Faial is probably the only island in the Azores where there are so many beaches and natural swimming-pools of extreme beauty. Being the island of volcanic origin, the sand of its beaches is dark black in colour and fine in texture. The water temperature is inviting during the sunny periods of the summer months and its clarity allows us to easily observe the ocean floor which is usually composed of huge black rocks. So, if the weather is reasonable and sunny, don't miss this great opportunity to visit one of the island's various beaches or natural sea-water pools where you will certainly spend some of the most relaxing hours of your life.
Porto Pim Beach - This is in my point of view the most graceful of all the beaches in Faial and it is surely where the sea is the most peaceful. On the other hand, this beach is an exception as far as its appearance is concerned - its sand is much brighter and fine, the sea bottom is also sandy and not rocky like the others and its transparent waters reflect the bright blue sky forming an amazing scenery. Although its excellent location - right beside the city of Horta - do not make it the ideal place for those who search true quietude, as this is the one most people go to. Near the entrance on the side of Guia Hill are a large car-parking area, the washrooms and a Walls ice-cream stall that usually opens in the summer season and, not far from the entrance of the opposite side there is a mini-market. On the water, occasionally, special care should be taken to avoid being stung by jellyfish. One of the best alternatives to reach the beach is by boat, turning around the Guia Hill and laying anchor at bay. Don't miss this great beach!
Conceição Beach - This small beach is also known as Alagoa and it is located in the far-north end of Horta, near the park of the same name that includes an artificial indoors swimming-pool, two tennis courts and picnic grounds. Although the shore is quite short, the sea there is often very rough and the water turns cold quickly with the absence of enough sunshine. In the summer time it serves as stage for the fans of jet-sky and parachute divers.
Almoxarife Beach - The whole parish is named after this beach that lies between the Espalamaca headland and the village's quay. The stretches for a large area, allowing crowds to be easily avoided. From time to time the tides bring along with them big round stones that completely fill the sand shore, but this doesn’t prevent a very pleasant sunbathing session, with the omnipresent island of Pico just across the channel. There are several good restaurants nearby and if yours is a camping trip, remember that the camp is just across the long seaside street.
If however snorkeling is one of your favourite sports, cross the quay and you will find a tiny hidden beach called the Englishmen Beach. To reach it you should head trough the street on the right of the square and then turn right again into a narrow alley that will take you to the beach. Don't let yourself be carried away by sea-currents and the best time of the day to go there is in the morning when the water temperature is warmer. With luck, you will have the whole cozy beach all for yourself….
Praia do Norte - In case you happen to be in the countryside, more precisely in the parish of Praia do Norte, or if you like to be far from the crowds, then try the beach of Praia do Norte, located in the lower part of the parish. You will have a spectacular view of Faial's northern coast and its rough waters. Fishing and scuba diving are some of the most entertaining past-times that can be practiced here but remember to stay near the shore in order to avoid strong sea currents. The washrooms and showers at the entrance are not that well kept and there is a bar a short distance away. Along the coast there are some natural pools between the rocks and fishing there during the high tide can be fun. As in the case of Almoxarife, occasionally this beach is filled with rocks.
Natural swimming pools of Varadouro and Capelo - Places of extraordinary beauty in Faial are the natural sea water pools all around the island that were formed between the rocks, when the molten lava flowed down the coast. One of them is located in Varaduro, in the parish of Capelo, enjoying a breathtaking view of the Castelo Branco coast. It was recently improved, having now a smaller pool for children and indoor showers and washrooms at the entrance, being also very close to two restaurants. Another excellent natural pool in Capelo is near the volcano site, in the quay of the parish. It is usually very quiet and the waters are crystal clear. Another advantage is that the sun sets on that side and so that site remains illuminated until very late in the afternoon, but the inconvenience is that there are no houses or bars nearby, so you'll have to bring your own supplies. If you also remember to bring along a fishing rod and the appropriate bait, you won't return empty-handed.
Other swimming pools - Other excellent natural pools are the quays of the parishes of Castelo Branco, just go around the airport runway and park the car in front of the picnic area, there are barbecue places, changing rooms, and sometimes a food stall. Other such pools are those in Porto da Eira in Cedros and just across from the camping site in Salão. In Horta, in the zone of Alagoa, there is an artificial indoors swimming pool which can be used all year round, and is ideal for swimming.