It’s been sixty years since the Capelinhos Volcano eruption on Faial Island. SATA helped the victims at the time, assisting them when boarding to the United States, first in Santa Maria and later in the Lajes Air Base, on a series of flights operated on Pan American Airways DC-6B aircraft.

The Capelinhos Volcano eruption was a turning point. In addition to the natural geographic changes resulting from the mass emigration to the United States, the world’s most distinguished scientists traveled to Faial, opening a new page in the history of volcanology and beginning the scientific tourism that brings so many people to the Azores.

Six decades later, the old volcano turned into an emblematic place, visited annually by many tourists, who end up amazed by the countless other points of interest Faial has to offer.

Nature

Caldeira – The ancient volcano which is on the genesis of the island – is a crater covered with several endemic species. At the bottom, you can find a lagoon and a small volcanic cone.

Capelinhos Volcano – Place where the last volcanic eruption in the Azores arose. The lush vegetation characteristic of Faial Island gives place to a volcanic inhospitable landscape. A hike to the lighthouse will offer you a magnificent view of the volcano.

Heritage

Peter Café Sport – Located in Horta’s historical center, Peter Café Sport is along with the marina a great symbol of Faial island’s cosmopolitan character. Meeting point for yachtsmen from all over the world, it’s as worldwide known as its most famous product – the gin.

Horta’s Marina – The busiest marina in the Azores and the fourth most visited in the world. Here you can contemplate several paintings left by yachtsmen on the concrete walls, offering a real outdoor art exhibition.

Porto Pim Whaling Factory – Ancient whaling infrastructure now turned into a museum in honor of the whaling times, so important in past generations on the island. On the inside, you can find machines and other instruments used in whale hunting and processing.

Cuisine

Faial Island’s cuisine is filled with maritime flavors due to the proximity to the sea. The stewed octopus with wine, the fish broth and stew are typical dishes from Faial island, usually complemented with cornbread. Boiled beef, black pudding, and sausages served with yams are the main meat dishes.

Fofas do Faial – Faial island typical pastry. These small pastries flavored with a hint of lemon are stuffed with an egg-based cream and incorporate fennel seeds.