Horta

A little but active town by the ocean, ideal for a stroll on a sunny day. In the center, the paintings of international sailors create a beautiful atmosphere on the marina. The volcanic origins of Faial island can be very well seen only some kilometres away at Capelinhos volcano.

About Horta

Horta and its colourful marina attract travellers from all over the world and sailors from the five oceans. This true gallery at open-air near the main town of the island is like entering a world of colours, distinguishing itself from other grey cities.

When you go into the centre of Horta, you will quickly realize locals and travellers gather around one spot: Peter Cafe Sport. There, in addition to delicious drinks and food, you can admire the scrimshaw art collection in the exhibition part.

A sanctuary of natural flora

Caldeira do Faial is a Nature Reserve thanks to rare populations of flora endemic to the Azores.

Geological Monument

Caldeira do Faial is one of the landmarks of this island.

Cathedral of Silence

Take the time to listen to the nature around you and enjoy different biotopes covered by dense and colorful vegetation.

Secret Waterfall

Get ready to step on damp habitats, there is often mud inside the caldera.

The immensity of Nature and the Smallness of Man

Also known as the “Silence of Cathedral”, Caldeira do Faial is the most beautiful place on the island!

An impressive volcanic crater

If there are almost perfect conservation sites, Caldeira do Faial is one of them with incredible natural and endemic vegetation.

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Nature & Geology

Nature-wise, Horta is dotted with a heavenly beach called Porto Pim. Surrounded by a green mountain and gifted with transparent waters, it is a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy the Azorean sun. However, be careful during Spring and Summer as the dangerous Portuguese man-o-wars can be floating in the water. Always ask the locals before going for a swim.

Some kilometers away from town are some of the most atypical landscapes of the archipelago such as Capelinhos volcano – a rustic dessert with interesting geological history – or Caldeira do Faial – the greenest place you will ever see.

Experiences and Tips

With wonderful views over Pico mountain, Horta is a nice little town with all the essential services and goods. Arriving by boat or plane, Horta will be your first contact with the beautiful Faial island, also known as the Blue island due to hydrangeas blooming all around in the summer.

In the narrow streets of Horta center, historical monuments are to be visited such as Santa Cruz fort or Nossa Senhora das Angústias church. Cultural events occur all year round in this lively town with many music concerts, art expositions and sports competitions.

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Things you must see in Horta

Almoxarife beach

The beach of Almoxarife offers a magnificent view over Pico Mountain, the highest point of Portugal. What a great scenery to enjoy the sun and take a swim. Locals and travellers absolutely love this relaxing place.

Caldeira

One of the island’s highlight is certainly Caldeira – a giant volcanic crater. The view from the rim of this volcano will take your breath away. Surrounded by 1,000 nuances of green, you can also hike inside accompanied by a guide.

Capelinhos Volcano

Welcome to the Moon! Feel the volcanic energy of the island in this unique place where the effects of the strongest eruptions are still very visible. Wander around this geological treasure and don’t forget to visit the Interpretation Center.

Fábrica da Baleia

The old whale factory of Porto Pim is since 2018 a science center and museum. Here we find an exhibition that takes us back to whaling times. It has a lot of original machinery used in the transformation process of the animals.

Horta Museum

Horta Museum displays initial maps of the islands and explains the whole story of Faial, from the discovery to the present days. This is the perfect place to have a historical overview of the island.

Marina of Horta

The famous marina is decorated by sailors from around the world. In fact, this harbour is one of the busiest in the world due to its strategic position between Europe and America.

Monte da Guia Viewpoint

Monte da Guia Viewpoint gives a stunning panorama over the bay of Porto Rim and the city of Horta from one side, and Caldeira do Inferno as well as Pico Island on the other side. It used to be a lookout spot for whalers.

Peter Café Sport

When visiting the island of Faial, don’t forget to try a Gin & Tonic at the famous Peter Café Sport that opened during World War I, more than 100 years ago! It is a mandatory stop for sailors, visitors and locals.

Porto Pim beach

Only a few minutes away from the center of Horta, this black-sand beach with calm waters is the perfect place to relax for a while. There, simply enjoy the sun of the Azores and the nice water temperatures in the summertime.

Varadouro Natural Pools

The very popular natural pools of Varadouro are a great option to dive into the blue Atlantic Ocean from the volcanic stones. Take a mask and snorkel to explore the rich underwater world.

Plan your trip to Horta

How to get to Pico Island?

You can get to Pico Island by sea and air. Atlântico Line ferries offer several daily connections to other islands of the Azores archipelago (most of them with the “neighbor” islands of Faial and São Jorge – especially during the summer months).

By air, Sata/Azores Airlines and TAP Portugal offer regular direct flights to Pico with prices varying a lot in-between seasons.

Transportation

Air: All the islands of the Azores are connected by air, through the operator Sata Regional – Air Açores.

Sea: Maritime connections between all the islands are provided from May to October by the shipping company Atlânticoline, and the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge have connections throughout the year by Transmaçor and Expresso do Triângulo.

Land: On all islands there is a network of bus, taxi and rent-a-car services.

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