Horta, Charming Capital of Faial Island in the Azores, Horta, Portugal

Anyone sailing into Horta who does not feel a thrill must be either sleeping or throwing up. Colourful yachts bob within the walls of the busiest marina in the Azores. Pastel painted buildings creep up the hill towards majestic churches that dominate the skyline. And arms of imposing cliffs embrace the sea front on both sides of the town. To the left is the Espalamaca. Visitors can climb up this promontory for a view not only of the port and the marina of Faial Island below but also the islands of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa. I was fortunate that my hotel, Faial Garden Hotel was above the marina with splendid views across the harbour below. From the hotel it was short walk down a path to the sea front of Horta, capital of the Island of Faial.

Peace and tranquillity may reign now but this marina is a hub of Azorean history and tradition. The Port of Horta was an important anchorage for galleons during the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries on their way between Europe and the Americas. Today it is a fashionable stop-over for transatlantic yachts between the Caribbean Islands and the Mediterranean. Why this practice started is unknown but according to superstition every boat that passes through should leave their mark, in the form of a painting, to guarantee a safe passage when they leave. Walking around the visitor will soon become aware that every slab of the surrounding walls, every curb stone of the pathway beneath them and even some of the rocks protruding from the lapping waves are covered with paintings.  ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).