Faial © trebol-a

Faial is the resort island of the Azores most recommended by travel agents for a holiday, because of its central position in the archipelago. Its coast is indented with sheltered bays and it has an immense volcanic crater that is carpeted with greenery, providing breathtaking views. The island's main town, Horta, has a large marina that is a favoured stopping point for yachtsmen, and the harbour also occasionally accommodates cruise liners. Horta and other villages have a number of pretty churches, chapels, towers and forts, and a lively small-town atmosphere. Of interest to sightseers is the new section of land, covering an area of approximately one mile (two km), added to the island in the most recent volcanic eruption of 1957.