Faial - 7 day sailing itinerary

Your sailing trip will start from Horta - a legendary stopover for Atlantic sailors, renowned for its marina, vibrant maritime history, and the iconic Peter Café Sport. Located on Faial Island, it's a place where ocean crossings are celebrated, stories are shared, and hulls are painted with colorful murals on the marina walls — a sailor’s tradition for safe passage. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and views of majestic Pico Mountain, Horta is both a refuge and a rite of passage for anyone sailing the Azores.

Velas Marina, nestled beneath towering 200-meter cliffs of São Jorge Island. Explore the charming towns of Velas and Calheta, then cross the island — just 8 km wide but rising steeply to 300 meters — to discover some of its most remarkable fajãs (narrow lava platforms at the base of volcanic cliffs). Don’t miss Cubres, Ouvidor, and especially Fajã de Santo Cristo — a unique, ring-shaped natural lagoon that’s fast becoming a sanctuary for surfers.

Enjoy a day of sailing to Terceira Island - Angra do Heroísmo. Keep an eye out — with a bit of luck, you might spot playful dolphins, turtles, or even whales.

Terceira Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Angra do Heroísmo, is its crown jewel, with elegant architecture, cobbled streets, and a proud maritime past. Beyond the city, Terceira’s lush green landscapes hide volcanic caves like Algar do Carvão and dramatic coastal views. Known for its festive spirit, traditional bullfights, and warm hospitality, Terceira is a lively and unforgettable stop for sailors exploring the Azores.

Set sail for Pico Island and enjoy another full day on the water. Take in the raw beauty of Pico’s rugged south coast before arriving in Lajes do Pico — the birthplace of the Azores’ once-legendary whaling industry.

Pico Island deserves at least a full day to explore. Start in Lajes do Pico, the heart of the island’s historic whaling culture, by visiting the Whalemen’s Museum. Then, continue to the Vineyard Landscape of Pico Island — a unique patchwork of lava stone walls and vines found nowhere else in the world. In São Roque do Pico, discover the fascinating Whaling Industry Museum. Finish your loop inland, passing the peaceful highland lagoons of Capitão and Caiado on your way back to Lajes.

Arrive at Horta Marina and enjoy a well-earned final night on board — and don’t miss the chance to toast your week of sailing with a legendary gin at Peter’s Café Sport. But remember, Faial is more than just yachts, the marina, and the town of Horta. Before you leave, take time to admire the impressive Caldeira Volcano, a vast crater measuring 2,000 by 400 meters, and visit the Capelinhos Volcano — a surreal, lunar-like landscape of 3 square kilometers, born from over 300 eruptions and earthquakes in 1957.