From 14 to 16 August, Ponta Furada, on Faial Island, will host the second edition of the ALAPA-TE – Azores Deep Water Solo Festival. For three days, the island’s coastline will be the setting for climbing, water-based activities, music and other outdoor experiences.

Organised by the Faial Climbing and Mountaineering Club (CEMF), the festival’s main highlight is deep water soloing, a form of climbing practised without ropes above the sea, making use of the volcanic arches of Ponta Furada. The climbing activities are open to children and adults and include an open competition and demonstrations by invited climbers.

Friday: the festival begins by the sea

ALAPA-TE kicks off on Friday, 14 August, at 4:00 pm, with an afternoon dedicated to the sea and wellbeing. The programme includes guided snorkelling and a yoga workshop, followed by a sunset session with a DJ.

Saturday: a day dedicated to climbing and outdoor activities

On Saturday, 15 August, the programme begins at 9:30 am, with participant registration and a safety briefing.

Throughout the day, Ponta Furada will be the centre of deep water soloing activities for children and adults, accompanied by demonstrations from invited climbers. The programme also includes other outdoor activities and disciplines.

In the late afternoon and evening, there will be an awards ceremony and DJ set, extending the festival’s social atmosphere into the night.

Sunday: competition, highline and outdoor cinema

On Sunday, 16 August, activities begin at 12:00 pm with a highline demonstration, followed by the open deep water solo competition.

In addition to climbing, the festival programme also includes slacklining, kayaking and SUP trips, traditional whaling boat trips, a cyanotype workshop and a coastal clean-up initiative.

ALAPA-TE comes to an end in the evening with an outdoor film screening dedicated to climbing, bringing three days of activities at Ponta Furada to a close.

For anyone visiting Faial between 14 and 16 August, ALAPA-TE is an opportunity to discover Ponta Furada and the island’s coastal landscape through a programme that goes well beyond climbing.

Registration via email alapate.faial@gmail.com

ALAPA-TE – Azores Deep Water Solo Festival
Ponta Furada, Faial Island
14–16 August 2026
Climber registration is open
Instagram: @hacabasalto | Email: alapate.faial@gmail.com

O conteúdo ALAPA-TE – Azores Deep Water Solo Festival | 14-16 August aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

If you’re visiting Faial this summer, there’s no better time to experience the island’s vibrant atmosphere than during Semana do Mar (Sea Week). From 31 July to 9 August 2026, Horta comes alive with live music, sailing competitions, cultural events, local food, crafts and celebrations that showcase the island’s deep connection to the Atlantic. This year’s edition marks the 49th Semana do Mar, one of the Azores’ most iconic festivals and the largest nautical festival in Portugal.

For almost five decades, Semana do Mar has welcomed thousands of visitors alongside sailors from around the world who arrive in Horta after crossing the Atlantic. Whether you’re interested in maritime traditions, live entertainment, local cuisine or simply enjoying warm summer evenings by the marina, this is one of the very best times of the year to visit Faial.

Nautical Sports Highlights

Semana do Mar celebrates Faial’s deep connection with the Atlantic through an extensive programme of nautical competitions, bringing together local clubs, national athletes and international sailors.

This year’s programme includes a wide variety of events, such as:

• Sailing regattas for different classes, including cruising yachts and traditional races.
• Azorean whaleboat regattas, one of the festival’s most iconic traditions, showcasing the islands’ historic rowing boats.
• Rowing competitions featuring local clubs.
• Canoeing and kayaking races.
• Open water swimming competitions in Horta Bay.
• Coastal sport fishing tournaments.
• The Old Sailors Regatta, celebrating Horta’s long maritime tradition.
• Radio-controlled model sailing regattas, a popular event for spectators of all ages.
• Various maritime demonstrations, sailing activities and events organised by Clube Naval da Horta and other local associations throughout the week.

Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or simply enjoy watching sporting events by the sea, the festival offers a fantastic opportunity to experience why Horta is regarded as one of the world’s most famous Atlantic marinas.

2026 Concert Highlights

Music is one of the biggest attractions of Semana do Mar, and the 2026 edition features an exciting lineup of Portuguese rock, hip-hop, pop, electronic music and local talent.

This year’s main stage programme includes:

• 31 July – Lon3r Johny, followed by DJ Campira
• 1 August – Quinta do Bill, followed by DJ Mello
• 2 August – Julinho KSD, with an after-show by Chá de Funk
• 3 August – Zarko
• 4 August – Family entertainment with Professor Idalécio, followed by Insert Coin
• 5 August – Vizinhos, followed by DJ Perez
• 6 August – International Folklore Festival
• 7 August – Blasted Mechanism, followed by DJ Carlos Manaça
• 8 August – Paulo Gonzo, followed by André Henriques & Gonçalo Roque
• 9 August – Closing concert by the Orquestra de Música Ligeira da Câmara Municipal da Horta

The full programme includes dozens of sporting events, cultural activities, exhibitions and performances taking place throughout the festival.

