Part of the harbour in Horta, Faial's capital. Photo: Staffan Rodebrand

Faial has a length of 21 km, a width of 14 km, and a total area of 173 square kilometres. The island is dominated by the Caldeira, a volcanic cone with is highest point reaching 1.043 metres. At the west point there is a smaller fresh volcanic area, from the eruption from Vulcáo dos Capelinhos in 1957.
   From the airport at the south coast, there are about nine kilometres east to the town of Horta, where most of the islands 15.000 inhabitants live. Horta harbour is an important port-to-call fore many transatlantic yachts. The sea wall is covered with hundreds of paintings left by the sailors, as a message and an insurance for a safe travel. Except for the marina, there is also an industrial and fishing port, in this sheltered harbour where the whaling fleets used to stop for fresh supplies. From here you can take the 30 minutes ride with the ferryboat over to the isle of Pico.
   Many companies offer whale- and dolphin tours in the waters around Faial. In Horta you also find the famous bar Peter's Café Sport, and Museu do Scrimshau, which show engraved whales´ bones and teeth dating back to 1884.

Maps
» A general map with birding localities could be viewed here
» Download or open a detailed and resizeable map here.
» Coordinates for birdwatching sites.

Specialties
There are no real specialities on Faial, but it is one of the best places for close-ups on gulls. The sea watching could also be very good in late autumn and winter.

Birds out at sea
Pelagic summer and early autumn birdwatching can be good at the Princess Alice Bank, a seamount about 80-90 km southwest of Pico and Faial, and at the Azores Bank which is only half the distance in the same direction. Especially Wilson's Storm-petrels seem to be regular here, often searching up the fishing boats for leftovers. For pelagic tours see the seawatching page.

The craterlake Caldeira in centre of Faial. Photo: Bosse Carlsson

Birding localities
Except for the lake deep down in the Caldeira (off limit, and rarely holding any birds), all the birding localities are in Horta. West of Monte da Guia is the beach at Porto Pim, witch can attract a few waders. In the bay egrets, gulls, terns, and cormorants often rest on the lava cliffs, and the odd loon or duck may rest on the water. Depending on strength and direction of winds, sea watching could be rewarding from the east side of Monte da Guia or from the large pier in the commercial part of the harbour. Here in the western part of the harbour, is often the best place for close-ups on gulls. Ring-billed Gulls are regular in late autumn and winter. You also have to drop in at the famous Peter's Café Sport, before you check the marina in the
east for more gulls and terns.

Ponta dos Capelinhos in north-west of Faial. Photo: Bosse Carlsson

Where to stay and getting around
Accommodation is easy to find in Horta, often though a little more expensive than in most other places on the Azores. You do not need to rent a car, all the best places are within walking distance. If you want to visit the Caldeira, or go for a tour round the island, the best way is by local bus or taxi.

» Here you'll find more information and photos from Faial