Faial Natural Park
Created in 2008, Faial Nature Park’s primary mission is the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Faial, rooted in a long history of coexistence between man and nature, and a long-lasting sustainable development of this territory.
Its diversity fascinates visitors, being distinguished in 2011 as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) by the European Commission. Faial Nature Park is filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique birds and plants, and singular geological formations, surrounded by a magnificent, pure, blue, and living sea.
Faial’s biodiversity is evident in the 855 species of vascular plants we can find here, 57 of which are endemic to the Azores, in other words, exclusive to these islands. Its ecosystems, namely the Laurissilva forest, are precious habitats – home to unique species of fauna and flora, such as birds, bats, arthropods, and others.
Faial’s sea is an extraordinary pattern of colours, shades, smells, sounds, silence, and emotions. It is emblematic in the way it carries all these forms of life, such as cetaceans, seabirds, sharks, and all its inhabitants.
Faial has six geosites of remarkable geodiversity: the Caldeira, the Graben de Pedro Miguel, Monte da Guia, Morro de Castelo Branco, Península do Capelo, and Vulcão dos Capelinhos-Costado da Nau. Faial Nature Park assembles a high quality offer, consisting of 13 protected areas in a total of 219 km², the land areas corresponding to 30 km² and the marine areas to 189 km², along with four interpretation centres (Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, Faial’s Botanical Garden, Porto Pim Aquarium – Live Fish Station and the Dabney’s House), two visitor centres (Roadman’s House and Casa de Apoio à Caldeira, a resting stop for hikers), as well as one Boathouse with an exhibition about whaling. Additionally, it has ten official hiking trails, one conditioned access hiking trail, two interpretative circuits and a mountain bike circuit.
Other partners can provide diverse products and activities, ranging from sea activities such as whale watching, diving, sailing, boat trips, among others, to land activities such as guided hiking trails, off-road vehicles, horse riding, in addition to accommodation or other services.