Inaugurated in 1986, the marina has space for 300 vessels and is currently the fourth most visited ocean marina, and certainly one of the most important in the world.

Hundreds of yachts of all kinds of different nationalities stop off here each year on their voyages across the North Atlantic Ocean, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. All kinds of boats pass through Horta, ranging from the smallest to the most important kinds of pleasure boat. In recent years, there have been more and more large yachts mooring here, giving Horta its own very special colour.

Every year, international regattas are held, normally involving the ocean-going cruiser yachts, with this marina acting as either the finish for the race or one of the ports of call.

Amidst all this animation and excitement, Horta Marina has yet another source of fascination: nobody knows how the painting of the harbour walls first began.

But one day, many years ago, the crew of a sailing vessel anchored in the harbour wanted to leave a souvenir of their visit to the island in the docks. This first painting was followed by others, gradually occupying the whole sea wall, which has been transformed into a brightly-coloured mosaic of drawings evoking the many yachts that have stopped off in the marina. Whilst the paintings along the pier now serve today as a genuine talisman for yachtsmen, the beauties of Faial will certainly be a talisman for all those who visit the island.