Faial Island is a slice of the Azores that offers a perfect blend of volcanic landscapes, charming towns, and lush scenery. Its small size makes it ideal for full-day tours, whether you want a guided overview or a private, tailor-made experience. We particularly enjoy tours that combine natural wonders like the Capelinhos Volcano and the Caldeira do Faial with cultural stops, such as local wineries or historical sites. For example, the Full Day Tour with Lunch Included offers a small-group setting with flexible routes, making it easy to personalize your day.
Many of the tours on our list emphasize scenic drives, volcanic sites, and authentic local flavor, offering options for different budgets and interests. Whether you’re after a comprehensive guided experience, a private island tour, or an adventurous boat trip, Faial’s variety of full-day options ensures you’ll find something memorable. Below, we detail each of these top picks to help you choose the perfect way to explore.
1. Full Day Tour with Lunch Included – Faial Island
At number 1, the Full Day Tour with Lunch Included is a highly-rated, intimate experience perfect for travelers who want a deep dive into Faial’s natural and cultural highlights. This tour is set in a small group of just eight people, which promises a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere. The tour covers iconic sights like the Capelinhos Volcano and the Caldeira do Faial Nature Reserve, with optional climbs to landmarks like the Capelinhos Lighthouse.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. The driver-guide can adapt the route based on weather or your interests, adding stops at volcanic pools or forest parks if desired. The itinerary includes photo-worthy viewpoints like Monte da Guia and the Nossa Senhora da Conceição monument. Visitors love the mix of sightseeing, swimming, and local stories, with reviews praising the guide’s friendliness and knowledge. The price includes round-trip transport from your Horta hotel, making logistics seamless.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a personalized, small-group experience that combines natural beauty, cultural sites, and excellent local food.
2. Full-Day Private Tour of Faial
For those wanting a fully tailored day, the Full-Day Private Tour of Faial offers the flexibility of private transportation and a dedicated guide. This is ideal if you prefer skipping large groups and customizing your itinerary. It covers over 10 top attractions, including scenic overlooks like the Lajinha cliffs, the iconic Morro de Castelo Branco, and the Varadouro seaside resort with natural swimming pools.
The guide provides in-depth insights into Faial’s volcanoes, ecosystems, and history, enhancing the experience beyond just sightseeing. With short drives between stops and the ability to focus on your interests, this tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate comfort and flexibility. Guests have praised the knowledgeable guide, mentioning how the full-day itinerary allows for plenty of time at each stop.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a private, relaxed day focused on personalized interests and in-depth stories.
3. Faial Island: Full-Day Tour – Nature & Local Culture
This Full-Day Tour focused on Nature and Local Culture offers a balanced experience with a local guide leading the way. It emphasizes the caldeira crater, the youngest volcanic landscape of the Azores, along with walks on volcanic sand and ash.
What makes this tour appealing is the pace—you’ll explore at your own speed, soaking in the landscapes while hearing engaging stories about Faial’s formation and traditions. The itinerary includes visits to Monte da Guia and a scenic viewpoint of the Nossa Senhora da Conceição monument, with plenty of time for photos and relaxation. It’s a great choice for travelers interested in geology, nature, and local culture without rushing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive, relaxed look at Faial’s volcanic and cultural landscape with local insights.
4. Faial Island Tour: Full Day with lunch
The Full Day Tour with Lunch offers a full sweep of Faial’s highlights, from volcanoes to beaches, with added opportunities to discover hidden corners. This tour is praised for its volcano exploration and nature-focused itinerary, ensuring you see the most powerful geological features of the island. Guides like Kevin have been noted for their adaptability, tailoring the experience to the group’s needs and including a delicious local lunch.
Guests appreciate the variety of stops, which include volcanic sites and scenic vistas, making it a strong choice for travelers who want a comprehensive yet personal experience. The mix of outdoor activity and cultural stops makes it ideal for active travelers who want to maximize their day.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a full, active day exploring Faial’s volcanoes, beaches, and local scenery with excellent guides.
5. Private full day visit to Pico, a first impression
This Private Full-Day Trip to Pico takes you beyond Faial’s shores with a ferry to Pico, combining island-hopping with full exploration. The tour includes visits to UNESCO-listed volcanic vineyards, the Porto do Calhau, and the Whalers Museum. The private setup ensures comfort and flexibility, with your guide sharing stories about Pico’s whaling history and wine-making.
