Discover the captivating beauty of the Caldeira do Faial, a unique volcanic collapse crater situated at the heart of the island. Spanning approximately 2 kilometers in diameter, this natural reserve was formed over the course of 400,000 years through a series of eruptions and periods of calm.
As one of the Azores’ most significant nature preservation sites, the Caldeira offers a remarkable geological insight into the island’s characteristics, making it a noteworthy geosite. However, access to this pristine area is limited by the Faial Natural Park, requiring the accompaniment of a certified guide to explore its wonders.
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure with the Descent to the Caldeira trail, taking you to the very bottom of the volcano crater. Please note that this trail is considered challenging and technical. The entire activity is estimated to last approximately 5 to 6 hours, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable experience in this natural gem.
Faial Island is a stunning destination in the Azores archipelago, located in the central group and part of the “triangle islands.” With an area of about 66.5 square miles, Faial is 13 miles long and has a maximum width of 8.7 miles. It was discovered in 1427 and colonized in 1432 by Flemish settlers, and it’s famous for its blue hydrangeas that frame houses, separate fields, and border roads, earning the nickname “Blue Island.”
Faial has undergone significant development and is now a mandatory reference point for international yachting. The island’s highest point is Cabeço Gordo, located in the center of the island, at 6473 feet above sea level, and nearby is a massive crater called Caldeira, approximately 1.2 miles in diameter and 1312 feet deep, surrounded by blue hydrangeas and lush vegetation.
The city of Horta offers unbeatable views of the island of Pico and, sometimes, São Jorge. There are many beautiful areas to explore on Faial, such as Varadouro, a beautiful bay dominated by the jagged black rocks of the Castelo Branco hill, vineyards, and flowers. The North Coast provides a succession of panoramic views, while Castelo Branco and Feteira, on the south coast, provide breathtaking scenery of the island of Pico.
Faial Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers, and its marina in Horta is one of its greatest features, welcoming people of diverse nationalities and cultures for many years. Horta, a picturesque town, has many interesting sights, including the churches of São Salvador, Nossa Senhora da Carmo, and S. Francisco, as well as the Museum of Sacred Art and the Horta Museum.
◾By confirming the reservation, you accept the terms and conditions described below:
◾Tours need to be reserved 48 hours prior to the designated time;
◾All tours include briefing and will be accompanied by a certified guide;
◾Tours may be cancelled or itineraries changed, without previous notice, due to weather conditions or other events beyond our control;
◾Atlantivacations reserves the right of choosing the transport, depending on the number of participants;
◾All tours are fully insured;
◾Payment for the tours is made by Credit Card or in Check (valid only for the USA Customers).
◾Reservations canceled by the client up to 48h before the tour date will be refunded in full.
◾Refunds may take up to 30 working days to be processed back to your original form of payment;
◾Reservations canceled by client less than 48h from the tour date, are subject to 50% fee of the tour;
◾Cancellations made by client or agency, less then 24 hours before the day of the tour will not be refunded;
◾In case of cancellation by the agency, the tour may be rescheduled for another day or refunded;