For the latest schedules, event information and any programme updates, visit the official Semana do Mar website:

Official website: www.semanadomar.net

Photos: Semana do Mar Official

O conteúdo Sea Week | 31 July – 9 August aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

From 2 to 5 July, the city of Horta celebrates the 193rd anniversary of its elevation from town to city with a vibrant programme of music, culture and entertainment for all ages.

The highlight of the celebrations is the White Night, on 4 July, when Horta’s city centre is transformed into a lively open-air venue. Residents and visitors are invited to dress in white and enjoy live music, street entertainment, local gastronomy and late-night shopping in a unique festive atmosphere.

Come and celebrate this historic occasion and discover the unique atmosphere that makes Horta such an extraordinary place!

O conteúdo White Night | 4 July aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

Day 1 – August 16 | Psychobloc Climbing at Ponta Furada

The first day is dedicated to psychobloc, a style of climbing without ropes performed on seaside cliffs. The picturesque Ponta Furada will be the stage for this unique experience, combining physical challenge and natural beauty.

Climbing registrations are sold out, but everyone is welcome to watch and experience the energy of the event.
You can bring your surfboard, float, or kayak to get closer to the action and see the climbers up close.

For those without equipment or who prefer an organized activity, there will be guided kayak and SUP tours with Azores4fun. The route runs from Porto da Feteira to Ponta Furada, passing impressive volcanic arches, and ends with the opportunity to watch the climbers and even take a swim .

Guided kayak and SUP tour information:
Meeting point: Porto da Feteira
Start time: 3 PM
Price: €5 adults | €3 children (includes kayak + guide)
Registration until August 15: Online form – limited spots

Day 2 – August 17 | International Climbing Film Festival – Reel Rock 19

On the second day, the meeting changes setting and invites the public to dive into the world of climbing through the big screen. In partnership with Freguesia da Matriz and the Cineclube do Faial, a selection of films from Reel Rock 19, an international festival showcasing inspiring stories of climbers and extreme adventures, will be screened outdoors at Marina da Horta.

This edition features three short films that take the audience from iconic cliffs to remote big walls, showcasing perseverance, technique, and passion for the sport.

Information:
Location: Marina da Horta (by the Rosa dos Ventos)
Time: 9:30 PM
Free entry

O conteúdo 1st Climbing Meeting | 16-17 August aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

More than just a festival, Sea Week is a meeting point between generations, between islanders and visitors, and between the past and the present of a community shaped by the Atlantic. The sea, of course, remains at the heart of it all — with sailing regattas, whaleboat races, windsurfing, canoeing, open water swimming, water polo and more filling Horta Bay with colour and motion.

See the full programme here https://www.semanadomar.net/programa/en.php

A programme for every taste

Things kick off on August 1st with the iconic Faial–Pico Channel Crossing, followed by the traditional distribution of hydrangeas to yachtsmen and the much-loved Emigrants’ Gathering. That same evening, a vibrant March Parade takes over Avenida Machado Serpa, featuring colourful groups from across the Azores. Later, the main stage welcomes Mizzy Miles, followed by a traditional dance and a late-night after party with DJs until the early hours.

The weekend continues in full force, with sport fishing, street basketball, concerts by national artists such as João Pedro Pais and Plutónio, a maritime procession in honour of Our Lady of Guia, and the official opening of the Expo Açores Handicrafts Fair at Alagoa Park.

Throughout the week, there is no shortage of activities: light sailing, windsurfing championships, apnoea competitions, art workshops, book launches, traditional dance performances, brass bands, international folklore groups, and major evening concerts on the Afavias Main Stage, featuring acts like Resistência, Tony Carreira, Fernando Daniel, and Hybrid Theory.

Culture and tradition, hand in hand

Sea Week is not just about music and sports. Local culture takes the spotlight with several exhibitions and side events: this year marks the 50th anniversary of Sea Week, celebrated with a special exhibition at the Horta Museum. The Public Library also hosts the Horta Book Festival, highlighting Azorean literature. Traditional folklore, handicrafts, and family-friendly activities make the event inclusive for all ages.

And for those who like to party into the night, the after parties feature well-known DJs like DJ Zanova, Duo Sync, DropNBreak, DJ Nox, DJ Bagunça, and many more.

A grand finale

The festival comes to a close on August 10th with the traditional Channel Regatta, the thematic parade “Atlantic, a Sea of Stories“, and a special concert by the Light Orchestra of the Horta City Council, wrapping up an intense, emotional week in style.

