Full Day Private Trip Faial

The Caldeira of Faial has been a natural reserve since 1972 (category I – IUCN). Caldeira is a very unique volcanic collapse crater because the high altitude allows for a geological interpretation of most of Faial’s characteristics. The interior of the Caldeira is one of the most important nature preservation sites in the Azores. The Caldeira bio-diversity is composed of different humid habitats. Therefore, it’s common to find mud and flooded areas at the bottom.

The Capelinhos Volcano, is located on Faial Island, in the Azores. It is one of the tourist attractions in the Atlantic, namely in the Azores, due to the uniqueness of its scenic beauty, of very recent origin.

The volcano remained active for 13 months, between September 27, 1957 and October 24, 1958. The eruption was characterized by two main phases, an underwater phase, characterized by the emission of volcanic ash and steam from water and a subaerial phase that alternated between more explosive periods, with the emission of volcanic bombs, and more effusive periods, to which the emission of lava flows is associated.

Monte da Guia consists of a Surtseian tuff cone, resulting from underwater basaltic volcanism, with a predominant projection of volcanic ash. It rises to 145 meters and is connected to the island by an isthmus with a dune system called Entre Montes. It has two craters that are twinned and open to the south towards the sea – the Caldeirinhas –, which are classified as a Nature Reserve and constitute nursery areas for fish species.

On the other hand, Monte Queimado is a cone of basalt slag, associated with a subaerial eruption of the Strombolian type and rises to an altitude of 81 meters. On the slopes of this cone, partially dismantled by the action of marine erosion, it is possible to observe the pyroclastic materials that constitute it (ash, lapilli and volcanic bombs) and basaltic veins. This area is home to endemic species.

Fajã da Praia do Norte is located on the north coast of the island of Faial, in the parish of Praia do Norte and illustrates the eternal duel between the sea and the volcanoes. Overlooking an imposing cliff covered by Laurissilva forest vegetation, its extension arises as a result of a lava flow from the historic eruption of Cabeço do Fogo (1672/73). A small beach, Praia do Norte, which gave its name to the town, boasts magnificent dark sand. This beach is sought after by surfers, given the good sea conditions for this type of practice. In the area we also find a small port, carved into a magnificent lava flow that contains one of the most beautiful geological treasures in the region, the olivine xenoliths.

Varadouro is a small coastal resort in the parish of Capelo. In the old days it used to be the summer resort of the wealthy families of Horta who spent their summer holiday there. The Varadouro Natural Pools are formed by black balsatic rocks, which are lava flows that after the eruption reached the sea and gave rise to the rocks. The Varadouro Natural Pools have salty and warm waters. In summer, the average temperature is around 22ºC.

The Almoxarife beach has a long black sand framed in a green setting of great beauty and is considered one of the best beaches in the Azores. It was on this beach that Joss van Hurtere landed for the first time with 15 Flemings, in 1465.

According to Friar Diogo de Chagas, in 1643, the parish had 305 inhabitants spread over 43 dwellings. (Espelho Cristalino, p. 478). The eruption on the Pico Mountain, on February 1, 1718, associated with a series of diseases that brought the people of Faial afflicted, led the officials of the Municipality of Horta and other illustrious people of the island on the same day. 20 April 1718, making a solemn vow to hold “while the world lasted” at the expense of the Council a thanksgiving feast to Senhor Santo Cristo, in the church of Praia do Almoxarife. In 1758, the church was rebuilt just as we know it today, by Father Mateus Rodrigues.

It was also a landing site for Liberal troops under the command of the Count of Vila-Flor, on April 23, 1831.