Stormy Clouds Over The Atlantic Shore Near Horta, Faial Island, Azores Archipelago. Stock Image

Faial Island also known in English as Fayal, is a Portuguese island of the Central Group of the Azores. The island has also been referred to as the Ilha Azul - English: Blue Island, derived from the writings of Portuguese poet Raul Brandao, due to the large quantity of hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months. Along with other islands in the Azores archipelago, Faial is of volcanic origin and is close to the tectonic divide between the European and North American Plates. Indeed, the island can be considered, from a geophysical perspective, the westernmost point of Europe. The two islands west of Faial, Flores and Corvo, are already on the American plate. Azores Archipelago, Portugal.