Faial Island

Faial Island (pronounced [fɐjˈal]), also known as Fayal Island, is a Portuguese island contained within the Central Group or Grupo Central of the Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean. The Capelinhos volcano is the westernmost point of the island and can be considered the westernmost point of Europe (from a geophysical perspective) other than the Monchique Islet. The largest town on the island is Horta with a population of approximately 7,000 inhabitants. The nearby islands of Pico and São Jorge form an area commonly known as the Triângulo, or Triangle in English. Faial Island has also been referred to as the Ilha Azul, Blue Island, is a name derived from the writings of Portuguese poet Raul Brandão describing the large and robust number of hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months: The man [who] had the idea to border the road with these plants should have a statue on the island. In no other place do they prosper better: they need a covering of light, humidity and heat...they are in their place. Their blue is the blue that adorns the Azores on limpid days...this is a blue that is even more blue, the bunches of flowers of a colour more intense and fresh. They are in every direction: rising along the roads and the fields, forming hedges; they serve to divide the plots and to cover the peaceful animals.