Azores : Faïal

Overview

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The green circle of a volcanic cone at the top of a hill. The white houses of a town mirrored on the sea. The masts of sailing boats that have come from all over the world. The ochre walls of a fortress that has witnessed naval battles. The unforgettable sight of sunrise with the island of Pico in the background. The quiet inlets with beaches of soft sand. The hydrangeas standing out against the landscape, framing houses and roads...justifying the fact that Faial has been called the "blue island".Quick Tips: With the shape of an irregular pentagon and an area of 173 km squared, the island of Faial has a length of 21 km and a maximum width of 14 km. Dominated by the volcanic cone of Caldeira, ...Read More

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Residencia Lima

Hotel

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This is the cheapest accommodation in Horta. It costs 4500 escudos ($ 20) for a double room. It is rather a guesthouse than a real hotel. The rooms are clean and convenient. Private bath, TV with cable programs in each chamber. Laundry facilities also. The place is very quiet. The address is rua Serpa Pinto n°38. The main inconvenience is that the hotel is a little bit far from the center and the harbor (15 minutes walk).

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 22, 2001

Residencia Lima
rua Serpa Pinta n°38
Faial, Portugal
292 293 575

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Caldeira

Attraction

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Volcanic cone dominating the island. At the top there is a wide, deep crater about 1,450 metres in diameter and 400 metres in depth - covered with cedars, junipers, beeches, ferns and moss, part of which are significant examples of the original vegetation of the island. Nature reserve. Spectacular shades of green. Close to Cabeço Gordo which, with an altitude of 1,043 metres, affords magnificent views of the scenery of Faial and of the islands of Pico, Sao Jorge and, on days when the sky is clear, Graciosa. Unfortunately, we can not go down inside the crater. It is too dangerous. However you could walk along the crater. It takes about 2 hours to do the complete way. It cost 3000 ($12) escudos to hire ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 22, 2001

Caldeira

Faial, Portugal

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Horta

Attraction

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Horta is the ideal starting point for a dream cruise around the archipelago. Horta is a white town framed by the blue sea yachts from all over the world which are anchored there, the present reflection of its age-old vocation to serve as a cosmopolitan port where the paths of men of different races and languages meet. Horta is a 6000 inhabitant town . It has a magic charm. One of the places where you feel well. Take a drink at the Peter Bar, have a walk on the colorful marina, or wait for the arrival of the next boat inside the harbour, you will never been bored in Horta. At the beginning of the last century, Horta was a center for transatlantic cables, and whaling was also a very important activity. ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 22, 2001

Horta

Faial, Portugal

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Horta Marina

Attraction | "The Marina of Horta"

Quote:

The marina of Horta is a haven of peace in the middle of the Atlantic. Yachts from all over the world are anchored there. It contributed to create a very friendly atmosphere among sailors, locals and tourists. However the main characteristic of the marina is that it becomes a piece of art. As a matter of fact, each time a boat arrives in Horta, the ship's crew dedicates its passage with a painted signature. It could be just initials, but most of time it is really a majestic artistic work. Now the 200-m long wharf looks like a wonderful colored fresco. So if you sail there don't forget your brush.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 22, 2001

Horta Marina
horta harbour
Faial, Portugal

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Peter cafe

Attraction | "Peter cafe sport"

Quote:

From currency exchange establishment to post restante, from yacht club to information bureau, from weather forecast delegation to charity institution, from tourist attaction to international visiting room, Peter is not just another café, but a world famous institution. When, a few years ago, Newsweek mentioned the Peter as being one of the best bars in the world, it remarked that this was not just a business, but a meeting place for friends where the conversation was good and lifelong friendships were made. The atmosphere of the dockside bar is incredible. The bar is decorated with many small pieces of ropes and sails of ships from all over the world. The blue paint of the bar and the spermwhale logo ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 22, 2001

Peter cafe
rua Tenente Valadim 9
Faial, Portugal

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Pico

Story/Tip

Quote:

A huge cone rising from the sea, Pico and its impressive beauty, with the fascinating range of colours reflecting changes in light and atmosphere, can be best appreciated from the island of Faial. From the purple of dawn to the violet of dusk, Pico charms the viewer with its continuous changes... even when only its outline can be made out among the clouds that sometimes hide it. Clouds often hide the summit. I strongly recommand you to take a picture of the summit as soon it would show it!

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Whalewatching with Peter

Story/Tip

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Over twenty species of cetaceans live in the Azeorean sea. The majesty of the spermwhale, the grace of the dolphins, the sudden shiver of a group of passing killer whales, or the rare sight of a blue whale are the basic features of this marine beauty. To do a whalewatching with Peter costs 5000 escudos ($20) for a 3 hour tour. It is really an exciting experience with a comfortable boat (a motorized catamaran) and an experienced crew. To book you just have to contact Peter at Peter Bar. There are from 4 to 10 people in the boat, which allow a good visibility to each whalewatcher. I have done 4 tours with Peter, and I really enjoyed the marine spectacle, with some incredible moments of emotion. T...Read More

Over twenty species of cetaceans live in the Azeorean sea. The majesty of the spermwhale, the grace of the dolphins, the sudden shiver of a group of passing killer whales, or the rare sight of a blue whale are the basic features of this marine beauty. To do a whalewatching with Peter costs 5000 escudos ($20) for a 3 hour tour. It is really an exciting experience with a comfortable boat (a motorized catamaran) and an experienced crew. To book you just have to contact Peter at Peter Bar. There are from 4 to 10 people in the boat, which allow a good visibility to each whalewatcher. I have done 4 tours with Peter, and I really enjoyed the marine spectacle, with some incredible moments of emotion.

The first time, we spotted some fin whales (20 m long, the second largest whale in the world). You could see only the back, the breathing, and if you are lucky the tail or the head of the whale. Believe me, it is really a big animal, and you wonder how men could have hunted them, as they are very quiet and nice animals. Dolphins are also a funny entertainment. They swim very quickly and surf on the front of the boat. Some could do spectacular jumps. Common dolphins with their yellow strip along their body are the best acrobats. Bottlenose dolphins are biggest and their face is very expressive and friendly (remember Flipper the dolphin). Nevertheless the biggest emotion came when we saw two blue whales. There are very rare, only 200 in the northern Atlantic. It was a privilege to spot them. They are so huge, imagine, they are the biggest animals that have been created on earth (including dinosaurs!). At 30 m long, their bodies are incredibly large. Their breath is 15 m high. I will remember all my life this whale show! And last but not least we saw their tail! To finish the last day, we spent about one hour with three killer whales! With their black and white body there are very elegant whale (similar to "Free Willy" movie).

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Faial Journals

Azores : Faïal

Azores : Faïal

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Residencia Lima

Caldeira

Horta

Horta Marina

Peter cafe

Pico

Whalewatching with Peter

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