Guests highlight the delicious picnic lunch and the chance to see Pico’s iconic cone from different angles. It’s suitable for travelers wanting a deeper look into the neighboring island’s unique landscape and culture, especially if they have limited time for an overnight. The ferry ride adds a scenic element, making the journey part of the adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those keen on a comprehensive, private day exploring Pico’s vineyards, whaling history, and volcanic landscapes.
6. Private full day Faial, life on the island
For a look at authentic island life, consider the Private Full Day Faial. This tour ventures off the usual tourist trail, with visits to black-sand beaches, volcanic slopes, and organic farms. It includes stops at Praia do Almoxarife, Salão, and Capelinhos, plus a visit to a local cheesemaker and banana plantation.
The guide’s extensive local knowledge shines as you learn about whaling history, farming, and conservation. The small group size and flexible itinerary make it suitable for travelers who want an in-depth, authentic experience. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and the chance to see island life beyond the typical highlights.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a personalized, authentic experience of Faial’s everyday life and natural beauty.
7. Private Seafari Boat Trip : Full Day
If marine life tops your list, the Private Seafari Boat Trip delivers a private adventure focused on snorkeling, dolphin watching, and exploring Faial’s coast. With a maximum of six people, this activity offers an immersive day at sea, where you can encounter sea turtles, sharks, and playful dolphins under the guidance of experienced crew.
The boat trip combines relaxed snorkeling, scenic views of Pico’s volcano, and the Capelinhos area from the water. Perfect for families or groups looking for an adventurous, marine-focused day. The only potential drawback is that it’s weather dependent, so flexibility is key. Reviewers mention the friendly crew and unforgettable marine encounters.
Bottom Line: Ideal for marine life enthusiasts and small groups seeking an active, personalized boat experience.
8. Full-Day Pico Island Tour from Horta
The Full-Day Pico Island Tour from Horta offers a day trip to the volcanic island of Pico, famous for its towering cone and vineyards. It includes visits to Lajes do Pico, the Whalers Museum, and the Lagoa do Capitão lagoon. The tour emphasizes Pico’s whaling culture and wine-making traditions.
Guests appreciate the chance to see Pico’s lava fields and UNESCO-listed vineyards in one day. The tour is well-suited for travelers who want a rundown of Pico without overnight stays. The guide’s insights into local society and tradition add depth to the experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an efficient, full-day immersion into Pico’s landscapes and culture from Faial.
9. Faial: Private 4WD Full Day Island Tour with Local Guide
Finally, the Private 4WD Tour offers an off-road adventure with a local guide, exploring Faial’s less-accessible spots. Using a classic 4WD vehicle, you’ll visit Capelinhos, Morro de Castelo Branco, and Capelo, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops and local stories. The guide’s 10 years of conservation experience shines, revealing hidden island wonders.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a more adventurous, personalized exploration of Faial’s rugged terrain. It’s flexible and small-group oriented, with surprises along the way. Reviews mention the knowledgeable guide and the exciting off-road rides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a mix of scenic drives, off-road exploration, and authentic local insights.
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Faial
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you prefer a highly personalized experience, the Private Tours, both land and sea, are excellent choices. For those eager to explore Pico as well, the Full-Day Pico Trip makes for a seamless island-hopping experience.
If your goal is a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of Faial’s volcanoes, calderas, and cultural sites, the Full Day Tour with Lunch or the Nature & Culture Tour fit well. For adventure seekers, the Seafari Boat Trip or the 4WD Private Tour offer active, off-the-beaten-path options.
Remember to check availability early, especially for the private and boat trips, which fill quickly. Overall, Faial’s full-day tours provide an excellent way to see the island’s highlights without feeling rushed—just be sure to pick one that suits your interests and energy level.
Final Thoughts
Faial Island is a fantastic destination for a full-day adventure, whether you seek geological marvels, scenic drives, or marine encounters. The diverse tour options—from guided group experiences to private custom trips—ensure there’s something for every type of traveler. For a broad overview, the Full Day Tour with Lunch offers great value, while the Private Seafari Boat Trip delivers an unforgettable marine experience.
Travelers looking for a more intimate or active day should consider the 4WD Private Tour, especially if off-road adventures excite you. Whatever you choose, booking early will help secure your spot on these popular tours. Now, it’s time to set your plans and enjoy the striking landscapes and warm hospitality of Faial Island.
