The Island Columbus Missed But Others Found - Faial

Continuing my exploration of the Azorean islands, this week we turn our attention to Faial. While my time on the island was short, it was memorable. After hiking Pico, we hopped on a ferry and made the one-hour journey to Horta, Faial’s most famous town and one of the capitals of the Azores. I think Horta is the most beautiful town in the entire archipelago. Its deep connection to sailors, adventurers, and explorers gives it a unique charm. The first explorers would make a stop in Horta on their voyages. Though many locals humorously claim that Faial’s best feature is the view of Pico, I believe that Horta is its greatest treasure.

Faial’s History

Portuguese navigators discovered Faial in the early 15th century as part of the island's settlement under the command of Henry the Navigator. Its strategic location in the Atlantic made it an important stopover for sailors crossing between Europe and the Americas. This is why many sailors have historically come to Faial and continue to do so. Many of them gather at a local bar called "Peter’s Café Sport," which allegedly serves the greatest gin and tonic on the planet. While I would agree that the café has its sailor's charm and the gin and tonic is tasty, it’s not quite the best in the world. The bar also offers great meals and has been in operation for over 100 years.

Exhausted from our climb of Pico, we made our way down to the café, cherishing the view of the highest peak in the Atlantic Ocean while testing how many of these G&Ts one can handle.

The island also saw a massive volcanic eruption in 1957, the Capelinhos volcano, which devastated parts of the island and led to large-scale immigration.

After the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano in 1957, approximately 15,000 to 25,000 people from the Azores, particularly Faial, emigrated to Canada. The U.S. Azorean Refugee Act of 1958 also played a role in facilitating immigration to the United States, but a significant number chose to settle in Canada, especially in Ontario and Quebec. Many of these immigrants left due to the devastation caused by the eruption, as well as the lack of economic opportunities on the islands.

The Capelinhos eruption & other economic reasons led to a wave of Portuguese immigration that brought more than 175,000 Azoreans to the United States between 1960 and 1980.

Today, I come across many 2nd/3rd generation Americans who are coming to the Azores to see the land of their grandparents. Many of them end up falling in love with a place and either returning frequently or even purchasing vacation houses on the islands.

Is Faial a Year-Long destination?

Faial is a volcanic island, like the rest of the Azores. The climate is mild year-round, with average temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F), making it an attractive destination for hikers and nature lovers. Unlike the Balearic or Canary Islands, these islands are not known for parties. As some visitors humorously put it on social media groups, "The party on this island is fishing, surfing, diving, or hiking." Faial offers all of these activities and some great whale-watching, drawing outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

Faial plays a vital role in the Azores' identity, especially through its maritime heritage. Horta is still a key stop for transatlantic sailors, with its famous marina and the historic Peter Café Sport, a popular meeting point.

Tourism on Faial focuses on nature, adventure, and ocean-related activities. The island is connected by air and sea to other islands and mainland Portugal, with flights to Lisbon making it a convenient hub for travelers.

There is also potential for remote work initiatives, as Faial’s peaceful environment, modern amenities, and stunning scenery could make it an attractive option for digital nomads looking to escape the hustle of city life. Especially during the shoulder seasons from March through June and from September through November, this place holds great potential for a one- to two-month-long getaway for fellow outdoor nomads, adventurers, and travelers who enjoy the road less traveled.