as canyoning.
Because he’s spent his entire life on the island it’s no surprise that Bruno knows all of the best spots, including several the larger tour companies do not visit. The highlight of the day was a visit to the caldera. A caldera is a crater left after an eruption that leads to the collapse of the volcano’s mouth. This particular crater began collapsing approximately 16,000 years ago and only finished within the last 1,000 years. We entered the caldera through a tunnel that ran through the base of the mountain. Slowly working our way through the damp, dark tunnel and exiting into the sun-filled crater was an incredible experience.
When Bruno found out how much I love scuba diving and anything related to the ocean he made arrangements for me to spend an afternoon with Ocean Eye. Ocean Eye is one of only several boats like it in the world. Not only is there a huge “eye” at the front of the boat but there is also a plexiglass bottom. This glass bottom allows for you to see what’s happening below the surface without needing scuba or snorkel gear.
Every boat goes out with an actual marine biologist on board to help better explain what you see. The scientist that accompanied our boat was able to point out many different types of fish, coral, and even some gorgeous jellyfish. This activity was fun, relaxed, and definitely family-appropriate.
Where To Eat On Faial Island
The food on the Azore Islands not surprisingly focuses heavily on seafood. While Faial isn’t as known for their wine production as Pico there is still no shortage of amazing food and wine to be found on the island.
One of the best plates of octopus I’ve ever had was from Aldina. As soon as we entered Bruno let our server know we wouldn’t be needing menus- we were both here for his regular plate. The octopus was fork-tender and perfectly cooked. I’m glad I took his suggestion and let him order– it was amazing.
Also, the fresh cheese that was sent to the table was the best I had in all of my time on the Azores. They explained that it’s a very small production company, smaller than the room we were dining in actually. Fortunately for me, Aldina is attached to a grocer that stocks the cheese. I made sure to buy a large piece before leaving.
For dinner, I was treated to an incredible meal and a night of fado at Restaurante Genuino. Fado is a type of traditional Portuguese music. To me, it usually sounds very sad, almost mournful. I was surprised this night to hear several versions which were more upbeat. I had heard fado before but it was more touristy. This felt very local and authentic. Make sure to check the calendar and try to dine at Genuino on a fado night, you won’t be disappointed.
Where to Stay On Faial Island
I stayed at the perfectly located Casa da Baía. The guesthouse is literally in the middle of town with easy access to shops and restaurants. It is also directly across from the port if you choose to do the Ocean Eye excursion. My room was large and comfortable and featured a sea view. There is also a shared kitchen if you prefer to prepare your own meals.
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Practical Information
Although there are ferries the fastest/easiest way to reach Faial is by plane. SATA is the only airline that services inter-island travel. Unfortunately because of this, they can basically charge whatever they want. Several times I paid more to go from island to island than I did the much longer flight from the mainland to the islands via RyanAir. If you have more time you could check ferry schedules. If you’re on a time crunch try to book your flights as early as possible. I was told they sometimes run promotions.
Contact Toboga Azores to book your trip or inquire about prices for a custom trip.
Disclaimer: Some of the above-listed companies provided me with free or discounted services. However, all opinions about my experiences remain my own.
Faial landscape photos courtesy of: Toboga Azores.
The Ocean Eye sounds like fun, and a bit of a unique twist on the usual boat trips that you do on your hols. I’ve been hearing so much about the Azores this year, clearly it’s the place to go so hoping to get out there next summer, and would definitely be up for a spot of canyoning!
Such a pleasant place to visit. For a non-scuba diver like me (although someday soon I may be convinced), I would like to experience going with the Ocean Eye.
Wow! Cliffs are awesome! And it is a nice idea to hire a local guide. They always have something interesting to say!
The scenery in the Azores looks spectacular – so dramatic with all those craters and giant cliffs.
Azores is high on my list and the food looks delish!
It looks beautiful, a place I have wanted to visit for a while!! The Ocean Eye looks great and good to hear about recommended restaurants 🙂
Loving the look of the Azores. Hope to get out there one day. Great post.
Such a wonderful trip. and the food pics look amazing!
Hope you enjoyed your trip 😀
That octopus looks so fresh and delicious. I would happily eat that every night during my visit.
