Faial Azores: The Ultimate Motorbike Adventure
Exploring Faial, Azores, by motorbike transformed our visit into an unforgettable adventure. The experience was a refreshing shift from the urban hustle we encountered in Vietnam, where my husband spent a month journeying from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. In Faial, the tranquil landscapes and the thrill of the open road brought back nostalgic memories of his Vietnam adventures, but with a distinctly unique Azorean twist. This mode of travel allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the island’s captivating landscapes and vibrant local culture over the course of two nights.
Here is a short video capturing the essence of our time in Faial of the Azores, a testament to the island’s beauty and the thrilling freedom provided by our motorbike adventure:
DAY 1 in Faial, Azores
Staying at Azul Singular in Horta, Faial
Upon our arrival from Terceira, we checked into Azul Singular in Horta, where our accommodation was a beautifully structured tent complete with canvas closures. It offered an intimate connection with natural breezes and sounds of the night—perfect for a deep connection with nature, though light sleepers like my husband might find it challenging. One charming touch was the delightful basket of food we received at our doorstep, enhancing the morning’s ease.
Lunch at Ah! Boca Santa
After a brief relaxation at our lodge, we ventured back into Horta to grab lunch at Ah! Boca Santa, indulging in what was undoubtedly one of the best burgers of our lives. Remember to check their opening hours to ensure you don’t miss out on this culinary gem.
Renting a Motorbike from Moto Rent C&J
From there, we walked a short distance to Moto Rent C&J and rented a motorbike with surprising ease.
Thanks to the quiet off-season in late September, we didn’t even need a reservation.
We arranged to keep the bike for 24 hours, picking it up at 3 PM and returning it the next day.
This flexibility gave us the freedom to explore Faial at our own pace, without watching the clock.
Over the next day, we cruised through stunning landscapes, catching the island’s beauty under shifting light and skies.
Visiting Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre
Among the highlights of our motorbike journey across Faial was the visit to Capelinhos Volcano. This remarkable site is not just a testament to the island’s volcanic activity but also a symbol of nature’s raw power and its ability to reshape landscapes. The eruption in 1957-1958 extended the landmass of Faial and left behind a surreal, lunar-like landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
Capelinhos Volcano stands like a silent sentinel on Faial’s western tip, its ash-covered land stark against Azores’ greenery. Nearby, the visitor center—partially buried in volcanic ash—offers a powerful glimpse into the eruption’s lasting impact. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that detail the event and how it affected the surrounding community. In addition, the center explores the geological history of the Azores and explains the forces that shape these islands. Altogether, it’s a must-visit for anyone curious about volcanic landscapes and Earth’s ever-changing nature.
Upon entering the visitor center—reminiscent of a James Bond villain’s lair—you step into a world of volcanic science. Inside, an intriguing museum offers interactive exhibits that explain how volcanoes work and what happened during Capelinhos’ eruption. Through these displays, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped this dramatic coastline. Finally, the journey ends with a striking exit that opens to sweeping views of the volcanic landscape outside. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to destroy, reshape, and inspire—all in one place.
Exploring this area by motorbike allowed us to experience the stark beauty of Capelinhos up close, riding along the rugged trails that offer panoramic views of the stark and stunning scenery. The eerie quiet of the deserted landscape, interrupted only by the ocean’s roar, made our visit to Capelinhos an unforgettable part of our Faial adventure.
Visiting Casa dos Botes
After marveling at the stark beauty of Capelinhos Volcano, we continued our motorbike journey toward Casa dos Botes. This small museum highlights the rich maritime heritage that shapes daily life across the Azores. Inside, we found an impressive collection of traditional Azorean boats and seafaring artifacts. Each item, from hand-carved oars to faded photographs, tells a story of survival, craftsmanship, and connection to the ocean. Tucked in the island’s heart, Casa dos Botes quietly honors the enduring relationship between these communities and the sea.
The exhibits at Casa dos Botes offer a fascinating glimpse into the boat-building traditions that have been passed down through generations. The craftsmanship and care evident in each vessel reflect the islanders’ resilience and ingenuity. Visiting this museum provided us with a profound appreciation for the cultural heritage of Faial, further enriching our journey through this enchanting island.
The atmosphere at Casa dos Botes is both educational and inspiring, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the nautical history of Faial that has shaped much of the Azores’ identity. Our visit here was a perfect complement to the natural wonders we experienced earlier, tying together the themes of nature and human endeavor that characterize so much of Faial.
Caldeira do Faial
Our adventure continued as we aimed to visit the majestic Caldeira do Faial, a vast volcanic crater that stands as one of the island’s most iconic natural wonders. Envisioning the panoramic views from the rim of this expansive crater, which spans about 2 km in diameter and plunges approximately 400 meters deep, we set off excitedly on our motorbike.
However, as we climbed to higher elevations, a thick fog began to envelop the landscape. The visibility rapidly decreased, and the dense mist brought an eerie atmosphere that was both mesmerizing and somewhat daunting. Riding a motorbike under such conditions became increasingly challenging, and I found the fog quite terrifying, adding a layer of intensity to our journey.
Deciding to prioritize safety and comfort, we chose to descend and instead explore the Faial’s more navigable paths. This unexpected turn of events led us to drive around the entire island, offering us a different yet equally enriching experience of Faial’s diverse landscapes of the Azores.
Though we didn’t reach the Caldeira during our time in Faial, this grand crater is a protected nature reserve, renowned for its unique flora and fauna and the serene beauty that dominates its interior. It’s a place where nature’s power and tranquility coexist, drawing hikers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The Caldeira do Faial remains a testament to the volcanic forces that have shaped these islands, and it continues to be a must-visit spot for anyone seeking to fully grasp the natural majesty of the Azores.
