Azores Pictures

Faial Island also known in English as Fayal, is a Portuguese island of the Central group (Grupo Central) of the Azores. Its area is 173 km² and it is located 28.7° W longitude and 38.6° N latitude. The nearest island is Pico Island to the east. The island is also referred to as Ilha Azul (the "Blue Island"), by poet Raul Brandão, due to the large quantity of Hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months.

The original name of Faial (aka Fayal) was Insula de La Ventura (Venture Island) and it was possibly discovered by navigator Diogo de Silves, while in the service of the King of Portugal, in 1427. In 1432 a small group of Portuguese settlers came from Terceira Island to settle in the northern pasturelands of Cedros. Queen Isabela of Burgundy authorized the settlement of lands on the island. Flemish settlers under contract from the crown, and led by the nobleman Josse Van Huerter, came to shore at Praia de Almofariz (now Praia de Almoxarife) in the east of the island. A lack of potable fresh water resulted in a move to preceding valley, which today carries their name (Flamengos). According to the testimony of Henry the Navigator the island was then known as São Luís (Ilha de São Luís). By 1490, this Flemish community numbered approximately 1500 people. The Flemish joined with more Portuguese settlers and eventually formed Vila da Orta (later simply Horta). Some time later the island's name changed to "Fayal", due to the large number of Fayal trees [Myrica faya Aiton]. With the island's improving economy more Portuguese settled there and rapidly the Flemish influence diminished.