Horta

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The municipality of Horta, and therefore Faial Island, as this is the only municipality of the island, is located halfway between the European and American continent and always knew how to take advantage of this geographic position. Without belittling the rurality and the very own experience of the people of the Azores, the Blue Island - designated this way for the abundance of hydrangeas that divide the agricultural properties - early showed readiness for a more cosmopolitan way of life. The yachts crossing the Ocean since the 19th century and that here find a safe haven and the planes and seaplanes that in the 20th century overflew the heavens are proof of this open mentality of the Faialenses. Initially populated around 1460, Faial received a wide Flemish community that settled in the parish, which is known still today as "Flamengos". The following centuries brought development, essentially through the whaling and whaling crews who found in Porto Pim their repose, to the village of Horta. With the active participation of its people in the wars between absolutists and liberals, in favor of the latter, the village of Horta was able to ascend to the status of city in 1833. The construction of the dock, that started in 1876, was the final impetus for the city of Horta and its marina to nowadays "embrace" the visitors with a very own energy. But, barely leaving the town, you enter in the deep Azores: craters, dark sand and volcanic cutouts, for the eruption of Capelinhos in 1957 was only a turning point in a story to be finished.

What to do in Horta

Marina da Horta

Horta

A point of reference in the "insular script," the Marina of Horta is the most important of the Azores and the fourth most visited marina in the world. Protected the South by lot of guide and the North tip of the Espalamanca, is in a privileged position against the winds and is almost obligatory passage of vessels travelling in the …

Praia de Porto Pim

Horta

Hidden City of Horta by Monte Queimado, the beach of Porto Pim features a soft sand and dark, very own of these volcanic islands. The Bay of Porto Pim is undoubtedly a place of rare beauty. The Monte da Guia and the aforementioned Lot Burned are natural barriers to entry of seawater, making these calm waters and a deep blue. …

Vulcão dos Capelinhos

Horta

In September 1957 the Earth began to tremble and, from there, Faial was never the same. For 13 months, between September 27, 1957 and October 24, 1958, a volcanic phenomenon completely transformed this tip of Faial island in three distinct eruptive phases. Panicked, the inhabitants of the zone of Capelo and Praia do Norte put themselves on the run, or …

Reserva Natural da Caldeira do Faial

Horta

The boiler, a crater of 2000 meters in diameter and 400 meters deep, results from the volcanic nature of the island of Faial. Is a treat for the eyes, since weather conditions are favorable. Inside deserves highlight the botanical diversity of habitats: the laurissilva forest, Cedar forests, peatlands, reeds, among others.

Miradouro da Ribeira Funda

Horta

Perfectly integrated in the landscape, this viewpoint allows you to get an overview over singular ribeira which gives it name. The Ribeira Funda is a terrace of drop-off, painted green, which extends to the sea. The viewpoint allows you to …

Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Horta

Belvedere located just outside the city of Horta, who are dealt by both sides of the main road, in a vision completely antagonistic. On one side one can observe the Praia do Almoxarife and the countryside landscape clipping. On the …

Miradouro do Monte da Guia

Horta

The Monte da Guia, near the chapel of the Senhora da Guia, the more than one hundred meters above sea level, is a privileged place to enjoy the area of Porto Pim and the city of Horta, with its marina. …

Reserva Florestal de Recreio do Capelo

Horta

Located about a hundred meters of altitude, outside the parish of Capelo, this park, with 96 hectares, is densely wooded and with a considerable diversity of endemic plants. In addition to allowing barbecues and picnics, can be used for several …

Praia do Almoxarife

Horta

Maritime beach, located a few kilometers from the city of Horta, which surprises by the expansive sands of dark sand, in a Bay stretching from the port from the beach up to the tip of the Espalamanca, to the South. …

Piscinas Naturais de Varadouro

Horta

Summer zone par excellence, these pools are formed by cropping of basaltic rocks of volcanic nature. Here are settings of rare beauty and charm of contrast between the dark rock and the blue sea. Anyone who wants to can still …

Igreja Matriz de São Salvador / Antigo Colégio de São Francisco Xavier

Horta

Originally built as a church of the Jesuit College, had the foundation stone in 1652. However, the construction only started in 1680. The buildings that flank (College) were never completed and today House the Horta Museum and the Town Hall. …

Moinhos de Vento da Lomba da Conceição

Horta

Set of three rotating windmills, located at the top of the Lomba da Conceição. The wooden structure, as well as access ladders, are painted red, where the masts and sails (two with candles and a grid with triangular sails). The …

Museu da Horta

Horta

Created in 1977 in the former Jesuit College, this museum tells the history of the island and the city of Horta. The show consists of ethnographic objects (by highlighting the rents of sieve and handcrafted made from Fig kernels), nautical, …

Jardim Botânico do Faial

Horta

Created in 1986 in a former farm, the Jardim Botânico do Faial is geared to the conservation of biodiversity and landscape for environmental education and awareness. Occupying an area of approximately 8000 square meters, can be found, in this space, …

Miradouro da Ribeira das Cabras

Horta

Space overlooking the Fajã da Ribeira das Cabras, presenting a unique panoramic about the same: the white houses and the area of cultivation, "gassed" between the jagged coast and the steep cliffs. A single frame that is worth appreciating.

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Where to eat in Horta

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Where to sleep in Horta

Pousada Forte da Horta
Pousada Forte da Horta

4 star

Pousada inserted in a 16th-century Fort, built on the Bay and classified as a national monument since 1947. The views of the marina and the island of Pico are …

Casal do Vulcão
Casal do Vulcão

Set of four houses and a cistern located in the Corner, near the Capelinhos volcano. The names of these houses are autonomous: main house, Granary, Hayloft and…

Casa da Tia Garcia
Casa da Tia Garcia

Old house restored preserving the traces of regional houses, basaltic stone, combining the tradition with all the comforts of modernity. It has two bedrooms, a…

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