Hydrangea blue, basalt black, sea green—Faial charms not only for its wide bays of gentle undulation, but also for its History overflowing with rich episodes of navigation, aviation and whaling.
1. Upon arrival at Horta, find the municipal farmers’ market, at Serpa Pinto Street, and a shop called ‘Mimos’, where two young artisans—Viviana and Vera do Val—transform vegetable fibers or fabric into very creative and unique fashion accessories, hats and purses. (Map)
2. Farther on, in Vasco da Gama Street, you can find a very special brand: ‘MeuPUTU’, one size fits all creations of a kind! These infinity scarves match two different fabrics and patterns, thus creating very original combinations. MeuPUTU’s packaging is environment-oriented. (Map)
3. Still in Horta, but in the parish of Angústias, the ‘Cooperativa Agrícola da Ilha do Faial’ specializes in the production of honey. In the two harvesting seasons, this Cooperative obtains and bottles honey from all associates, the prime product being the honey obtained from the Pittosporum undulatum flowers, whose delicate perfume is unrivalled. (Map)
4. By the Almoxarife Beach, visit the workshop of Lina da Silva and get to know the beautiful embroidery of Faial—the golden thread of wheat or rye straw on black tulle creates a stunning and exquisite contrast, just right for refined pieces as evening gowns, purses, veils or headdresses. (Map)
5. Drive to Capelo and discover the expressive basalt stone sculptures by José Pereira-Al-Zéi, essentially from pyroclasts, the basanitas collection being the most iconic. The proximity of the Capelinhos Volcano area (and its Interpretive Center) lends greater meaning to the “stone language” of this artisan. (Map)
6. As the last visit of the day, visit the ‘Capelo Crafts School’, located in a traditional building, which not only teaches traditional arts, with emphasis on tulle straw embroidery, but also sells creative works made of fig kernels, fish scales, corn leaf, shells, wicker or basalt. (Map)