Faial is located in the central group of the Azores archipelago, and is part of the so-called “triangle islands”, together with São Jorge and Pico, separated by the Faial Channel, a narrow arm of the sea with about 8 km.
The island occupies an area of about 172 km2, with a length of 21 km and a maximum width of 14 km. It was discovered in 1427 and colonized in 1432 by many Flanders natives. It would receive the name of Faial because there are many beeches (faia) here. But no island can be so proud of such immense masses of hydrangeas, in different shades of blue, that frame the houses, separate the fields, and embroider the roads, justifying the title of “Blue Island”.
From the 17th century onwards, Faial underwent a profound development, becoming an important trading post, due to its geographical position as a safe port between Europe and the Americas. More recently, it was the hub of communications between continents and today is an obligatory point of reference for international yachting.
The climate is temperate and mild, with low thermal amplitudes. The highest temperatures are recorded in August and the lowest in February. The average temperatures by seasons are as follows: spring 16ºC (60ºF), summer 21ºC (70ºF).
