What to do on Faial, Azores with kids
Faial: A Family-Friendly Volcanic Island
Faial, one of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for families. This volcanic island boasts stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich history.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to reach Faial is by plane. The island has an international airport with regular flights from mainland Portugal and other European cities. You can also take a ferry from São Jorge or Pico islands.
Where to stay
We stayed for the entire week in a lovely self-catering bungalow/house in the north of the island. Casas d'Arramada are a small group of houses with a central swimming pool, an amazing breakfast service and the kindest hosts. The houses were rebuilt in traditional style after the most recent volcanic eruption to bring people (and tourists) back to empty villages. Highly recommended. The only drawback is the secluded location. But with good planning, it is feasible. Top tip: there is a lovely pizzeria on the road heading south (near Cedros). It looks like nothing out of this world but the pizzas are delicious.
Must-See Attractions
Snorkelling near a volcano.
Capelinhos Volcano: a crazy dry and lunar area of the island where the eruptions are creating new spaces and the land is gaining on the sea. The last eruption, in 1958, was pretty significant. Many people lost their livelihoods, though nobody died. As a consequence, many families emigrated to Canada and the USA. To this day, many Portuguese people in the USA come from there. Summers in Faial are full of retuning Portuguese/Americans. You can visit the lighthouse near the volcano and, of course walk around the amazing landscape. The little museum is very interesting too, recapping the history of the eruption and the emigration that followed.
Snorkelling: We snorkelled near the volcano, which in itself is a crazy idea the kids absolutely loved. The hardened lava made for fun jumping platforms and holes. There are so many gorgeous swimming spots in Faial with few people around (even in August).
Caldeira Grande: We hiked around the caldeira grande (the volcano's crater). It is a very deceiving location. It looks so green, so peaceful and quiet. There is a just a volcano lurking underneath. Of course, it is not recommended to go down the crater alone (even though it looks like a meadow). We only stayed around the top.
Whale Watching: The Azores are a great whale watching destination in Europe. We had been avoiding the large boats going out to whale watch on São Miguel. We much preferred to see whales in a more sustainable way. And we found just the people. Azores Experiences offered small group trips in a very respectful manner. The skipper was very careful not approaching too closely the 4 sperm whales and their babies we saw. We also saw lots of dolphins. The guide was a trained marine biologist and there were only a dozen people on board. They were also great with children. Highly recommended for a more respectful option.
Dolphin watch with Azores Experiences.
Where to Eat
While Faial offers a variety of dining options, especially in the main city of Horta, it's recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
St. Peter's: This iconic bar is a must-visit for its unique atmosphere and delicious gin and tonic. Enjoy a meal and admire the travel memorabilia that adorns the walls.
The small city of Horta, Faial
Tips for Your Trip
Pack for the Weather: Faial's weather can be unpredictable, so pack for both warm and cool temperatures.
Rent a Car: Having a car will give you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace.
Make Reservations: Book your accommodations and restaurant reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
Faial offers a truly memorable experience for families seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of history. With its volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and friendly locals, this island is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Things to do, where to stay and where to eat with kids on Faial, Azores