How to Explore the Best of Faial Island on a Guided Tour from Horta
If you’re planning to visit Sao Miguel Island, you simply cannot miss exploring the stunning Faial Island, known for its lush green landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and historic attractions. The Horta Guided Faial Island Tour, offered by a reputable tour operator, is an excellent way to discover the island’s highlights, all in less than a day. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this tour, including its itinerary, highlights, price, and other important details.What You’ll Experience
The Faial Island tour offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore the island’s natural beauty and fascinating history. Starting from Horta, the tour takes you to the island’s top landmarks and attractions, all while enjoying comfortable transport in a minivan. During the tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in scenic views, learn about the island’s volcanic past, and discover its cultural heritage.Highlights
Some of the top highlights of the Horta Guided Faial Island Tour include: – A visit to Faial Caldeira, a deep crater lake situated in the middle of the island’s volcanic landscape – An exploration of Capelinhos Volcano, a fascinating geological site where volcanic eruptions occurred in 1957-58 – A stop at the Ecomuseum, where you can learn about the island’s history of whale hunting and its impact on the local economy – A drive along the scenic coastal road, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring islandsItinerary
Here’s a breakdown of the Horta Guided Faial Island Tour’s itinerary: – 9:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel in Horta – 9:30 AM: Departure to Faial Island – 10:00 AM: Visit to Faial Caldeira – 11:00 AM: Visit to Capelinhos Volcano – 12:30 PM: Lunch break – 2:00 PM: Visit to the Ecomuseum – 3:30 PM: Coastal drive to Porto Pim Bay and Monte da Guia – 5:00 PM: Return to Horta, drop-off at your hotelInclusions
The Horta Guided Faial Island Tour includes the following: – Pickup and drop-off from three hotels in Horta (Horta Hotel, Faial Resort, and Pousada Forte da Horta) – Professional guide service, offering commentary in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French – Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan – Lunch (drinks not included)Price and Booking
The Horta Guided Faial Island Tour is affordably priced at €65 per person, which includes all the inclusions mentioned above. To book the tour, simply visit the GetYourGuide website using this link: Book the Tour Here Once you have completed your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details of the tour, including the pickup time and location.Tips for a Great Tour
To make the most of your Horta Guided Faial Island Tour, here are some tips to keep in mind: – Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some of the attractions involve walking on uneven terrain – Pack a camera and plenty of sunscreen, as you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors – Bring some cash for drinks and souvenirs, as some locations don’t accept credit cardsBook Your Tour Now
The Horta Guided Faial Island Tour is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Sao Miguel Island. With its stunning natural beauty, unique volcanic landscape, and fascinating history, Faial Island is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable day of discovery and adventure!
FAQ about Sao Miguel Island
1. What is Sao Miguel Island?
Sao Miguel Island, also known as “The Green Island,” is the largest of the nine Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. It is located about 850 miles west of Portugal and is a part of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.2. How do I get to Sao Miguel Island?
The easiest and fastest way to get to Sao Miguel Island is by taking a flight. The island is served by João Paulo II Airport, which is located just a few miles from Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the island. You can also take a ferry from the neighboring islands.3. What is the best time to visit Sao Miguel Island?
The peak season in Sao Miguel Island is from June to September when the weather is warm and the seas are calm. However, the island can be visited at any time of the year due to its mild climate. The winter season is also a great time to visit the island as there are fewer crowds and the landscape is lush and green.4. What are the best attractions to visit on Sao Miguel Island?
Sao Miguel Island is full of natural wonders that are worth exploring. Some of the most popular attractions include the Sete Cidades twin lakes, Lagoa do Fogo, Caldeira Velha, Furnas Lake, and the Terra Nostra Garden. You can also enjoy activities such as whale watching, surfing, and hiking.5. What types of accommodations are available on Sao Miguel Island?
There are many different types of accommodations available on Sao Miguel Island, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Prices vary depending on the location, season, and quality of the accommodation. You can also choose to stay in a rural house or a camping site to be closer to nature.6. Can I rent a car on Sao Miguel Island?
