Horta – Vila do Porto
Ferry to Santa Maria
Horta – Vila do Porto
Ferry to Santa Maria
You can easily find cheap ferry tickets with our Deal Finder. We recommend booking in advance to get the best possible prices and availability. You can also check out our Special Offers page for the latest deals on Horta ferries.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed in our Deal Finder. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Horta to Vila do Porto, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
Book your ferry tickets online with Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Just enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Horta to Vila do Porto for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable.
We recommend checking for alternative dates. Our Deal Finder automatically compares the desired route with alternative routes and dates, offering up-to-date real time options, all in one place.
The best time to book ferries from Horta to Vila do Porto is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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Far off the coast of Portugal, almost forgotten in a remote stretch of the North Atlantic Ocean, are a smattering of volcanic islands that form a small archipelago known as the Azores. Found at the western edge of this archipelago is the island of Faial; a grassy expanse of rugged hills that plunge into the crater of the region’s stratovolcano heart. The vibrant port city of Horta is found around a small bay on Faial’s eastern coast. This proud coastal city and its sprawling marina are a renowned stop for vessels voyaging across the Atlantic. It’s rich seafaring history is depicted by the series of painted murals daubed onto the walls of the promenade, each a tribute to the ships that have come to harbour at the port. Found beyond the crenelated wall looming over the coast are the whitewashed buildings of the suburbs that rise in tiers upon the foothills. Between them run narrow roads and walkways, some with origins stretching back to the city’s humble 16th Century beginnings as a farming community. One of the most striking remnants from this era is the Church of Santa Bárbara, its black and white façade a neat blend of modern and historic architecture. The ferry terminal in Horta is found on a pier at the northern end of the bay. It is a relatively small building with a limited amount of facilities including an open plan waiting hall, free Wi-Fi and a small car-park for visiting passengers. Although only a few main road routes circle the island, the region is no more than 13-miles tip to tip and it only takes half an hour to drive to the port from the most distant district of Capelo. A bus regularly also whisks passengers across the island from a stop outside the tourist information centre, just a 20-minute walk from the harbour-side. A multitude of ferries currently leave from the port throughout the week. Lines hosted by Atlanticoline hop across the warm, crystalline surface of the ocean to most of the islands in the Azores archipelago. These include short trips to Sao Roque, Praia de Vitoria, Vila de Praia and Velas, as well as longer voyages to the more distant destinations of Lajes, Vila do Porto and Ponta Delgada.
Scuba and snorkelling are the main pastimes around Vila do Porto; the stunning array of flora and fauna around the coastline of the island are a mecca of beauty for anyone with a penchant for exploring the waters. Mantamaria Dive Centre offer snorkelling under the guidance of qualified instructors who can encourage experienced snorkelers and teach newcomers. On the inland, copious walking trails emblazon the landscape, the apex of each affording incredible panoramic vistas of the encompassing surroundings. For a more thorough itinerary, Farol de Goncalo Velho Lighthouse is visible from the highest points of some of the mountains, and stands proud against the expanding ocean. Sightseeing and snorkelling can work up a large appetite, so satisfy your hunger at one of the welcoming restaurants, with seafood typically being served as the speciality of the day.
The municipality is fairly small and can be covered entirely by foot.