Dinner in Horta
Peter Café Sport (No), Oceanic Café (Yes)
Before arriving at the iconic Peter Café Sport, we made a delightful stop at Oceanic Café, a charming spot that caught our attention with its elegant maritime aesthetic and an inviting atmosphere. The café offered a selection of expertly mixed cocktails that perfectly complemented the setting, and the menu appeared equally tempting, filled with dishes that promised a tantalizing culinary experience. The ambiance at Oceanic Café was refined yet cozy, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the local flavors.
Somewhat regretfully, we didn’t stay to eat at Oceanic Café, opting instead to head toward Peter Café Sport. At the time, we were motivated by its reputation and deep ties to Horta’s maritime history.
Upon arrival, Peter Café Sport greeted us with vintage charm and decor from the age of whalers and sailors. In addition, its scrimshaw museum offered a fascinating look into nautical artistry and craftsmanship.
However, the service left much to be desired. Despite the café’s fame, the staff seemed indifferent, which noticeably affected the overall experience. Looking back, the atmosphere was rich in history, but lacked the warmth we’d hoped to find. Perhaps, if we had lingered at Oceanic Café, the evening might have ended on a more heartfelt note.
Even so, visiting Peter Café Sport was worth it for its rich cultural and historical significance.
The café offers a glimpse into the seafaring legacy that continues to shape Horta’s identity today.
However, our earlier stop at Oceanic Café left us wondering what we missed by not dining there instead. The atmosphere felt inviting, and in hindsight, it might have been the more memorable choice for dinner.
During our visit, we did have the opportunity to try some of Faial’s local delicacies, including limpets, which are a cherished dish across the Azores. These small, flavorful seafood items are a must-try for any visitor to the island. You can learn more about the beloved dishes of each Azorean island in my other post, “Discover the Delicious Main Dishes of Each Island in the Azores“. Additionally, we sampled the fish of the day, which remained a mystery due to a language barrier.
Fortunately, my husband, with his adventurous palate, was eager to try it. From my Japanese mother, I learned a unique belief: eating fish eyeballs brings good luck and prosperity. This folklore likely stems from the fact that fish eyes contain DHA and EPA, beneficial unsaturated fatty acids. These nutrients help stimulate brain cells and may even help prevent memory loss, adding science to the superstition.
Our culinary journey continued the next day at Restaurant Atlético, where the dining experience was elevated by stunning views and delectable dishes. To learn more about our visit to Restaurant Atlético, click HERE.
DAY 2 in Faial Azores
Motorbiking around the Island
Our motorbiking adventure around Faial was an unexpected delight, unveiling the serene beauty and spirited local culture of the Azores. The sensation of the wind mixed with the cool dew of the island’s fog on my skin was liberating, heightening my senses and focus—a necessity for safely navigating the island’s landscapes.
Poças
We rode along beaten paths and quiet roads, each turn revealing stunning views and hints of Faial’s layered history. Along the way, we explored several “poças” — natural pools shaped by lava and carved by time. Here, the ocean’s raw power revealed itself in every crashing wave and foamy surge.
Watching the tides was essential. In one unforgettable moment, a massive wave surged suddenly—nature’s way of reminding us who’s really in charge.
Snack Bar
As we drove through Faial’s villages, we discovered local life centered around small Snack Bars scattered across the landscape. These quiet spots served as gathering places, where locals sat on porches watching the world pass by. Each time we passed, I made a point to wave to those sitting outside, calm and observant. At first, our presence sparked surprise—outsiders weren’t common in these quiet, tucked-away corners of the island. But as I kept waving, their expressions shifted—from confusion to curiosity, and finally to warm, welcoming smiles.
Waving as we drove by became a simple but delightful highlight of our time exploring Faial.
Each wave felt like a quiet exchange of energy—genuine, lighthearted, and deeply human.
It helped bridge the space between us, creating small moments of connection in their peaceful world.
This recurring interaction reflected the warm spirit of the Azorean people we came to admire.
It became a cherished memory, a symbol of the serene and welcoming culture we experienced on the island.
Monte da Guia
The pinnacle of our journey was reaching the summit of Monte da Guia. The panoramic view of Horta from this spot was magical—a perfect finale to our motorbike tour of Faial. It captured the raw beauty and stillness that defines the Azores. Of course, every adventure has its hiccups. I accidentally burned my leg on the motorbike’s exhaust pipe while returning our rental in Horta. It stung, but somehow even that felt like part of the story—real, imperfect, and a little unforgettable.
Restaurant Atlético
Our evening concluded at Restaurant Atlético, renowned among locals as the best place to dine in Horta. With freshly caught fish displayed for our choosing, the meal was a feast for the senses. The lack of reservations and the long lines added to the authentic experience, emphasizing the island’s laid-back charm. However, it was the unexpected kindness from our server, who, after finishing his shift, offered to drive us back to our lodging due to the scarcity of available taxis—a gesture of hospitality that seemed almost dreamlike, especially to someone from the United States.
Reflecting on this experience, it’s important to remember that such kindness is rare, not something to expect. Relying on similar gestures might lead to inconvenience, especially late at night with limited transportation options. If you rent a bike and dine at Restaurant Atlético, plan ahead for your return journey. You may face a 40-minute walk back—quiet, slow, and deeply in tune with the island’s rhythm.
Use that time to reflect on the day’s adventures, the people you met, and the pace you embraced.
Conclusion 10/10
In Faial, the magic lies not only in landscapes and history, but also in its quiet connection to nature.
Here, surrounded by the raw elements of earth and sea, life moves with intention and calm.
The island invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and engage with the world more fully.
Faial isn’t just a destination—it’s a reminder of what matters: beauty, simplicity, and honest human connection.
