The island is dominated by the 1,043m cone of its vast Caldeira (volcanic crater) which is accessed through a tunnel in the cone’s side.
From mid-June to August the island is a riot of blue as the hedges of hydrangeas, originally imported from China and Japan, burst into bloom.
Horta is an excellent base from which to visit the islands of Pico and Sao Jorge (summer months only), explore the green Caldeira (now a nature reserve) and Capelinos, the rather eerie site of the 1957 volcanic eruption, which transformed the geography of the island. From Horta there are wonderful and ever changing views of the volcano on Pico,
8 km across the water.
Festivals on Faial
- 50th Anniversary of the Capelinhos Volcano
Conference at Northern Azores House. Also, the launch of the commemorative medal, prestige book, photographic album and stamp collection. 19 January 2009
- Volcano Carnival
Carnival parade alluding to the Capelinhos Volcano.
1 February 2009
- Semana do Mar (Horta)
Musical performance and sporting events take place on Horta’s bay.
August 2009
