Atlantic Islander
03-14-2014, 07:04 PM
http://i.imgur.com/3tP7LAe.jpg
Faial Island is a wonderful surprise for all who visit it. It is a natural paradise painted in blue. Not just due to several shades of blue that decorate the houses but also because of the countless hydrangeas blooming during the summer months.
The history of Faial Island
According to the opinion of the main historians Faial was discovered after Terceira. The first settlers came from Portugal and Flanders around 1465. It is believe that they named the island Faial due to the countless fire trees (Faias-da-Terra in Portuguese) existing on the land.
In 1468 a Flemish noble named Josse Van Huertere became the Island’s captain. He brought with them several settlers to live first in the Flamengos valley and then in Horta. These settlers were responsible for the growing of woad on Faial Island. Up until 1583 the island knew prosperity. However, during the Spanish occupation, the wealth and heritage of Terceira Island was squandered by corsairs’ attacks. This troubled period was worsened by the 1672-73 volcanic eruption. The northwest of Faial Island was devastated.
Faial Island
With the Restoration Faial entered a new period of development. The natural conditions of Faial harbor elected it as a privileged navigational stopover between Europe and America. By those days the main exports to Continental Portugal and other European destinations were wine and spirits. By the 18th century occurred the development of whale hunting. Several whaling fleets came to Horta city. By then also come the oranges, which become the main source of income of the Faial Island. However the vineyards and the orange groves were destroyed by infesting diseases. Faial Island was saved by its geographic position, as it became the most important telecommunications centre between North America and Europe. The communication was done submarine cables that passed by the Island, namely by Horta city. The opening of the Horta Weather Observatory in 1915 also promoted the economy of the Island.
Faial Island geographic location played once more an important role during the first time of the aviation. The Island was the stopover of the first planes that crossed the North Atlantic until the 40s.
Since the 19th century Horta has been one of the most important sea ports. Its marina has been a meeting point for sailors from all over the world since its opening in 1986. Many of them elect the famed Peter’s Café as their home away from home.
Capelinhos eruption
In 1957 Faial Island was shaken by the volcanic eruption from the Ilhéu dos Capelinhos. The eruption projected such an amount of lava and ash that created an islet. Later this islet became linked to Faial by an isthmus.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/faial-island-the-blue-island/)
Faial attractions are amazing - All About Portugal
http://i.imgur.com/fhh59M4.jpg
Faial attractions are mostly related to Nature. The breath-taking natural landscape is an invitation to relaxation.
On land or at sea, Faial Island is the perfect place to be in communion with nature. This is why I love to go for long walks every time I am in Faial.
My favourite Faial attractions
Every time I go to Faial there are a few places I visit for their amazing beauty and singularity. These are the ones I share with you below and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Porto Pim beach
The amazing Porto Pim beach is located on the southeast coast of the Island. What makes this beach of thin sands unique is the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The contrast between the deep blue waters of the bay and green of the Guia Mount that protects it is unmatchable. This is why I consider Porto Pim as one of the best Faial attractions. Besides, the calm waters of Porto Pim are perfect for diving and windsurfing.
http://i.imgur.com/4AzT3HG.jpg
Caldeira
Caldeira rises imposing in the centre of the Island. It is definitely one of the major Faial attractions. In fact, Caldeira is the crater of the extinct volcano from which the Island was born. The highest point of the crater – and of the Island – is Cabeço Gordo with 1,043m. The crater has a diameter of about 1.5 km. When the weather permits it, you should not miss a walk around the crater rim. The view is absolutely incredible!
Capelinhos volcano and Interpretation Centre
These are one of the most remarkable Faial attractions. The volcanic eruption of Capelinhos in 1957 / 1958 was one of the most significant events of the Island. It lasted for 13 months. It increased the Island’s area and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people. The landscape is unique. It looks like we are on the moon. Climbing the lighthouse’ stairs all the way up is well worth the effort as the view from the top is stunning.
http://i.imgur.com/TTj5GTX.jpg
Capelinhos Interpretation Centre gives you an accurate image of what happened during the eruption. The 3D video on the eruption is remarkable.
Peter’s Café Sport
To visit Faial and not going for a gin & tonic at Peter’s is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope! Peter’s is without a doubt one of the most cherished Faial attractions. This place is already legendary among yachtsmen from all over the world. Besides, Peter’s Museum, the Scrimshaw, is a wonderful testimony of way of life in the Island.
