IN EUROPE, there is a ‘blue island' home to a pier full of paintings, inspired by a sailing tradition to quell superstition.
Faial, located in the archipelago, was created by the eruption of the volcano Capelinhos.
It gained its name of ‘blue island' from the large number of hydrangea flowers that bloom in the months.
The island is also home to Horta, where visitors can explore the marina and enjoy a tipple of gin at the famous Peter’s Café.
The marina is often the preferred stop for ships crossing the
Traditionally, each crew leaves a small painting on the concrete walls of the pier.
The tradition came about after sailors, fearing the sea, would leave a painting to ‘ensure' safe arrival at their next destination.
The superstition continues today, following a number of ships who didn't leave paintings and then later suffered shipwrecks or other
The city is also home to several historical buildings, which paint the of the city over the decades.
Outside of the city, about a 20-minute drive away, is one of the island's craters called Caldeira of Faial.
Measuring 400 metres deep and two kilometres wide, the crater is home to great and for those who head to the bottom with a guide, a protected area home to numerous endemic plants.
Hikes across the island are great in general, with Monte de Guia and Monte Queimado both also a short walk from the city.
Those wanting to see a magical forest, hike along the old levada which is an old waterline.
This trail appears like it has been taken directly our of – just without the .
Due to its position in the Atlantic, The Azores are also the perfect destination for whale watching and .
This includes natural pools made from ancient lava flows, which can also be found across the island.
For those who do love the sea, there are also a number of you can do around the island, where visitors can even dive with and mantas.
who find themselves on the island in August,can also immerse in Sea Week or Semana do Mar – a festival involves with concerts and a variety of .
The Portuguese island can be accessed by a direct flight fromand during the summer months there are daily connections.
During the high season, a ferry also connects Faial twice a week with Graçiosa and Terceira.
There are many
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