What to do in Faial on a rainy day
Here in the Azores we all know what it's like to be on vacation in the summer and catch a rainy day! Like today! It is very boring when activities are not planned for a day like this, so here are some suggestions for activities you can do: - After having our wonderful breakfast, you can (and should) go to the Museum of the city of Horta, where you will have access to "(...) a heterogeneous collection of collections that includes a chronological period from the 16th century to the present ". The permanent exhibition in fig core is highlighted, a collection unique in the world; (http://www.museu-horta.azores.gov.pt/)-Then, and as it is raining, we recommend a coffee break at the bakery Padaria Popular, which has a store right there on Walter Bensaude Street. There you can try some of the oldest pastry sweets on our island. We advise the Jesuita and the purchase of "rosquilhas de manteiga" for the trip;
- After this break, you can go to Casa Manuel de Arriaga, a building that “(...) evokes the distinguished figure of Faial, Manuel de Arriaga, 1st President of the Portuguese Republic, who was born there and lived a large part of his youth, highlighting the its various functional features: spaces for long-term exposure and film projection, temporary exhibitions, consultation of digitized documentation and library, multipurpose room and green stronghold. ”; (http://www.museu-horta.azores.gov.pt/museu/casa-manuel-de-arriaga/)
- For lunch, on a rainy day like today, we recommend the Peter Café Sport with its interior rich in history, you will have a lot to see and entertain yourself while waiting for the food. You cannot miss the famous Peter chocolate cake for dessert! (https://www.petercafesport.com/)
- After lunch, we recommend a visit to the Whale Factory of Porto Pim, “(…) one of the best examples of the extinct Azorean whaling industry, essential for the historical, economic and social understanding of this activity. The permanent exhibition at the Fábrica da Baleia in Porto Pim has practically all of its original machinery. ”. This visit is great for kids and adults; (https://www.oma.pt/fabrica.php)
- For the afternoon snack, we recommend a trip to the Café de Porto Pim, at the other end of the beach, where you can count on the friendliness of its owners, and a delicacy of sandwiches and sweets, being very famous the roast beef sandwiches!
- After lunch, and as it is raining, we recommend a visit to the Horta Municipal Market, a building that had a major intervention by the City Council, which transformed it into the Horta Business Reception Center, which, being covered, becomes pleasant to do your shopping, be it vegetables or to buy local handicrafts. We give special emphasis to the Loja do Triângulo where you can buy local products of excellent quality, fruit of the production of the three islands of the triangle;
- To end the day in a big way, and as it continues to rain (yes it is possible to rain a whole day in the Azores), we recommend dinner at Cantina da Praça, a restaurant located inside the Market, where you can taste traditional food cooked with great refinement and flavor!
We hope you like these suggestions! We wish you a good rainy day!