Azores Experience - Guide to the Azores - Full Island Tour - Faial

Full Day Island Tour – Faial

These expeditions allow us to find and pass through hidden places, with unexpected and breathtaking natural landscapes, through less “usual” paths and shortcuts.

The Full Day expedition starts at 9.30am and lasts approximately 7 hours.

Pick Up :

Your hotel (whenever the accommodation is in Horta) or our office:

Edifício Das Atividades Marítimo-Turísticas da Horta. Unit B-1 (Horta Marina, Santa Cruz Quay) or

Horta Quay (Ferry Terminal).

* If the accommodation or point of departure is not in Horta, an extra supplement per journey will apply

* Please see our terms and conditions and cancellation policy below

Domus Vallis

Casa do Vale is a modern, recently-built house in the centre of Furnas and is just a short walk from some of the region’s most emblematic tourist attractions. Terra Nostra Park, Caldeiras, Poça da Dona Beija, Lagoa das Furnas are just a few minutes away.

Azores Experience - Guide to the Azores Whale Watching - Faial

Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of our greatest passions!

We are truly passionate and fascinated by these animals, and every day we try to pass on a little of this passion, and our knowledge, to all those who choose us to live this experience.

We organise morning and afternoon trips, lasting between 3 and 4 hours. The species sighted may vary depending on the time of year, however we do have some species that are “resident” all year round, such as the Sperm Whale.

* Please see our terms and conditions and cancellation policy below

Our-Island - Guide to the Azores - Mountain Bike Tour

Mountain Bike Tour- Private Tour in Faial

Our mountain bike tour crosses Faial Island from east to west. We start riding at Horta and finish in the Capelinhos Volcano. In between, we will see the Caldeira of Faial.

This ride is designed for amateur cyclists or sports enthusiasts who practice endurance sports consistently, at least once a week. The route covers 45 km, and 1320 m of elevation gain. We will use mostly dirt roads and secondary roads. The itinerary can change, for our guide will adapt the route depending on the weather conditions and group fitness.

Our Island - Guide to the Azores - Around Caldeira

Around Caldeira Trail – Private Tour in Faial

The trail around the rim of Caldeira is the highest trail on Faial. 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.

Our Island - Guide to the Azores - 10 Volcanoes

10 Volcanoes Trail – Private Tour Faial

The 10 Volcanoes Trail is a full-day activity with 21km, and it’s the most immersive hike on Faial. During the activity, we will see a lot of the island. The hike includes the two most famous points of interest in Faial: Caldeira, and Capelinhos Volcano.

Our Island - Guide to the Azores - Caldeira Descent

Caldeira Descent – Private Tour in Faial

The Caldeira of Faial has been a natural reserve since 1972 (category I – IUCN). It’s a volcanic collapse crater with unique characteristics. Since the Caldeira of Faial Descent is such a special experience, Faial Natural Park controls the access to the bottom, issuing only a limited number of permits. For this reason, a certified guide is mandatory for the Caldeira Descent.

Our Island - Guide to the Azores - Banana Trip Pico

Banana Trip – Private Tour in Pico

The Banana Trip is a full day cultural tour in Pico island. Usually, we focus on the South coast of Pico island. We will learn about the wine culture and the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards landscape. And we will better understand the importance of the Azores Whaling culture, by visiting a few heritage sites, like the Whaling Museum.

A traditional lunch is included at Lajes village. In between, we will appreciate several natural tide pools and visit the interior of the island, Pico Central Plateau. We call it Banana Trip, because the final goal is to visit our own banana plantation. To check and see if there’s a ripe bunch of bananas, ready to harvest.

The Banana Trip is a private cultural tour in Pico island that offers an exclusive experience. The price includes all expenses from Faial island and back.

Our Island - Guide to the Azores - Trail Running Faial

Trail running on Faial – Private Tour

Trail running on Faial is a fun way to get to know the island. The 10 Volcanoes Trail is arguably the best medium distance trail running route on Faial and is actually part of the Azores Trail Run race. This trail offers an easy way to sight-see for those who carry their running shoes with them wherever they go.

