Faial is one of the Azores, member of the central group of islands. The island is medium sized, has the form of an egg, and rises slowly out of the ocean. This is in effect an old stratovolcano. The center of the volcano has collapsed long ago, and now this is a 400 m deep caldera. You can walk around it, in about 2,5 hours, as it is 2000 meters wide. The higest point is 1.043 m high, offering great views if there is no mist. The bottom is marshy, green. It is not allowed to descend to the floor of this caldera along its steep slopes, because it is a nature protection area.

The island is cultivated throughout. There are some wild spots, and trails leading to it. The northwest point consists of bleak new land, formed in 1957 by an eruption. Next to Horta town is a black sand beach. Big yachts and cruise ships in Horta’s harbour.

Check the list of all nine Azores islands.