You don’t need to blaze trails, climb mountains or hike over rocks to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Faial. In every parish, on every road and at every bend, there is a beautiful path that you can walk along, with the surrounding islands (Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa), the Caldeira, the sea, the coastal cliffs, the forests, or the pastures as a backdrop.

Floating, swimming or diving in the Azores Sea is a revitalizing experience. The feeling of being in the water, on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, surrounded by a deep crystal blue, watching the crystal clear rocks at the bottom and the fish swimming, is really relaxing and unforgettable. During the bathing season, the sea water has a temperature between 22ºC and 25ºC, which is ideal to just linger in.

Practicing a stimulating activity, which releases endorphins and adrenaline, is an excellent way to relax and feel the harmony of body and mind. Among the several activities available, we recommend: horseback riding, running on Horta avenue or on the trails, whale watching, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canyoning, and mountain biking.

If you really want to relax and unwind, we recommend you don’t come with time constraints and tight schedules. Take time to do nothing. Just stop and watch the beautiful sunsets, lie on the grass or sand, and watch the clouds go by (they are amazing here). Or in the evening relax under the stars to the sound of the cagarros (Cory’s shearwaters).

There’s nothing more relaxing and satisfying than a good meal accompanied by a good wine. Discover the wonders of Azorean gastronomy in the many restaurants in Faial serving fish from our coastal waters, meat from our pastures, vegetables from our land, and wines from our wineries.

A bike ride to admire the landscapes can be an excellent option for those who want to move a little, but calmly. Some lodges have bicycles available, or you can rent them. For those who prefer this option, electric bicycles can also be rented.

There are 3 Forest Parks in Faial, where you can walk through the woods, enjoy the views from the belvederes, have a barbecue or a picnic, spread a blanket on the grass and relax, read a book, listen to the sound of birds, meditate, do yoga…

The city of Horta is an excellent place for a stroll. Formed around two bays and with breathtaking views of the island’s mountain and the island of Pico, just in front, it is a city punctuated by parks and wooded squares, museums, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Here you will feel the cosmopolitan vein of what Pedro da Silveira called “the largest small city in the world”.

For those who like the sea, this is an excellent activity to leave your problems, worries, and stresses behind. You can sail for half a day or even for a week. Ready to set sail?

In the afternoon, the evening or at night, you can enjoy the cosmopolitan environment of the city of Horta and have a drink in one of the city’s bars. Be sure to try the Azorean white wines, liqueurs and brandies from Pico, or Peter’s Gin. If you are alone, don’t worry, this is a land of travelers and you will certainly be welcomed.