Summary
Since the Age of Discovery, Horta has served as a significant maritime hub located on the east coast of Faial in the Azores. The natural harbor boasts one of the world’s busiest marinas, where every captain who docks leaves a painted message on the jetty, creating a vibrant mosaic along the waterfront.
Historically, Horta was a refuge for whaling ships. In contemporary times, visitors embark on journeys to observe whales in their natural habitat rather than pursue them. Faial Island is relatively small, easily traversed in approximately thirty minutes. By renting a car, one can explore a massive stratovolcano and a peninsula that emerged after an eruption in the 1950s.
Let us delve into the primary attractions in Horta:
1. Marina da Horta
Yachts and smaller craft have docked at the harbor in Horta since the Azores’ discovery.
In 1986, this area was modernized into a marina featuring 300 sheltered berths.
Reportedly, it ranks as the fourth most-visited marina globally and serves as a port of call or final destination for various races, including Les Sables-Les Açores-Les Sables and ARC Europe.
The evidence of the marina’s international patronage is evident on the jetties and seawall, which are adorned with colorful messages from many sailors over the years.
2. Museu da Horta
Housed in a former Jesuit college, this museum near the marina preserves Faial’s artistic heritage and traditional crafts.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the age-old craftsmanship involved in pottery, wool, and linen production.
Exhibits also highlight the telegraph stations that facilitated transatlantic communication in the 19th and 20th centuries, along with displays on mineralogy, geology, and liturgical art from Faial’s convents.
A notable attraction is the collection of scale models, particularly intricately crafted caravel ships made from fig kernels (miolo de figueira), showcasing a remarkable translucent quality.
3. Peter Café Sport
A ritual for visitors to Horta includes visiting this bar adjacent to the water and enjoying a gin and tonic.
The atmosphere is lively, populated by yachtsmen, with decor featuring numerous yacht pennants and memorabilia from around the globe.
The bar also features the Scrimshaw Museum, showcasing hundreds of pieces of scrimshaw, which consists of engraved whale jawbones and teeth. This art form was brought to Horta in the 1800s, a time when American whaling ships frequented the harbor.
4. Horta Old Town
Enriched by its university, Horta is among the youngest towns in the Azores, which invigorates its nighttime bars and restaurants.
Venturing inland from the waterfront reveals cobblestone streets on an incline, bordered by elegant houses and the prominent façades of churches overlooking the ocean.
Occasionally, gaps between buildings afford glimpses of the volcanic peaks that rise behind the town or Pico Island to the east.
5. Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
In a brief drive north of Horta, one can reach this scenic viewpoint.
This location is particularly advantageous since weather conditions can change rapidly on the island; thus, it is best visited when the skies are clear.
On sunny days, the 360° vista is breathtaking, encompassing all of Horta and its harbor, alongside Monte da Guia, Caldeira, and the islands of São Jorge and Pico, the latter dominated by its 2,351-meter volcano.
6. Monte da Guia
From virtually any location in Horta, one can observe the impressive profile of this volcanic cone rising 145 meters above the sea.
In the 19th century, this site served as a whaling station, and several structures near the water date back to that period.
Walking paths begin on the southern edge of Horta, meandering up the slope through heather and Azorean myrica.
The trail leads to the summit, offering views of the town, Porto Pim Bay, and Faial’s lush green peaks.
Additionally, there’s the historic hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Guia, built in 1714.
7. Igreja de São Salvador
Adjacent to the former college, this Jesuit church commenced construction in 1680 at a time when erecting a temple on the archipelago was a considerable undertaking: The process began two years after receiving authorization to import the necessary materials from mainland Portugal.
The structure was not fully completed before the Jesuit order was expelled from Portugal in 1759, yet they had already adorned the church with exquisite gilt-wood decor at the altar and magnificent azulejos on the nave’s walls.
Notable features include the Senhora da Boa Morte chapel, renowned for its stunning oil paintings, and a revolving bookcase in the choir embellished with ivory inlays depicting gospel passages.
8. Fort of Santa Cruz
As a harbor on a remote archipelago, Horta became a target for pirates, privateers, and foreign naval powers.
This situation was exacerbated by Portugal’s colonial wealth during that period, as ships laden with gold and other treasures from the New World arrived in Horta.
