Prepare your tent and backpack for a camping experience surrounded by nature while listening to the sound of the sea.

Wild camping is not allowed in the Azores. However, there are excellent options for those who want to camp near beaches or in the middle of nature.

During the bathing season, from June to September, there are two operating campsites, both in beautiful scenery:

– Varadouro Bathing Area

– In front of Almoxarife beach

The campsites are open 24 hours a day and have surveillance and facilities.

Besides these campsites, there are other places where it is possible to legally camp for free. These have some basic facilities but do not have surveillance::

– Porto da Ribeirinha: Intimate and overlooking the sea, this site has a few trees and good access to the sea. It has bathrooms, a covered dining area, a barbecue area, and a small playground.

– Porto do Salão: Located near Porto do Salão, this site is very popular with bathers in the summer. There is a grassed area with trees, bordered by low walls, where you can camp. The area has bathrooms, barbecue facilities, and a sheltered space for meals.

– Porto de Castelo Branco: Located near the natural pools of Castelo Branco, this site has access to the harbor and the natural pools. It also has a children’s playground and a meal area.

Click here for the location and contacts of the campsites.

Tips for camping:

Rain is always possible, even in summer, so be prepared for showers. Nights can get a little cool.

Generally, Faial is very safe, but we always recommend that you do not leave valuables unattended.

Campsites are located in more isolated areas, with few (if any) services and markets nearby. Many of them are also not served by public transportation. For this reason, we recommend planning ahead.

The campsites are equipped with barbecue areas. If you’re a fan of BBQs, don’t forget to include charcoal on your shopping list.

Please respect other campers’ privacy, avoid making noise, especially at night, and don’t leave trash behind.

Discover everything you need to know to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

When to travel:
For the great adventurer, rain, bad weather or scorching sun are no obstacle. Any day is an opportunity for adventure. In general, when compared to other adventure destinations in the world, the climate of the Azores is relatively mild throughout the year, making it possible to enjoy nature in each season in different ways.

However, if your passion is nautical activities, winter is probably not the best time to come due to the sea conditions. If you like canyoning, streams run drier in summer and may be less challenging and less attractive for this activity. If you are looking for muddy trails for mountain biking or trail running, the rainy seasons are the most suitable. To climb Pico or take the Caldeira trail, you need to be time flexible in any season as the weather may not help (however, when you least expect it, the clouds can open and the mountain tops can be visible and ready to climb).

How to plan:
Many of these activities depend on the weather, sea conditions and visibility. In order to take maximum benefit, therefore, we recommend that you stay on the island for some time (at least 3 or 4 days) and that you have a flexible schedule.

As soon as you arrive on the island or just before the trip, contact the companies responsible for the activities or your accommodation, as they will be able to give you a forecast (which can always change) about the best days for each activity.

Note that even if it is not possible to do a specific activity at a given time, you will probably be able to do an alternative activity. The sea may be rough, preventing whale watching, but the weather may be perfect for a Levada walk.

It may be windy on one side of the island but very calm and sheltered on the other side. The summit of Caldeira may be covered with clouds, but the conditions may be perfect for walking a trail along the coast.

Remember: Even if an activity is scheduled, it can be canceled due to sudden changes in weather conditions. Be flexible. Good alternative activities will always be available.

What to bring in your suitcase:
Regardless of the season, if you are really into adventure, always have waterproof clothing and bathing suits at the ready. The weather on the island can really surprise you.

Both land and sea activities can get your footwear (very) wet. Always bring an extra pair.

In high altitude regions, such as Pico or Caldeira, it can be very cold and windy. Bring a layer of warm clothing and a waterproof/windproof layer if you intend to do high altitude activities.

If you have sports equipment you want to bring, check Azores Airlines’ special conditions. Most equipment can be carried free of charge. Find out more at.

If you intend to spend a lot of time at sea or on land, bring containers to carry water and food. There are no snack bars or markets in the wild.

Some equipment may be rented or made available by the tour companies:
Waterproof clothing for whale watching, raincoats for horseback riding, crampons to climb Snowy Peak, wetsuits and snorkeling/canyoning equipment are normally included in the price of the activities.
Bicycles, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented from specialized companies.