From August 1st to 10th, all roads lead to Horta. Come with an open heart, get ready to dance, sail, taste and celebrate — because here, the sea is more than just scenery. It’s soul.

Follow the Sea Week activities on Facebook and Instagram and see the gallery some highlights from Sea Week 2024!

O conteúdo Sea Week | 1-10 August 2025 aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

From July 17 to 20, Festival Maravilha dives back into the sea with a vibrant program taking over the bays of Horta and Porto Pim, on the island of Faial, inviting the public to immerse themselves—literally and symbolically—in the island’s Atlantic culture.

The main highlight is the floating concert by Rokia Koné, taking place on Saturday (July 19) at 9:00 PM in Porto da Horta. The Malian singer performs on a stage facing the ocean, in front of a floating audience made up of boats, paddleboards, and inflatable floats. The concert is free, and those without their own vessel can book a spot on one of the boats provided by local maritime tour operators.

The lineup also includes guided snorkeling tours of the “Main” shipwreck, movement workshops in the sea with Violeta Lapa, a new mural by artist Oaktree, sculptural installations by Fulvio Capurso, live samba by Sambachico, a DJ set by Gaiteirinho, and a playful inflatable boat regatta.

More than a festival, Maravilha is a celebration of the sea as a space for gathering, creation, and memory. Full schedule below:

Festival Maravilha Program – July 17 to 20 | Porto da Horta & Porto Pim, Faial – Azores

Thursday, July 17

10:00 AM – “Ripples of Wonder” Workshop
Movement and immersion lab in the sea with Violeta Lapa (Oceans and Flow)
Porto Pim Beach (registration required)

Friday, July 18

5:00 PM – Inflatable Boat Mini-Regatta
A playful throwback to the early editions of Semana do Mar.
Porto Pim Gate (registration required)

8:00 PM – Sambachico Concert + DJ Gaiteirinho
Samba and summer rhythms on the sand, open to all.
Porto Pim Beach

Saturday, July 19

2:30 PM – Guided snorkeling at the “Main” shipwreck
Hosted with the support of the Eco-Routes project.
Porto Pim (registration required)

4:00 PM – “Ripples of Wonder” Workshop – Session II
Movement and sea immersion with Violeta Lapa.
Porto Pim Beach (registration required)

5:00 PM – Inauguration of mural by Oaktree
A visual homage to Faial’s underwater heritage.
Rotunda do Pasteleiro, Horta

9:00 PM – Floating concert with Rokia Koné (Mali)
The festival’s most anticipated event. Audience watches from their own boats or from vessels provided by the organization.
Porto da Horta (advance booking recommended if you don’t have a boat)

Sunday, July 20

2:30 PM – Guided snorkeling at the “Main” shipwreck (Second session)
Porto Pim (registration required)

3:30 PM – Inauguration of Fulvio Capurso’s sculptures
Delicate and kinetic installations placed throughout the island.
Horta Marina

5:00 PM – Final performance of “Ripples of Wonder” Workshop
A sensory closing by the sea.
Porto Pim Beach

O conteúdo Festival Maravilha Mar | 17-20 July aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

This July, the city of Horta, in Faial, Azores, celebrates its 192nd anniversary of elevation to city status. From July 2nd to 6th, the city comes alive with a vibrant program of cultural events, music, traditional regattas, sports tournaments, and community celebrations.

This is the perfect time to explore Horta’s history, hospitality, and festive energy. Don’t miss the regattas featuring traditional whaleboats, the Horta White Experience at Largo do Infante, or the live music by the sea.

Below is the full program of events so you can plan your days and make the most of this special celebration.

Follow the celebration on https://www.facebook.com/municipiohorta

Full Program – Horta 192nd Anniversary

July 2nd–6th, 2025

Wednesday, July 2

6:30 PM
From Horta to the World
Speakers: Norberto Serpa and José Henrique Azevedo
Moderator: Maria Pinheiro
(Location: Salão Nobre)

Thursday, July 3

9:00 PM
Gala: “Speak! With One Voice”
Artistic Direction: Filipe Fonseca
(Location: Teatro Faialense)

Friday, July 4

11:00 AM
Day 1 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Rowing
(Location: Horta Bay)

3:00 PM
Day 1 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Sailing
(Location: Horta Bay)

5:00 PM
Horta City Tournament 2025 – Under-14 (boys & girls)
Semi-finals
(Location: Faial Tennis Club)

6:30 PM
Solemn Commemorative Session
192nd Anniversary of Horta’s Elevation to City Status
(Location: Teatro Faialense)

9:00 PM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Fábrica da Baleia)

10:00 PM
“Baile off July” – Dance Party
Concert with Hugo & Rui
(Location: Sporting Clube da Horta)

