Painting offerings to Neptune at Horta Marina

Somebody started the rumor that any sailor, departing without painting one’s name on the wall, was to bring down Neptune’s wrath, followed by an unlucky voyage. Some of the more superstitious have been leaving their memento in form of an artwork behind – on the wall or pavement at the Horta marina.

To Steffi and Tim - hope you made if back safely!

Nice outdoor art exhibit!

Nice outdoor art exhibit!

Take a walk through one of the largest outdoor artwork collection on the Azores. Thousands of yachts arrive every year in Horta’s marina and my guess is one third of them leaves a painting in return for Neptune’s blessing.

Interesting Spots on Faial/Part 1

Here are some of the best locations on Faial:

Praia do Almoxarife

Praia do Almoxarife

This is the beach we walked to in a couple of minutes from our rental home in Almoxarife. There is a sandy beach, campsite and a few restaurants on the village square.

Driving into Horta (Pico mountain is obscurred by the clouds)

Driving into Horta (Pico mountain is obscured by the clouds)

Horta was first settled by Flemings in the 15th century. Many of the town buildings, churches and manor houses date from the 17th and 18th century. Over the years, fires, earthquakes, and fierce winter storms have resulted in much rebuilding though.

Coming into Horta by boat

Coming into Horta by boat

We were returning from our whale and dolphin watching boat trip that day.

A beautiful natural rock swimming pool at Varadouro

A beautiful natural rock swimming pool at Varadouro

Varadouro, a small town on the western coast, has turned its rough and rocky beach into a smooth and natural swimming pool by laying cement ways to guide you safely through the lava boulders. But the waters are still rough there – you need strong arms to swim against those waves. Great place though for relaxing, sunbathing, and eating at one of the restaurants.

Coming from Horta, driving into the valley of Almoxarife

Coming from Horta, driving into the valley of Almoxarife

Hedgerows, green fields (corn and meadows), warm winds, ever-moving clouds, and lots of animals. Some of them end up as road pizza made up mostly by dead birds, which are not used to cars on the roads. Birds sit on the road and play and we often had to break slightly to give them time to fly away. The same with dogs, rabbits, and cats – they like to lie on the road and take it easy.

Steep cliffs, clean water

Steep cliffs, clean water

Black cliffs or big rocks line much of Faial’s shores with sandy beaches only in a few spots.

Horta marina with a better view on Pico.

Horta marina with a better view on Pico.

The islands of Faial and Pico are only 6 km (4 miles) apart. There is a good ferry service (€ 3,50 per adult) between Faial and Pico, which takes about 30 minutes.

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