Situated in the central island group in the Archipelago of the Azores, 8.3 km from the island of Pico, with 21 km in length and 14 km of width. It makes the island of Faial the central point of the Archipelago, where you can see the remaining islands in the group.

In some maps it was called "Insular de Ventura". It's discovery happened in the first half of the XV century, by Portuguese navigators, with it's populating, done later. According to legend it was initially inhabited by a hermit who sought refuge from the world.

Later, Josse Van Huerter, called by the rumors of the existence of large deposits of tin and silver, arrives on the island, and ends up staying, ethralled with the island and it's fertility.

With the passing years it ended up bringing many colonizers, threatened by the Hundred Years War, these, established themselves in the Flemmish village, which still exists for the record in it's name the first inhabitants.

The island, grew with agriculture and the exporting of pastel dye plants.

Faial, since it's discovery, has been marked by mishaps, and in 1583 it is conquered by the Spanish, followed by the English corsairs, who caused great damage, as well as the earthquake of 1676, which provoked destruction throughout the island.

Already in the XIX Century, Faial participated activly in the battles that opposed the liberals to the absolutists, receiving later on a visit by King Pedro IV, for it's notable valiance and courage in the fight against the absolutists, as well as valuable combatents that arrived at Mindelo.

It's position in the North Atlantic is the existence of an excellent port, sheltered from the strong tides that surround the island, it made for commerce and American whaling ships arrived to be re-stocked, making the island a point of economy based in agriculture, livestock, dairy farming, fishing, and commerce.

Festivities
Faial, island of festivals, of gathering of good disposition and happiness, it is here that Sea Week happens, where during a week many musical groups from mainland Portugal and other islands, bands, folclore and ethnographic groups, act in a gathering of culture and spectacle. Sports events of many areas and exhibitions are also shown.

The Festivals of Our Lady of Concerns, take place every year, being considered the largest religious festival, with it's start dating back to the time of the first inhabitants, where the primative Chapel in honor of Our Lady of Concerns was ordered built by Lord Brites de Macedo, who placed the same image of the patron saint brought from Flanders.

On the oppsoing end, the Festivals of Saint John happen on June 24th and is totally dedicated to it's patron saint Saint John. The origin of these festivals date back to the colonization of the island of Terceira, done by noblemen.

It is here as well, and simiar to the other islands, where they commemorate the festivals praising the Holy Ghost, although different in some details, even in the same island, there always existed similarities that charactarize these religous festivals as the most traditional and unique festivals which take place in the Azores.

Things to See
Horta Marina: Situated in the beautiful city of Horta, it is a point of reference for all that arrive here. Here, you can find yachtists for all over the world, that cross the Atlantic in search of adventure and where, they leave their paintings on the walls and floor of the Marina, testimony of their passage. This is done beceause according to legend, he who doesn't leave his/her marck will not reach their destination.

Monte Guia: Lookout point, with a beautiful panormaic view to the city of Horta, the beach of Porto Pim and coast to Ponta de Castelo Branco and the island of Pico. This zone is considered protected scenery due to it's beautiful landscape and by the unique fauna of this region.

Espalamaca: Another lookout point with a view to the city of Horta, aside from the city, the port and Marina, it is here as well where you can admire the islands of Pico and São Jorge.

Caldeira: Crater with approximately 400 meters in depth and 2 Km of width, it is a must-see. You will find here, in it's bottom, a beautiful lagood surrounded by blue hydranges, beechwood trees, zimbro trees, fersn, etc... It is classified as a natural reserve.

Horta Museum: Located in the city of Horta, it reunites a vast collection of works in figtree woord of the more revered artists in the island. Artisan Expression, charactaristics of this island referred as a must-see for an interesting cultural trip.

Tourist Guide
Faial, blessed with sepctacular views, where you can observe from the volcanic peak of Monte da Guia, the great crater of the Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo or of the peculiar scenery surrounding the Capelinhos volcano, originated by the recent eruption thatgave origin to a new island; unique scenry, a mandatory point of passage.

Here... the time passes slowly through the waves of the ocean, making you dive in tranquility and harmony of the colors that enrich the island. The green is a permanent invitation to the trips through the unique scenery, in particular the Caldeira, with fantastic views which from there you can reach the Caldeira and to the hydranges that cover the entire scenery. The Blue is an invitation to the crystaline and limpid sea that cuts the coast of the island of Faial, it's waters are rich in colorful fish, blue and white swordfish, tuna, of which offer vigorous fights.

Point of passage, for all the cross the Atlantic, here the yachtists arrive from all over the world to enjoy the beauty and unique scenery of Faial, as well as the gathering of it's inhabitants.