Faial Island is the perfect place to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Whale watching is one of the main Faial attractions. Here it is possible to spot more than 24 species of cetacean.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/the-best-faial-attractions/)
Faial Island is a wonderful surprise for all who visit it. It is a natural paradise painted in blue. Not just due to several shades of blue that decorate the houses but also because of the countless hydrangeas blooming during the summer months.
The history of Faial Island
According to the opinion of the main historians Faial was discovered after Terceira. The first settlers came from Portugal and Flanders around 1465. It is believe that they named the island Faial due to the countless fire trees (Faias-da-Terra in Portuguese) existing on the land.
In 1468 a Flemish noble named Josse Van Huertere became the Island’s captain. He brought with them several settlers to live first in the Flamengos valley and then in Horta. These settlers were responsible for the growing of woad on Faial Island. Up until 1583 the island knew prosperity. However, during the Spanish occupation, the wealth and heritage of Terceira Island was squandered by corsairs’ attacks. This troubled period was worsened by the 1672-73 volcanic eruption. The northwest of Faial Island was devastated.
Faial Island
With the Restoration Faial entered a new period of development. The natural conditions of Faial harbor elected it as a privileged navigational stopover between Europe and America. By those days the main exports to Continental Portugal and other European destinations were wine and spirits. By the 18th century occurred the development of whale hunting. Several whaling fleets came to Horta city. By then also come the oranges, which become the main source of income of the Faial Island. However the vineyards and the orange groves were destroyed by infesting diseases. Faial Island was saved by its geographic position, as it became the most important telecommunications centre between North America and Europe. The communication was done submarine cables that passed by the Island, namely by Horta city. The opening of the Horta Weather Observatory in 1915 also promoted the economy of the Island.
Faial Island geographic location played once more an important role during the first time of the aviation. The Island was the stopover of the first planes that crossed the North Atlantic until the 40s.
Since the 19th century Horta has been one of the most important sea ports. Its marina has been a meeting point for sailors from all over the world since its opening in 1986. Many of them elect the famed Peter’s Café as their home away from home.
Capelinhos eruption
In 1957 Faial Island was shaken by the volcanic eruption from the Ilhéu dos Capelinhos. The eruption projected such an amount of lava and ash that created an islet. Later this islet became linked to Faial by an isthmus.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/faial-island-the-blue-island/)
Faial attractions are amazing - All About Portugal
http://i.imgur.com/fhh59M4.jpg
Faial attractions are mostly related to Nature. The breath-taking natural landscape is an invitation to relaxation.
On land or at sea, Faial Island is the perfect place to be in communion with nature. This is why I love to go for long walks every time I am in Faial.
My favourite Faial attractions
Every time I go to Faial there are a few places I visit for their amazing beauty and singularity. These are the ones I share with you below and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Porto Pim beach
The amazing Porto Pim beach is located on the southeast coast of the Island. What makes this beach of thin sands unique is the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The contrast between the deep blue waters of the bay and green of the Guia Mount that protects it is unmatchable. This is why I consider Porto Pim as one of the best Faial attractions. Besides, the calm waters of Porto Pim are perfect for diving and windsurfing.
http://i.imgur.com/4AzT3HG.jpg
Caldeira
Caldeira rises imposing in the centre of the Island. It is definitely one of the major Faial attractions. In fact, Caldeira is the crater of the extinct volcano from which the Island was born. The highest point of the crater – and of the Island – is Cabeço Gordo with 1,043m. The crater has a diameter of about 1.5 km. When the weather permits it, you should not miss a walk around the crater rim. The view is absolutely incredible!
Capelinhos volcano and Interpretation Centre
These are one of the most remarkable Faial attractions. The volcanic eruption of Capelinhos in 1957 / 1958 was one of the most significant events of the Island. It lasted for 13 months. It increased the Island’s area and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people. The landscape is unique. It looks like we are on the moon. Climbing the lighthouse’ stairs all the way up is well worth the effort as the view from the top is stunning.
http://i.imgur.com/TTj5GTX.jpg
Capelinhos Interpretation Centre gives you an accurate image of what happened during the eruption. The 3D video on the eruption is remarkable.
Peter’s Café Sport
To visit Faial and not going for a gin & tonic at Peter’s is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope! Peter’s is without a doubt one of the most cherished Faial attractions. This place is already legendary among yachtsmen from all over the world. Besides, Peter’s Museum, the Scrimshaw, is a wonderful testimony of way of life in the Island.
Faial Island is the perfect place to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Whale watching is one of the main Faial attractions. Here it is possible to spot more than 24 species of cetacean.
source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/the-best-faial-attractions/)