How cool is that scenery? What an incredible place, and it sounds like you enjoyed some delicious food experiences there too.
If only I know Azores would looks this fun! My partner was planning to visit there this summer but it didn’t pursue, the weather wasn’t so great so they cancelled. What a treat to miss!
Reminds me of Scotland but with better food 😉
I have been reading so much about the Azores lately. I’m going to try and get a Trans-Atlantic cruise that stops there later this year. Gorgeous hiking destinations.
I had never heard of this location but the scenery reminds me so much of my beloved Scotland that now I want to go visit. Looks like an incredible destination.
I love green islands and this one seems to be super green. Azores are on my mind for quite a long time but I was not so lucky enough to visit them, so far… 🙂 I think I would be able to spend there even a month 🙂
I could easily spend a month there! Whenever you start to go if you need any advice feel free to ask. I’m happy to help. I also have more articles coming out about other islands soon.
This is great information and I like how you highlighted where to eat and where to stay. The cheese and seafood is right up my alley. South Korea doesn’t have the best cheese so I’m dying to go to a place that does!
Wow that octopus looks amazing! yummmm it looks like you had a great time here, and darn its another place to add to my ‘go to’ list!
What a beautiful and picturesque spot. I would love to go to the Azores one day. It looks so lush. Is it expensive though?
It’s still Portugal so prices aren’t that bad! I was paying 35 euro for a standard guesthouse room and I would approximate 10 euro per lunch/dinner. Totally worth it though!
I have been actively looking up Azores. Now I have one more thing to research after this. Though your post has all the basic details, reducing my need for information. Well captured
I’m glad to have been able to help! If you have any questions feel free to ask and I’m happy to answer if I can.
I’ve been hearing so much about the Azores and Portugal. It seems like I need to move this destination to the top of my bucket list. I bet the seafood is amazing, that octopus looked fabulous. Thanks for the travel tips too, great to know about the airlines.
Definitely move the Azores to the top of your list! One of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited.
I’ve never been to the Azores but I love Portugal and can’t wait to go back. I did try some cheese from the Azores when I was in Lisbon and it was delicious. We also went to a fado concert and I agree that it’s great music. That octopus is pretty tempting too!
That octopus! And what beautiful photos or such an isolated place. A lovely discovery.
This place wasn’t on my radar until now. My favorite travels involve exploring the natural world. I would love to check out the glass-bottomed boat and do some hiking on Azores!
Both the crater and boating with a marine biologist sounds excellent! It sounds like Tobogã Azores took great care of you and showed you some incredible sights that probably only the locals know about.
Wow, that island is next to paradise! I love the scenery, the greenish surroundings looks so peaceful and relaxing. The view of the cliff nice, I love to go there and shout out all my problems away. The ocean eye view looks really amazing, specially where you get to look at the fishes and the ocean floor without getting into the water. The food looks yummy!
Once again a great piece from you Nathan! Enjoyed reading it, beautiful place and the octopus looks amazing! I simply love Octopus and can never have it enough!
The scenery looks totally amazing. We usually catch ferries as they work out quite cost friendly if you don’t have a car. And, the overnight ones deal with one night’s accommodation as well 🙂
A beautiful place to visit! The foods look mouthwatering!
The view of the crater was absolutely gorgeous. The cliffs and the landscapes were enchanting. The natural beauty is marvelous. The ocean eye and the food look amazing. This island does look like one of the gems of the Azores where I need to head out to.
This looks totally awesome! I love the amazing views and the food looks absolutely delicious. Keep it up 😀
Thank you so much- I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love the Azores and think everyone should visit!
My mother immigrated to the US after the volcano. We are finally (after 25 years of talking about it) going in June for St. john’s Day festa. It was a big deal back in her day but I can find no info on it now. They would always pack a picnic and hike up the caldera. I’m looking forward to carrying on that tradition and sharing it with my kids. I’d love to know more kid friendly options (they won’t eat octopus). I figure they’ll survive on bread and cheese – ha! They’ll love hiking and spending days in the beach, but I’d be interested in knowing any other suggestions you’d have. It’s their first international trip.
How irresponsible and tone deaf do you have to be to hype global travel in the middle of a raging global pandemic?
Hey genius- did you happen to notice the publication date on this post?