Horta Faial Island

The port lies roughly half a mile (.5 mile, or 800m) from the centre of town. Taxis are usually available in Horta Town but have no meters, so agree a fixed fare before setting off.

Paintings left by visiting crews cover the marina walls and walkways, recording their vessels and the year of each call.

Bring the available printable map ashore.

Use the Cruise Schedule to select a cruise and its port.

Measured from their bases on the ocean floor, the Azores are the summits of some of the planet's tallest mountains. Their rich marine fauna resembles a swimming pool in the middle of the ocean, where exotic species such as black coral also grow. Jamantas, sharks, sea turtles and thousands of other creatures inhabit these waters.

Horta is Faial's fortified principal town, set in a broad bay on the island's southeast shore opposite Pico's imposing cone and beside a black volcanic-sand beach. Handsome villas and attractive gardens surround its gently rising site. Many residents are of Flemish descent and earn their living through trade and the sale of fine embroidery and basketwork.

As the seat of Faial's sole municipality, Horta is among the Azores' liveliest and most eye-catching towns. It has excellent views towards Pico and, at times, São Jorge.

Set out from Horta by boat to find the Atlantic whales and dolphins living around the Azores. Local species include bottlenose dolphin, beaked whales, pilot whales and sei whales, the world's third-largest whale. Sperm whales may be the most frequently observed; some scientists think they stay all year round to feed on local squid. Sea birds and other marine life can also be seen.

Peter's Sport Cafe, just outside the marina, is considered an essential stop. Newsweek ranked it among the world's 10 best bars, and its gin tonic is internationally famous.

For a stay longer than a few hours, hiring a car can be a practical choice.

Porto Paim has a striking beach beside calm blue water.

At the island's centre, Caldeira is an enormous crater measuring 6560 feet (2 km) across and 1300 feet (400 m) deep. The surrounding landscape is a protected natural area.

Typical souvenirs include clay ceramics such as hand-painted dishes, vases, mugs and teapots, together with lace, embroidery, wickerwork, tea, pineapples and Azorian wine.

The Azores form part of Portugal and also use the euro. Common credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and car-rental companies, but smaller restaurants and residencias may not take them. Carry small notes because changing larger ones can be difficult in some places.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted by most banks, where staff often speak English or French.

Portuguese is the national language, and Azoreans use a distinct dialect. Some residents, especially younger people, also understand English or French.

From the first until the second Sunday in August each year, Horta hosts the week of the sea. Sailing boats, colourful sails and flags fill the port, while bands and stringed groups bring cheerful music throughout the town.