Plan your trip
How to get to Faial Island
By Air
Destination Airport: Horta Airport (HOR)
There are direct flights to Faial operated by Azores Airlines (link to Azores Airlines) from Lisbon (Lisbon Airport – LIS). Lisbon also serves as a hub for many connecting international flights.
Faial may also be reached from domestic and international flights with a stopover at:
– Terceira Island* (Lajes Airport – TER)
– São Miguel Island* (Ponta Delgada Airport – PDL)
São Miguel and Terceira receive national and international connections operated by Azores Airlines and other airlines.
Faial may also be reached from other islands (all of them with airports or aerodromes) by SATA Air Açores.
OPTION: It is also possible to reach Faial by flying to Pico Airport – PIX and taking a ferry to Faial. There are daily ferry connections between Pico (Vila da Madalena) and Faial. The ferry takes 30 minutes. Ticket reservation: www.atlanticoline.pt
By Sea
- Faial
- São Jorge
- Pico (all year round)
The 3 islands of the triangle have daily ferry connections year round. The ferry ride takes 30 minutes from Pico and 2 hours from São Jorge.
- Faial
- Pico
- Terceira (seasonal)
In addition to the “Triangle Islands” in summer there are also connections from Faial to Graciosa (5 hours) and Terceira (9 hours).
Ferries allow for the transport of luggage, bicycles and in most cases, vehicles. During peak season (summer and spring) we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. In the case of vehicle transport, we recommend reserving in advance.
For more information and reservations, visit www.atlanticoline.pt.
Where to Stay
Faial offers different lodging options for the various traveler profiles. You may choose to stay at a more urban environment in Horta or stay in more rural areas of the island and enjoy the closer contact with nature.
We recommend booking in advance, particularly during the summer.
For more information about lodging options, click here.
Getting around
Faial is not as small as it seems. There is no widespread public transportation around the island nor is it frequent. We recommend that you take this into consideration when planning your trip.
To visit the island, you may rent a car, book a tour with a tour company, use a cab and rent a scooter. For the more adventurous types, bicycles are also available.
We suggest you use the above mentioned transportation options to cover long distances but don’t miss the opportunity discover places to visit on foot.
Reservations
Experiences like whale and dolphin watching, Caldeira’s descent, snorkeling and diving as well as other activities are dependent on the weather conditions and minimum and maximum number of people per activity.
We suggest that you book the activities in advance and keep a flexible schedule in case any activity needs to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances.
When to travel
Faial is ready to welcome you at any time of the year. After all, it is never too cold or too hot here. The average temperature in winter is about 14°C and 22°C in summer. There might be days in winter when the temperatures falls below 11°C or rise above 28°C in summer.
One thing is certain: the weather in Azores is a little unpredictable. So, be prepared for all 4 seasons at any time of the year, every day!
The Lugagge
Comfortable and practical clothes
When packing, remember that you are coming to an island with nature activities. Choose practical clothes for hiking, boating, going into the sea, walking on cobblestone or dirt roads. In Faial, the atmosphere is more informal, but walking shirtless in the street is considered inelegant.
Be prepared to get wet
Whether you go for a swim in the sea, or an unexpected rain shower, come prepared to get wet. We recommend that you pack (for travel and everyday life on the island) a swimsuit and a waterproof jacket.
Protect your feet
One of the main attractions of Faial and the Azores in general are the dives in natural pools and harbors. For those who are not used to them, we recommend the use of special protective shoes like reef beach shoes.
Food
The specialties of Faial are fish, shellfish such as limpets, beef and pork, sausages, black pudding, yams, sweet potatoes, subtropical fruits, jams, cookies, fruit cake, massa sovada (sweet bread), corn bread, wines and liqueurs, the latter mostly produced on the island of Pico, a result of the close connection that has always existed between Faial and Pico and its people.
Not all things are easily found in restaurants and some products are not available throughout the year.
Faial has many restaurants with vegetarian options and some with vegan dishes. For those food intolerances and allergies, we recommend talking to chefs or cooks.
Safety
The Azores is a safe destination. You can walk around the cities day or night move around the Island by car or on foot and park your car anywhere without fear.
Nonetheless, we recommend that you don’t leave valuables in unlocked cars or your bicycles parked without padlocks.
There is cell phone coverage almost everywhere on the island. However, if you venture out on some trails and hikes in remote locations or sea adventures in unguarded areas we recommend that you tell someone about your destination and activity.
Good news: There are no poisonous animals and insects in our forests and trails.
Sometimes during the year, there may be jellyfish and Portuguese-man-of-war near the coast. Be aware and if in doubt, ask the local people.
Tip: discover the 3 islands of the Azorean Triangle
The Triangle Islands – Faial, Pico, and São Jorge – so named for their geographical and historical proximity, are very distinct and have regular ferry connections all year round. With a single plane trip, you can visit 2 or 3 additional islands via short ferry trips.