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Caldeira
Volcanic cone dominating the island. At the top there is a wide, deep crater about 1,450 metres in diameter and 400 metres in depth - covered with cedars, junipers, beeches, ferns and moss, part of which are significant examples of the original vegetation of the island. Nature reserve. Spectacular shades of green. Close to Cabeço Gordo which, with an altitude of 1,043 metres, affords magnificent views of the scenery of Faial and of the islands of Pico, Sao Jorge and, on days when the sky is clear, Graciosa.
Capelinhos
Site of the volcanic eruption of 1957-58. At first an islet appeared, but it came to join the island itself, forming a cape with scarps of hundreds of metres. Volcanic ashes covered houses and fields, transforming the scenery.
There is a small but curious museum recalling and documenting the main phrases of the eruption.
Feteira coast
Series of grottoes and marine caverns. Interesting headland called Ponta Furada, a lava arch scooped out by the sea. Refuge for birds. A visit by boat is recommended.
The hydrangeas
Having originated in China and Japan and sometimes picturesquely called novelos or balls of yarn by the Azoreans, the hydrangea found the ideal place for its propagation and flourishing in the archipelago. But no island can pride itself, like Faial, of the masses of hydrangeas that frame houses, accompany roads and separate fields. Enamelling the exuberant green with an infinite number of shades of blue. they justify the name of the "blue island" that was given to Faial by the writer Raul Brandão.
Pico
A huge cone rising from the sea, Pico and its impressive beauty, with the fascinating range of colours reflecting changes in light and atmosphere, can be best appreciated from the island of Faial. From the purple of dawn to the violet of dusk, Pico charms the viewer with its continuous changes... even when only its outline can be made out among the clouds that sometimes hide it.
Copyright Pierre LaVelly Sousa Lima
