Horta - Bio Security

Where is Horta?

Faial is the most westerly of the central group of Azorean Islands and Horta is located on its SE coast. Faial is the smallest of the three "Triangle Islands". It has one of the main airports in the Azores and Horta itself owes its importance to its sheltered harbour (with protection from winds of all directions), making it the most popular stopover port with transient yachts and the best for yachting facilities.

The town has several beautiful old buildings, and the island is dotted with white or pastel-colored cottages, their square windows outlined in blue. A common sight are the rows of blue hydrangeas, originally introduced from China and now a signature of the Azores.

Almost every concrete wall and surface in the port here is covered with paintings done by boats that have stopped over. It is tradition to leave a painting behind (and your paint if you have any left) to commemorate your voyage.

The volcanic eruption of 1957 is well documented in the cruising guides when the volcano at Capelinhos appeared out of the sea,  engulfing the lighthouse and resulting in over 50 percent of the population leaving. The Island also suffered a major earthquake in 1998, measuring more than 6 on the Richter scale, severely damaging many buildings.

Entrance Notes and Cautions

• The harbor can't be seen until the last headland is cleared. Steer a course for the end of the southern breakwater. Once around this, the marina breakwater and reception berth can easily be seen.
• Take care with fishing boats exiting the harbor at speed.
• At night during the summer there are likely to be a number of yachts at anchor off the southern end of the marina, probably unlit.
• The marina does not pre-book berths, its strictly first come first served, excluding any emergencies.
• If using an agent, they may be able to make an early request for space and particular berth, mainly for larger boats.
• The reception and fuel dock quay has at least 3.5m water depth at low tide.

Cruiser Highlights

The little town of Horta has long been a meeting point for transatlantic yachties, with Peter’s Café Sport the centre of attention. The Café celebrated its 50th birthday in 2018. It was quite a modest affair in the beginning but is now a large and thriving business, incorporating whale-watching, bicycle hire, a retail outlet and a scrimshaw museum. The protected harbour offers showers, wash/dry machines and Wifi.

Useful Contacts

• Marina: +351 292 391 693, E-mail: marinahorta@portosdosacores.pt, VHF Ch. 09/16
• Peter Café Sport: +351 914 943 610 - Peter Café Sport Facebook page.
• Mid Atlantic Yacht Services: mays@mail.telepac.pt- MAYS facebook page

Position

38°32.1'N, 28°37.18'W (harbor entrance)

Webcam Horta, Faial