 

Casas da Boavista - Guide to the Azores - Faial

Casa da Boa Vista

Casas da Boa Vista is located in Horta, 12 km from Caldeira and 24 km from Capelinhos. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. The accommodation comes with a seating area. Some units include a terrace and/or balcony with sea or mountain views. There is also a kitchen, equipped with an oven, microwave and toaster. A fridge and stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. Every unit has a private bathroom with a bath. Free private parking is available at the holiday home. The area is popular for diving. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including cycling, fishing and hiking. The nearest airport is Horta Airport, 15.5 km from Casas da Boa Vista.

Casa dos Amigos - Guide to the Azores - Santa Maria

Newly refurbished studio 2024

Bright and spacious studio in a quiet location in the center of Vila do Porto,

Perfect for singles or couples  with private garden and private parking.

The accommodation is located in a quiet area of the city with a charming atmosphere, sea views and close to all amenities, restaurants, supermarkets, hospital, bus…

A pleasant base for discovering the aquatic and terrestrial wonders of Santa Maria

Casa Rosa - Guide to the Azores - Faial

Casa Rosa

Peaceful and centrally-located 2 bedroom house, 1 minute walk to Porto Pim – the most beautiful bay and beach in Faial Island.
The house has been fully refurbish in 2022 – New bathroom, kitchen and living room. Each bedroom has a king size bed. You can also view the bay and the marina from the backyard of the house, where you can sit and chill.
The house is in Horta city – a short walking distance to restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and the marina.
only 15 minutes car ride to the airport.

Full Day Discovering Faial - Guide to the Azores

Full day discovering Faial – Private Tour

Our full-day car tour on Faial will take us all around the island in a fun and engaging way. We will visit Caldeira do Faial, Capelinhos Volcano, Fajã da Praia do Norte, as well as a few other places. Our itinerary is always a surprise.

Since the tour is private, we have the flexibility to adapt each tour to our clients’ preferences and to the weather conditions. Our Guides love to share our island’s history and culture, and their knowledge about Azores in general.

If you’re interested, we are happy to stop for a swim in the ocean during the summer or for a small hike. Our car tour on Faial is an 8 hours tour with lunch included.

Ilhoa Guided Tours - Guide to the Azores - São Miguel

Sete Cidades, Mosteiros e Ferraria

We set off from Ponta Delgada towards Sete Cidades on the Covoada side with the following itinerary:

– Pico do Carvão viewpoint, Lagoa do Canário, Grota do Inferno viewpoint, Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint, Santiago Lagoon, Vista do Rei viewpoint.

Then we head down to the picturesque town of Sete Cidades, where we’ll stroll along the banks of the green lagoon and visit the Church of São Nicolau. Next, we’ll head to Mosteiros to enjoy its black sand beach and four islets. Finally, we’ll visit Ponta da Ferraria, where you can take a hot dip in the sea, depending on the time of year and the tide.

This tour is available in Portuguese and English.

Ilhoa Guided Tours - Guide to the Azores - São Miguel

Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha e Salto do Cabrito

We set off from Ponta Delgada towards Lagoa do Fogo where we will visit the various viewpoints that give us various angles of this lagoon; then we descend to the Caldeira Velha complex where you can bathe in the warm waters surrounded by the Laurissilva Forest. After this relaxation, we’ll descend even further to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, where our tour ends.

This tour is available in Portuguese and English

Ilhoa Guided Tours - Guide to the Azores - São Miguel

Furnas, Tea Plantation and Vila Franca do Campo

We set off from Ponta Delgada in the direction of Furnas along the north coast and on the way we stopped at the Gorreana Tea Factory. Once in Furnas we have the following itinerary planned:

– Pico do Ferro viewpoint

– Furnas Lagoon and its boilers

– Terra Nostra Park or Poça da D. Beija

On the way back to Ponta Delgada, we drive along the south side of the island and make the following stops:

– Lagoa do Congro

– Castelo Branco Viewpoint

– Senhora da Paz Viewpoint

– Vila Franca do Campo Queijada Factory

This tour is available in Portuguese and English