The best way to arrive to Faial Island is by plane. Azores Airlines operate daily direct flights (duration around 2h30) between Lisbon and Horta Airport in Faial. You can also arrive to Faial from Lisbon via S. Miguel or Terceira islands flying Sata Air Açores.
The Azores are a Portuguese territory and belong to the European Union.
The official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken. Locals who are active in tourism often speak French and Spanish.
Portuguese currency is the Euro. ATMs are found in the main centres and exchange money can only be done at banks, which are open from Monday to Friday between 9h00am and 3h00pm. Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels and some shops and restaurants.
Time is GMT -1, one hour less than Lisbon.
220V and plugs are the usual European two-pin style.
Most hotels and restaurants have free WiFi available for their clients. Mobile phones work very well in Faial and international roaming is available.
No vaccinations are required. There is a Hospital and a Hyperbaric chamber in Horta.
There are 3 pharmacies in the city that open weekdays from 9h00am to 7h00pm. On Saturday they are open until 01h00pm. At Sundays and every day after the closing hour one pharmacy continues on duty until midnight (out of business opening hours are usually posted in every pharmacy).
Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Faial is very safe and peaceful and street violence is inexistent.
Traffic in Faial is very light, so it is easy to drive around. Taxis, rent-a-car and scooter services are available at reasonable prices. Ferries provide regular maritime connections between Faial, Pico and S. Jorge islands. There are regular 30min. ferries between Faial and Pico throughout the year. There are also daily ferries between Faial and S. Jorge island that take about 1-2 hours. Check Atlanticoline website for current fares and schedules: https://www.atlanticoline.pt/en/
While you are in Faial it is certainly worth to visit some of the most beautiful places in the island. Horta is a small town with plenty of history. The colourful and lively Marina with its paintings, the Museum of Horta and the churches are worth a visit. Don’t miss the splendid views of Monte da Guia and the Whaling Museum, an old whaling factory.
Faial’s Botanical Garden is devoted to the conservation of the endemic and indigenous plants of the islands and is definitely worth a visit. Outside the city, the crater Caldeira and Capelinhos volcano are some of Faial’s highlights. In summer the island is covered with flowers and its natural beauty is overwhelming. At the top of Caldeira, on a clear day, Pico, S. Jorge and Graciosa islands can be seen. For active travellers, there are plenty of hiking and birdwatching opportunities.
Though not being a beach destination, the sea in Faial is warm and clear in summer and there are some fine small beaches and natural rock pools.
In summer the temperatures are very pleasant and usually light clothing is ok. However, at night, at sea or at high altitudes a warm sweater can be necessary. A raincoat and wind-jacket are recommended due to occasional showers that can occur at any time of the year.
In spring and autumn there are many warm nice days, but you should be prepared for more rain and slightly colder temperatures than in summer. In winter, even though the temperatures are mild, it often rains. Most of the streets are cobbled, so comfortable shoes are a good option.
People in Faial are naturally friendly and relaxed. We do not have the rush and stress found in big cities, so the best advice for tourists is to slow down and enjoy the beautiful nature and culture of the islands.
The Azores’ population is predominantly Roman Catholic and popular festivals are living proofs of the people’s religious spirit. The Holy Spirit festivities are celebrated throughout the islands with folklore groups and religious ceremonies from Easter until the end of September.
The Sea Week in Horta is by far the most popular festival in Faial. Starting every year on the first Sunday of August, this is mainly a nautical event with yachting regattas, old whaling boat races and many other sea related activities. The city avenue is closed and many tasquinhas with typical food are set up. Each evening different musical groups perform.
Traditional local crafts include beautiful crocheted lacework, delicate fish scales and fig pith miniatures, wickerwork baskets, folk figures made from corn husks and scrimshaw carvings (in whale bone or teeth). Nowadays, because whaling was banned in 1981, modern artists are working with cow bone or old sperm whale teeth. The Handicraft School in Capelo sells and exhibits traditional crafts, with local artists demonstrating their work to visitors. T-shirts, postcards and books are also widely available.
Regional wines, liqueurs and cheeses are favourite gifts and are widely available in most local shops and supermarkets. Shops open weekdays from 9h-13h00 and from 14h-18h00. On Saturdays they open until 13h00 and on Sundays expect them to be closed.