This fortress, established in 1567, was part of a strategic initiative to bolster the Azores’ coastal defenses and features a pentagonal layout.
Interestingly, the fort was originally right on the water’s edge; however, after 450 years, it now lies approximately 20 meters from the marina’s quays.
A pousada (heritage hotel) has been established in the former barracks, allowing visitors to explore the gun positions and a charming chapel adorned with tiles.
9. Caldeira
No matter where you roam on Faial, certain attractions are essential.
One such attraction is Caldeira, situated just 10 kilometers from Horta.
Caldeira represents the highest point on the island, exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation.
This stratovolcano played a pivotal role in the island’s formation, with eruptions commencing approximately 410,000 years ago.
Taking the trail to Cabeço Gordo provides access to the highest point along the rim.
From this perspective, one can appreciate the true scale of the crater, measuring over 400 meters deep and around 1.5 kilometers in diameter.
For those wishing to extend their exploration, a trail encircles the crater’s edge.
10. Capelinhos
At Capelinhos, located at the moon-like western end of Faial, one can observe the ongoing impact of volcanic activity on the island.
An eruption from 1957 to 1958 devastated villages and a whaling station in its path.
This event also resulted in the formation of a new headland, now linked to Faial by an isthmus.
Once used to signify Faial’s easternmost point, the lighthouse here now sits several hundred meters away due to the amount of lava and ash expelled during the eruption.
The interpretation center provides a detailed account of the 1950s eruption and elaborates on the scientific principles underpinning this phenomenon.
11. Semana do Mar
One of the best times to experience Horta is during the second week of August for Semana do Mar (Sea Week). This event is Portugal’s largest nautical festival, taking place in Horta’s harbor, which serves as an ideal venue.
Daily activities include sports events in swimming, rowing, water polo, canoeing, sailing, and jet-skiing, along with artisan and gastronomic markets on land.
As night falls, Horta comes alive with concerts and festivities, culminating in a grand fireworks display over the marina on the final evening.
12. Praia de Porto Pim
The Azores are not particularly famed for their beaches; however, there exists a picturesque one just south of the marina, located in the eastern curve of Monte da Gaia’s ancient caldera.
Praia de Porto Pim is the most popular beach on Faial, featuring lighter sand due to the caldera’s tufa stone.
This stunning arcing bay is bordered by gentle, shallow waters and sheltered by the surrounding volcano.
The views include lush green slopes and the old whaling station.
A Blue Flag beach, Praia de Porto Pim offers lifeguard services, parking, and amenities such as cafes and showers.
13. Praia do Almoxarife
This natural beach lies across from Ponte da Espalamaca, just north of Horta.
Characterized by jet-black sandy shores, it faces east, resulting in comparatively gentler waves.
During the summer months, the beach is monitored by lifeguards, and visitors should watch for flags to ascertain swimming conditions.
Throughout the remainder of the year, the beach remains a beautiful destination for appreciating the contrast between the black sand and surrounding greenery.
A quaint town lies nearby, complete with a public park and an ornate Baroque church dating back to the 18th century.
14. Jardim Botânico do Faial
Located in the Flamengo Valley on the route to Caldeira from Horta is the island’s botanical garden.
This attraction focuses on conserving the island’s native species and showcasing the diversity of endemic plant life within the archipelago.
To achieve this, plants and trees are thoughtfully arranged across pergolas, within hollows, in flowerbeds, parterres, ponds, and rock gardens.
Notably, there are laurel trees, ferns, a variety of herbs, and a garden featuring nearly 50 species of orchids.
15. Whale and Dolphin Watching
In Horta, whale and dolphin watching is conducted with a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsibility.
A number of local companies operate from the marina, offering guided excursions led by qualified marine biologists focused on observing whales and dolphins.
This approach ensures minimal disturbance to wildlife while also providing enlightening information regarding their behavior and biology.
The peak season for whale watching generally occurs from April to July, when fin, blue, sei, and pilot whales migrate through these waters.
However, sperm whales, previously hunted in the Azores, are present year-round, alongside common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins.
For more information, consider contacting Hortacetáceos and Naturalist – Science & Tourism.