Yes, you can rent a car on Sao Miguel Island to explore the island at your own pace. There are several car rental companies available at the airport and in the city center. However, be aware that the roads can be narrow and winding, so it is important to drive carefully and pay attention to the signs.7. What is the cuisine like in Sao Miguel Island?
Sao Miguel Island is well known for its seafood, including fish, octopus, and clams. The local cuisine also features cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground using the heat from volcanic activity. You can also try traditional desserts such as queijadas, pastéis de feijão, and bolo lêvedo.8. Do I need a visa to travel to Sao Miguel Island?
If you are a citizen of a European Union country, you do not need a visa to travel to Sao Miguel Island. Citizens of other countries may need a visa, so it is best to check with the Portuguese embassy in your home country or with a travel agency.9. What is the currency used in Sao Miguel Island?
The currency used in Sao Miguel Island, as well as in the rest of Portugal, is the Euro. Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and there are many ATM machines available throughout the island.10. What language is spoken in Sao Miguel Island?
The official language of Sao Miguel Island is Portuguese, which is spoken by the majority of the population. However, many people also speak English, especially those who work in the tourism industry.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Sao Miguel Island
Sao Miguel Island is the largest of the Azores islands and is often referred to as “The Green Island.” With its lush vegetation, stunning natural scenery, and fascinating culture, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Here’s a guide on how to spend your time on this beautiful island:1. Visit the Lagoa das Sete Cidades
One of the most popular attractions on Sao Miguel Island is the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which means “Lake of the Seven Cities.” It’s a twin lake formed from a volcanic eruption, and the view from the viewpoint on the rim of the crater is breathtaking. Visitors can go hiking or cycling around the lake, or even rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the lake itself.2. Explore the Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha is a natural hot spring in Sao Miguel Island, known for its natural beauty and thermal water. The location is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. Visitors can take a dip in the natural pools or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.3. Discover the Architecture of Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is the main city on Sao Miguel Island, and it’s worth spending some time exploring the city’s architecture, which includes historic churches, elegant palaces, and colorful buildings. Visitors can visit the city’s museums and take a walking tour of the historic center to learn more about the island’s history and culture.4. Sample the local cuisine
Sao Miguel Island is known for its excellent cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, locally sourced meat, and a variety of desserts. Visitors can sample local specialties such as Cozido (a stew cooked underground using the natural heat from volcanic rocks), Lapas (grilled limpets), and Bolo Levedo (a type of sweet bread). There are also plenty of cafes and bars to enjoy a glass of local wine or beer.5. Go Whale Watching
Sao Miguel Island is a great place for whale watching, and visitors can take a boat tour to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life. The island is home to 24 species of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, humpback whales, and common dolphins.6. Visit the Furnas Valley
The Furnas Valley is a fascinating volcanic area known for its hot springs, geysers, and thermal waters. Visitors can explore the natural springs, have a picnic in the park, or even bury a pot of Cozido in the ground to cook it naturally with the geothermal heat.7. Relax on the Beaches
Sao Miguel Island is home to several beautiful beaches, including Praia dos Moinhos, Praia do Populo, and Praia de Santa Barbara. These beaches offer a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, and visitors can swim, surf, or simply relax on the sandy shores.8. Explore the Tea Plantations
Sao Miguel Island is home to several tea plantations, including the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana Tea Factory. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tea factory, learn about the tea-making process, and of course, sample some of the island’s delicious teas.9. Visit the Sete Cidades Grottoes
The Sete Cidades Grottoes are a fascinating underground cave system that stretches over 5 km. Visitors can explore the natural formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that make up the cave, and learn about the geology and history of the island.10. Take a Hike
Sao Miguel Island is a hiker’s paradise, with many trails leading through the island’s stunning natural scenery. Visitors can hike around the twin lakes of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, explore the forests and waterfalls of Salto do Prego, or take a coastal hike along the Ponta da Ferraria.Book Your Tour Now
Sao Miguel Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and fascinating history. With its stunning scenery, unique geological features, and delicious cuisine, it’s a destination that has something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or food, be sure to add Sao Miguel Island to your must-visit list.Table of Contents
