Faial is the most famous and cosmopolitan of the Azores thanks to the international traffic generated by the sailing experts. Every year more than 800 yachts from all over the world come to the port of Horta in Faial. The island’s territory is lavishly green and hilly dominated by the 1040 m high volcano Caldeira Cabeço Gordo. Horta, the only municipality on the island, has a port and a lively city square called Praça do Infante where is the Santa Cruz Castle that dates back to the 16th century, which is now a hotel. Behind the square the historic centre boasts lovely white and pastel coloured houses with wrought iron balconies from the 18th and 19th centuries.
On the upper part of the city is the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Our Lady of Carmo), which boasts a baroque façade and interesting “azulejos” internally. A visit to the church is also recommended for the spectacular views over the city and the archipelago.