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The Azores (Açores), Portugal
March 2001

Horta Waterfront, Island of Faial

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Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Horta Marina View Horta has been adopted as convenient stopping point for wealthy transatlantic yachters who moor their graceful sailboats in the town’s scenic marina. The yacht crews leave colorful graffiti on the harbor barriers to commemorate their voyages. Some of these can be seen in the mosaic coloring of the seawalls at the back of this photograph. The volcano on the neighboring island of Pico provides a splendid backdrop. We had arrived earlier in the day from Pico by ferry [see my Faial - Pico Ferry page]. Horta Shoreline A waterfront sidewalk along Horta’s Avenida Diogo de Teive provided a relaxing place to contemplate the scenery on a sunny spring day. This particular stretch of the promenade lead northward away from the yacht harbor, with the Ponta da Espalamaca in the background. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Castelo de Santa Cruz The Castelo de Santa Cruz sits imposingly near the center of Horta’s harbor. It was built in the 16th Century to protect the town from marauders although it has been seized by enemy forces a number of times: first by the Spanish; then by Sir Walter Raleigh and finally by troops loyal to Pedro IV. Today it serves no defensive purpose and has instead been converted into a luxury hotel. The marina and Ponta da Espalamaca can be viewed in the distance. Want to borrow this image for your website or blog? Please read Terms & Conditions Ponta da Espalamaca The marina’s protective barrier provides excellent unobstructed views of Ponta da Espalamaca. This promontory north of Horta along with Monte da Guia to the south, and a man-made seawall protect the harbor from ocean waves. Farms and fields dot the rolling hills atop the point. Then the plain drops suddenly into the sea. More Options Previous Travel Adventure: Faial - Horta Street Scenes Next Travel Adventure: Ferry between Faial and Pico Azores Menu