Saturday, July 5

9:00 AM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

9:00 AM
1st Regional Diabetes in Motion Meeting
(Organized by HH, USIF, SDIF, and CMH)

10:00 AM
Horta City Tournament 2025 – Under-14
Semi-finals
(Location: Faial Tennis Club)

2:00 PM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

3:00 PM
Friendship Race – Whaleboat Regatta (Sailing)
(Route: Porto Pim to Horta Bay)

9:30 PM
Horta Cidade Mar Night Tournament (CGF)
(Location: Faial Pitch and Putt Golf Course)

9:30 PM
Horta White Experience – Soul of the Sea
(Location: Largo do Infante & Maritime-Tourism Zone)

Infante Stage:

• 9:00 PM – Piko Preta

• 9:30 PM – TT Atles

• 11:00 PM – Re.Cover

Naval Club Stage:

• 9:00 PM – DJ Nunny

• 10:00 PM – DJ Nuno

• 12:00 AM – DJ Gala

Maritime-Tourism Area:

• 9:00 PM – Zumba Kids

Street Entertainment:

• 7:00 PM – Mobile Band

• 7:30 PM – Street Performances

Special Lighting & Decorations

Sunday, July 6

9:00 AM
Horta Cidade Mar Tournament (CGF)
(Location: Faial Pitch and Putt Golf Course)

11:00 AM
Day 2 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Rowing
(Location: Horta Bay)

10:00 AM
Horta City Tournament 2025 – Under-14
Finals
(Location: Faial Tennis Club)

10:30 AM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

2:00 PM
Day 2 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Sailing
(Location: Horta Bay)

3:00 PM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

O conteúdo Horta’s Anniversary | 2-6 JUNE aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

This is the concept behind Terra Incógnita, a transdisciplinary artistic project coming to Faial from 4th to 7th September 2024. Originally from the island of São Miguel, the project challenges artists from various disciplines to reimagine the landscape through music and performance. In 2024, it will take place from September 4th to 14th on the islands of Santa Maria and Faial.

At the heart of the programme is the idea of the trail and the contemplation of site-specific musical creations, multimedia installations, and performative acts. In the days leading up to the event, a series of talks will provide context to the exchange fostered by the artistic residencies.

Participation is free and open to all, but spaces are limited and require registration. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique event that promises to redefine the relationship between nature and art on the island of Faial.

Find out more about the Terra Incógnita project on the official website: http://terraincognitapdl.com/

Registration | https://tr.ee/nOJyhsRd1p

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/terraincognitapdl
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/terraincognitapdl?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

O conteúdo TERRA INCÓGNITA (ANGIE REED + RITA SILVA) | 4 & 7 SEPTEMBER aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

Festivities kick off with whaleboat tours around Porto Pim Bay, in partnership with the Horta Yatch Club. The celebrations continue with guided tours to the Monte da Guia whale’s lookout spot, followed by entertainment in the factory’s outdoor area. There will be traditional Azorean games, a lively evening of music with a Jam Session, and performances by local DJs. And of course, no birthday party would be complete without plenty of food and drinks!

The Porto Pim Whale Factory is a museum that’s open to the public, offering guided tours organised by OMA (Azores Sea Observatory). Located within the original industrial complex, it offers an immersive look at the history of the now-extinct Azorean whaling industry, which is key to understanding the historical, economic, and social context of this activity and Faial Island.

For the full schedule of the Whaling Factory’s 82nd anniversary and more information about the museum, visit the official pages:

Website | https://www.oma.pt/fabrica.php

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/reel/536024265550363

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/fabricadabaleia/

O conteúdo 82nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHALE FACTORY | 13th SEP aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

This annual event celebrates local culture and brings the community together for days of festivities by the sea. From 28 August to 1 September, the picturesque area of Varadouro, in the parish of Capelo, becomes the stage for a programme featuring tribute concerts, traditional music and dance performances, nautical competitions, and local DJ acts.

Organised by the Capelo Parish Council, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience Faial’s hospitality, savour traditional dishes, and immerse yourself in an authentic festive atmosphere.

The Festas do Varadouro have a strong religious component, reflected in the celebrations in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes. During the event, the community participates in solemn masses and processions. This religious aspect, deeply rooted in local traditions, complements the festive atmosphere, offering participants an experience that combines faith, culture, gastronomy, and tradition.

In addition to the festivities, the natural pools of Varadouro, open to the public year-round, provide a perfect setting to balance moments of tranquillity with the festive spirit.

For those seeking an authentic experience on the Island of Faial, these festivities are an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions in one of the most beautiful places in the Azores.

Check out the full programme on the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/festasvaradouro?locale=pt_BR

O conteúdo VARADOURO FESTIVITIES | 28 AUG – 1 SEP aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.