Horta, Azores

[O2B@Cagain]

I am having difficulty finding info on this port. Most Azores searches end up about Sao Miguel, not Faial. If anyone has any resources I can scour, I would be most appreciative!

Thank you...

[Host Jazzbeau]

Here is what Ponant offers about Hortz (as part of their Essential Azores circumnavigation cruise:

https://us.ponant.com/excursion?excursionlinkdaybyday=114683&cruiseId=99032

 

The main town on Faial Island, in the Azores, Horta has preserved a real authenticity and picturesque charm. The main marina in the archipelago, the town boasts a number of frescos painted by sailors who dropped anchor there from around the world. Also do not miss a visit to the many churches, the Santa Cruz fort dating from the 16th Century and the Scrimshaw Museum, dedicated to the local craft of sculpting on whale teeth. In the south-east of the city is Monte Da Guia, a volcanic cone classified as a Special Protection Area, which will offer you breathtaking views over Porto Pim Bay and the ocean.

 

Shore Excursions:

 

HIKING TOUR WITH CAPELINHOS 

• Port of call : Horta, Azores 
• Length : 4h00 

From the pier, board your coach for Cabeço Verde, where your hiking tour will start. Cabeço Verde is one of the volcanic cones of the Capelo Peninsula in western Faial.

Start your hiking around the hill, overlooking Praia do Norte, Cabeço do Fogo, Morro de Castelo Branco and the other volcanic cones of the Capelo Peninsula. Then, descend until Furna Ruim, a 180-foot (55 m) deep lava cave, and continue along the path through thick vegetation, passing through the Algar do Caldeirão.

You will then cross a gravel trail and go up the stairway towards Cabeço do Canto, from where you will see the Capelinhos Volcano, and admire the remains of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores dating back to 1957.

Finally, you will join and visit the Interpretative Centre of Capelinhos Volcano.

• This tour is mainly done on foot and involves approximately 3 miles (5 km) of walking on uneven paths with some steps and 656 feet (200 m) of elevation gain. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, take a warm jacket and protect yourself from the sun. This excursion is limited to 20 participants.

 

WALKING TOUR OF HORTA 

• Port of call : Horta, Azores 
• Length : 3h30 

From the pier, follow your guide and start your walking tour.

Horta is the capital of the Azorean island of Faial, its port was an important anchorage for galleons and caravels in the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th centuries. The island, which was colonized in the 15th century by Flemish farmers, stands out for its green and fertile countryside. In June and July, its abundance of hortensias carpets the island in blue, cream and mauve flowers.

Your first stop will be at the Scrimshaw Museum at Peter's Café, well-known worldwide by sailors. This small museum houses exhibits and artefacts of the island's whaling tradition in the 19^th and early 20^th century. You can admire the private collection of the owner including sculptures representing whaling and shipping scenes, realized by the skilful hands of the island's fishermen.

Before continuing to the Horta Marina to admire the paintings left by those sailors, you will enjoy a refreshment stop to taste a “Fofa” – a local pastry. According to legend, the sailors have to paint on the breakwater in order to attain divine protection during the rest of their trip.

Next visit Igreja Matriz, the Horta’s main church. The Igreja Matriz Santissimo Salvador is on the Jesuits College, this church replaced the old Cathedral destroyed by natural causes. In one of the areas of the College we can see the Museum of Horta, with an amazing exhibition of Fig Pith and Sacred Art.

On the way back to the ship, opportunity to admire the architecture of Horta, with lots of traditions from the Flemish, Americans and Germans from the time of settlement.

• This tour is mainly done on foot and involves approximately 4 miles (6 km) of walking on flat streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). A minimum of 20 participants is necessary to operate this tour. This excursion is limited to 40 participants. Due to space limitations at the Scrimshaw museum the group may have be split in two alternating the visit to the museum and a coffee break (not included) at the emblematic Peter´s Café.

 

PANORAMIC FAIAL 

• Port of call : Horta, Azores 
• Length : 4h00 

From the pier, board your coach to the Viewpoint of Espalamaca, where you can admire viewpoints of the port and the old town of Horta.

Continue taking the mountain road, overlooking the Valley of Flamengos, towards Caldeira, the highest point on the island. The road ascends 3,000 feet (925 m) to the vast volcanic crater in the centre of the island. This caldera is over a mile (1.6 km) in diameter and 1,200 feet (366 m) deep, surrounded by some of the most luxuriant vegetation.

Driving north to Capelinhos, the volcano that rose from the sea one can admire the remains of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores during 1957.

After visiting the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center, you will get back to your ship.

• This tour includes very little walking. We recommend you bring a sweater along for the higher altitudes, wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed and that visibility from all scenic outlooks are dependent on weather conditions.

[Misty Morning]

Sounds like a wonderful stop with stunning volcanic scenery