Location: Faial Island
Top Things to do in Faial Island
Top 7 Museums in Faial Island, Azores
Faial Island (Portuguese pronunciation: [fɐˈjaɫ]), also known in English as Fayal, is a Portuguese island of the Central Group (Portuguese: Grupo Central) of the Azores. The Capelinhos Volcano, the westernmost point of the island, might as well be the westernmost point of Europe, if the Monchique Islet, near Flores Island, is considered part of North America, for it sits on the North American Plate.
Restaurants in Faial Island
1. Centro de Interpretacao do Vulcao dos Capelinhos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre (CIVC) has an informative, educational and scientific mission, having for that purpose, a set of exhibitions with special emphasis on Capelinhos Volcano eruption and the formation of the archipelago, but also the various kinds of volcanic activity in the world and the history of Azorean lighthouses. It was appointed by the European Museum Forum, for best European museum in 2012. This building was constructed underground, so it wouldn't interfere with the pre-existing landscape, allowing you to fully enjoy this recent volcanic landscape originated by the eruption of 1957/58. In addition to a number of exhibitions, the centre has an auditorium and a temporary exhibition of rock and minerals samples. At the end of the visit, go to the lighthouse where you can appreciate this unique scenery.
Reviewed By viajera1741 - Washington DC, United States
This small interpretive center offers world class exhibits, on the history of the local (and relatively recent) local eruption as well as videos and exhibits that explain volcanic activity and tectonic plates around the world. Right next door is an abandoned lighthouse, semi-buried in ash from a mid-20th century eruption, which you can visit also.
2. Fabrica da Baleia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
In this former whaling station, one can learn about the whole process of transforming cetaceans, from dismantling to collecting ambergris and oil. This center exhibits the machinery used in this process, namely several machines for grinding, boiling, pressing and drying sperm whale meat. In addition, a 10 m sperm whale skeleton and a full-scale replica is displayed.
3. Peter Cafe & Scrimshaw Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 481 reviews
Reviewed By Akumuk - Paignton, United Kingdom
This is an amazing cafe and museum to visit. The cafe holds a welcome for any visitors and has its own unique and interesting decor. The museum, entered through the cafe, houses a wonderful collection of ivory spanning several centuries. The carvings of the exhibits are exquisite and well worth a visit. The staff are welcoming and very pleased to practice their good English.
4. Horta Regional Museum
5. Casa dos Dabney
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 22 reviews
The Dabney's House, recovered by the Azores Regional Government, portrays the history and the passage of the Dabney family in Faial, who left a cultural, historical and scientific heritage, still visible and recognized on the island. The Dabney family settled in Faial in 1806, when John Bass Dabney was appointed US Consul General in the Azores. Three members of the Dabney family (John, Charles and Samuel) successively engaged this position over a century. In 1854, Charles William Dabney bought a summer house built in Monte da Guia, included in a residential complex consisting of a house with cistern, pier and shelter for two boats, a viewpoint, a small area of vineyards stretching up the slope toward the bay of Porto Pim and a winery, where is currently the exhibition about their experiences on the island.
6. Casa dos Botes
The Whaler Boats' House was an extension of the Porto Pim bay Old Whaling Station and it is located in the Porto do Comprido, the most important whaling station of Faial Island. The House has a whaler boat and an exhibition that allow the visitor to discover and relive the work conditions of one of the most dangerous and heroic jobs in the Azorean tradition.
