Hills and lookouts
Despite not being particular hilly, Faial is a privileged promontory to the surrounding islands. Outside the ruins of the Ponta da Ribeirinha Lighthouse, one enjoys the hilly shape of São Jorge. At the Cabeço Gordo, one’s attention can be drawn both to the same dragon-like island and to Pico. At the Espalamaca Headland, in the lookout next to the monument dedicated to Our Lady of Conception, the sea horizons end at Pico and São Jorge and can reach Graciosa if the day is clear.
The reversal of one’s gaze allows one to discover the interior of Faial, sometimes marked by typical windmills painted in red. In Monte Carneiro, the sea is still visible on one side, entering the marina of Horta. On the other side, the cultivated and flowery fields from the Valley of Flamengos and green stretches of land rise up to the top of the Caldeira (caldera). On the opposite side of the island, at Ribeira Funda, one has the same perception of a bluish interior given the rows hydrangeas. And on the way between Varadouro and Castelo Branco, a rock surrounded by water and populated by seabirds draws one’s attention. It is the Morro de Castelo Branco (White Castle Headland) trying to live up to its name on this island of natural rainbows.