Faial packs an extraordinary range of experiences into 173 km². You can climb into a volcanic crater that last erupted in 1958, hike the rim of an ancient caldera, swim with manta rays, and drink gin at a bar that has served transatlantic sailors since 1918. Here are the best things to do on Faial, from the essential to the unexpected.
Things to Do in Faial: Volcanic Landscapes
Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre
The Capelinhos volcano erupted from September 1957 to October 1958, adding 2.5 km² of new land to Faial’s western tip and forcing half the island’s population to emigrate. Today the site is a surreal moonscape of ash and basalt with an award-winning underground interpretation centre built into the volcanic layers. The centre (open daily 10am to 6pm, entry €10) traces the eruption timeline, the science of volcanology, and the human story of the emigrants. You can walk the lighthouse trail (1 hour) for views across the ash fields to the lighthouse, which survived the eruption buried to its second floor. The visitor centre cinema shows a 10-minute documentary on the eruption. Combine with the coastal hike to Varadouro (3 hours one way) past natural rock pools and thermal springs.
Caldeira do Faial
A massive volcanic crater 2 km across and 400 metres deep, carpeted in endemic vegetation including Azorean laurel, juniper, and heather. The rim walk is 7 km (about 2.5-3 hours) and provides views across the caldera interior and, on clear days, out to Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa. The trail starts at the Caldeira viewpoint car park (20-minute drive from Horta). Bring water: there is no shade and no facilities on the rim. Morning walks (before 10am) offer the best chance of cloud-free caldera views. The descent into the caldera requires a permit from the Faial Natural Park office in Horta and is only possible with a guide.
Things to Do in Faial: Ocean and Marine Activities
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Half-day trips (3-4 hours) depart from Horta Marina year-round, with morning trips from 8:30am. Operators include Norberto Diver, Aqua Açores, and Naturalist. Trips cost €55-65 per adult, including a marine biologist guide. Sighting rates for cetaceans exceed 90% in summer months. Sperm whales are resident year-round; baleen whales (blue, fin, sei) migrate through April to June. You will almost certainly see dolphins , common, bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, and Risso’s are all frequent. Take a waterproof jacket even on sunny days; conditions change rapidly offshore.
Scuba Diving with Manta Rays at Princesa Alice Bank
The Princesa Alice Bank, a seamount 45 nautical miles southwest of Faial, is one of the best manta ray dive sites in the Atlantic. Mobula tarapacana (giant devil rays) and Mobula mobular gather here in summer (July to September) in large numbers. The dive is advanced level (depth 35-40 metres, open ocean, strong currents). Operators including Norberto Diver run full-day expeditions from Horta, departing at 6am and returning by 5pm. Cost is approximately €150-180 including two dives, equipment, and lunch. Book at least a week ahead in high season.
Swimming at Varadouro Natural Pools
On Faial’s south coast, Varadouro offers natural lava-rock pools filled with clear ocean water, protected from waves by the volcanic formations. The main pool area has changing rooms, showers, and a small snack bar open in summer. Water temperatures reach 21-23°C (70-73°F) from July to September. The pools are free and open year-round, though the snack bar only operates June to September. A smaller, quieter pool sits just east of the main complex.
Things to Do in Faial: Culture and Town
Peter Café Sport
Arguably the most famous sailors’ bar in the world, Peter Café Sport has been serving transatlantic yachtsmen since 1918. The walls are covered in flags, burgees, and memorabilia from decades of Atlantic crossings. Upstairs, the Scrimshaw Museum holds one of the largest collections of whale tooth and bone carvings in the world (entry €2.50). The ground-floor bar serves the house special, Peter’s Gin, a juniper-forward gin and tonic. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to midnight, Sunday 10am to 10pm. Even if you are not a sailor, the atmosphere and history make it an essential stop.
Horta Marina Murals
A tradition since the mid-20th century: every visiting yacht crew paints a mural on the marina walls before departing, depicting their boat name, crew, and crossing details. There are now thousands of paintings covering the harbour walls and walkways. Spend an hour walking the marina and reading the stories , crews leave their mark as a superstition for a safe onward passage. It is completely free and open 24/7.
Museu da Horta (Horta Regional Museum)
Housed in the former Jesuit College (16th century), this small but well-curated museum covers Faial’s history from settlement through the whaling era to the Capelinhos eruption and emigration. Highlights include a collection of fig wood carvings (a local craft), period furniture, and a moving exhibition on the 1957-58 eruption diaspora. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5:30pm, entry €2. Closed Mondays.
