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In my opinion Faial is one of the most beautiful Azores islands, with plenty of amazing viewpoints for you to admire the endless views over the ocean, pastures and even over Pico mountain and São Jorge island.
Find out what they are in this article, where you will find not only a list of the best viewpoints in Faial island but also information about car parking at each one of them.
These are the best viewpoints in Faial island:
Ponta Furada
The Ponta Furada viewpoint, one of the best viewpoints on Faial island, was the first place that convinced me that this island is drop-dead beautiful (yes, I wasn’t quite convinced of that until the second time I went there :P).
Ponta Furada viewpoint offers a privileged view over the cliffs on the south side of the island, as well as the caves formed by the relentless crash of the waves on the volcanic rock. It is simply fantastic to witness the constant battle between rock and waves.
Car Parking: yes, a square made of dirt 😛
Varaduro do Comprido
My favorite spot on this list of the best viewpoints in Faial island is possibly the Varadura do Comprido viewpoint, because you have an incredible view of the ocean, the cliffs but also the beautiful forest that hides this place. It is so fantastic that I actually included this secluded road on my list of the best things to do in Faial island, and the views along the road are to die for.
Access is via a dirt secondary road that no one really uses, which makes this place even more special.
Car Parking: yes.
If it’s too windy coming from the south, it’s not worth going to the Varadura do Comprido viewpoint.
Capelinhos Volcano Viewpoint
Located in the extreme west, the Capelinhos Volcano is not only the island’s calling card but also one of the best viewpoints in Faial island.
Driving to the Capelinhos Volcano is, in itself, a fantastic experience: immersed in a beautiful forest reserve, we suddenly find ourselves on a desolate, black surface, without any kind of vegetation, as if we had suddenly been teleported to the moon.
It has a medium sized car park, where you should park your car, and then you have two options for viewpoints, both of each with superb views:
– behind the abandoned Ponta dos Capelinhos lighthouse.
– at the top of a hill, on the right side (from those facing the sea).
Throughout this area there is a long fence to prevent people from going down to the beach, to avoid unnecessary accidents that were very frequent in the past. Therefore, please respect the demarcated area and do not cross the fence – don’t behave like an idiot!
PS – if you decide to go to this viewpoint make sure to visit the Capelinhos Volcano Museum, because it’s architecture is fantastic, and it is one of the best things to do in Faial island in the Azores.
Car Parking: yes.
When it is windy DO NOT GO TO THIS AREA OF THE ISLAND, IT IS DANGEROUS! Once I went there without consulting the weather and got sand in my eyes and scalp, and I was dragged out of the path by the wind. It was very scary!
Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Perhaps the best-known viewpoint on Faial island is Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and for a good reason. After all, just a 5-minute drive from Horta we can enjoy a fantastic view over the city and its marina, adorned by a giant statue of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
You should go there even on grey days because because the effect of the dark clouds contrasting with the reflection of light on the ocean water is simply stunning (and it’s a shame that no photo in the world manages to capture this image).
Car parking: yes. This viewpoint has a car park in front but it is a very popular viewpoint, so it can be difficult to park there during the high season.
Mirante viewpoint in Faial island
This is one of the best viewpoints in Faial island and, furthermore, one that is very close to Horta (the only city of the island), and yet for some reason, most people don’t know about it!
It’s a viewpoint that you can hardly see from the road, but it has a kind of veranda overlooking the landscape, with some picnic tables. The view is simply fantastic, with the island of Pico and the city of Horte on the left, and wide fields of pasture right in front.
Car parking: yes, but it is TINY.
It’s a bit annoying – not to say dangerous – to stop here for those going up the street from Horta, because the viewpoint is built on a curve. It’s better to stop at this viewpoint on your way back from Caldeira!
Atalaia viewpoint in Faial island
Atalaia viewpoint has a sensational view over Pico island and to the immense pasture fields of Faial island itself. It is gorgeous!
The viewpoint itself is basically a wooden porch built at a crossroads and with no a parking lot nearby. Therefore, when you get there, get out of the car quickly, take your pictures and continue your journey in order not to interrupt the traffic.
Car parking: no.
Ribeira das Cabras
I stumbled across one of the best viewpoints in Faial island, the Ribeira das Cabras viewpoint, and I was immediately overwhelmed with its beauty and grace.
This viewpoint, overlooking the youngest area of the island (the Capelo peninsula), has a small garden with benches where we can sit and enjoy the view.
Car parking: yes but it is very small, so it’s not the easiest place in the world to park your car.
If you’re in the area, take the opportunity to have lunch at Restaurante Rumar, one of the best restaurants in Faial.
Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo
The Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo viewpoint is not only one of the best viewpoints on Faial, but also, by chance, the most famous one, along with the Capelinhos Volcano. From there, as the name implies, we have an indescribable view over the huge caldera that crowns the island of Faial, and from where some of the best trails on the island depart.
Local tip: It’s a viewpoint located at an altitude of 1000 meters so don’t leave the house without checking the state of the clouds on windguru, otherwise you risk getting there and not seeing anything at all!
Car park: yes and it is quite large, but don’t forget that this is one of the most popular spots on the island.
Farol da Ribeirinha
The Ribeirinha lighthouse (Farol da Ribeirinha, in Portuguese) is not only one of the best lookouts on Faial Island, but also the funniest story.
It was a common lighthouse, but as a result of the 1998 earthquake, both the tower and the attached buildings suffered serious damage, which led to its deactivation. The demolition of the original tower was then expected, which was not realized thanks to the Action of the Lighthouse League that in 2001 presented a petition with the objective preserving the heritage and rebuilding the lighthouse. Now the lighthouse was not demolished, but it was never rebuilt, to the gauic of the ruins of ruins (like this Portuguese friend).
It is a building that preserves its dignity intact, among peaceful pasture fields and, above all, an amazing view to Pico Island.
Car park: not exactly, but it is not really needed (you’ll understand why once you get there).
Warning: I know it’s tempting to enter this abandoned building to take pictures for Instagram, but it is DANGEROUS. It’s a building that’s been abandoned for over 20 years, you can get hurt and then you won’t have a way to call for help. Plus – don’t forget – it was the place where an earthquake took place, so be careful!
