Our island

04/06/2024

DAY 4: The day started with an exciting whale-watching trip where we saw whales, dolphins, and turtles. After the trip, we arrived on Pico Island, where we’ll spend the next few days. The staff at the island’s new hotel gave us a warm welcome, and we rested until later in the afternoon.
At 5:30 PM, we set off on the fourth run of the week, through the beautiful vineyards of Criação Velha, an UNESCO World heritage landscape. This evening run was a perfect way to enjoy the scenery. We finished at Solar Terra Brum, where a lovely picnic and a Pico wine tasting awaited us, all while enjoying a stunning sunset with a view of Faial Island. 🍇
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Vacation Races
Norberto Diver
Adega do Vulcao
3 Marias
📸 JulianaCosta

30/05/2024

DAY 3: Today’s adventure started at Capelo Park and wrapped up at the island’s youngest volcano, Capelinhos Volcano. Runners crossed the finish line on volcanic ash, mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes they had just conquered! It was the most thrilling run of the week, with two volcanoes standing between the runners and the finish line. Before celebrating with a fantastic barbecue lunch, we found time for a refreshing swim at Porto do Comprido and even an impromptu Chamarrita dance with the volcano as our backdrop. The afternoon was free to enjoy as we pleased! 🌄
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Vacation Races
Cantinho das Provas
📸 JulianaCosta

29/05/2024

DAY 2: We kicked off the day at the highest point of Faial Island, running around the Caldeira. Despite the heavy fog that limited visibility to just a meter, our runners loved the mystical atmosphere and finished their run drenched but exhilarated. To lift our spirits, we enjoyed a delicious picnic at Cabouco park! In the afternoon, we explored Horta with a city tour, highlighting its fascinating spots and hidden gems. We wrapped up the day with a lively Chamarrita dance, followed by a delightful dinner within the historic city fort walls. 💃🕺
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Vacation Races
Cantinho das Provas
Pousadas de Portugal
Tuna e Grupo Folclórico Juvenil dos Flamengos
📸 JulianaCosta

28/05/2024

DAY 1: We ran through the city of Horta and climbed the two hills that form Porto Pim Bay. The finish line overlooked Porto Pim Beach on a sunny day with perfect conditions. This was followed by a visit to the Whale Factory to introduce the topic of whaling, as in the afternoon some would take a sailboat ride on a whaleboat while others enjoyed a gin watching the boats, after a brief visit to the Scrimshaw Museum! We ended the day with a delicious dinner. 🐋
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Vacation Races
Peter Café Sport
Café Porto Pim
OMA - Observatório do Mar
📸 JulianaCosta

28/05/2024

Collaborating with Vacation Races was something unexpected and would not have happened without our dear friend Mirna Valerio - The Mirnavator. And we wouldn't have met Mirna if it weren't for Mario Leal and his Azores Trail Run race. In fact, we have many people to thank! 🙏

Being the local partner for this event brings us a lot of responsibility but also a lot of fulfillment. In one week, we managed to bring together people, running, trails, good food, experiences and culture.

What more could we ask for?! 🌿👟🐋🌞🍉🧀🍷🚣‍♀️🏅

Discover the lush, volcanic islands of the Azores by foot (and boat!) as we sample local wine and seafood, spend time on the open seas, and experience local ...

08/05/2024

Another challenge conquered by - 65 km of trail running in the fantastic race. He achieved 10th place overall and 3rd in his category. Here on Our island, we are all very proud of his effort and dedication!
Congratulations to the organization for these 10 years of the race, which have helped Faial reach the whole world! 🏃🏼‍♂️‍➡️🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️🏃🏾‍➡️
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📸 Pedro Silva

02/02/2024

🎉 Happy 40th Birthday to me! 🎉

As I celebrate this milestone, I’m overflowing with gratitude for the incredible journey I’ve had so far. Huge thanks to my amazing wife for her unwavering love and support, to my wonderful family and friends for being my rock, and to my incredible kid for bringing boundless joy into my life every day.

I’m also grateful for the opportunities and challenges that come with running my own business – they’ve taught me invaluable lessons and shaped me into the person I am today. And let’s not forget the countless adventures spent outdoors, embracing the beauty of nature and fueling my passion for sports.

Here’s to embracing every moment, cherishing every memory, and looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead! Cheers to 40 years and many more to come! 🎂🎈

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28/01/2024

Last week we were so wonderfully busy running along the trails of Costa Rica 🇨🇷 that we even forgot that Our Island turned 8 years old! 🤩 Happy birthday to us! 🌿
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22/12/2023

E começou aquela época do ano de recolhimento, reflexão do ano que passou e manifestação pelo ano que se avizinha.✨
2023 foi, sem dúvida, um ano emocionalmente difícil. Não começou da melhor forma, apesar de ter acabado bem. Juntando esta incerteza ao facto de estarmos numa fase de grande investimento na nossa vida pessoal, podem imaginar o caos que foi! Mas cá estamos, fortes e com vontade de dar um passo bem grande em 2024. Estamos bastante ansiosos com o ano cheio que se avizinha.
Em 2024 vamos crescer, vamos mergulhar em novos projectos, vamos seguir novos caminhos e ver onde eles nos vão levar... Queremos muito abraçar a comunidade e evoluir em conjunto, só assim faz sentido.
Vamos retomar projetos antigos 🎬 e trazer valor às ilhas da forma que nos é possível. Vamos terminar mais uma fase do nosso projecto e começar uma nova etapa numa casa que nos enche de orgulho. Vamos partilhar com o mundo as nossas aspirações e trabalhar para desconstruir crenças limitadoras e destrutoras de um mundo justo e equilibrado. Estamos juntos! 🌿
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And so began that time of year for reflection on the past and anticipation for the year ahead. ✨
2023 was undoubtedly an emotionally challenging year. It didn't start off well, despite ending on a positive note. Combining this uncertainty with a signif**ant investment in our personal lives, you can imagine the chaos it brought!
But here we are, resilient and eager to take a big step in 2024. We are very excited about the upcoming year. In 2024, we will grow, delve into new projects, explore new paths and see where they take us. We want to embrace the community and evolve together, as that is the only way it makes sense. We will revive old projects 🎥 and bring value to the islands in the best way we can. We will complete another phase of project and embark on a new stage in a home that fills us with pride. We will share our aspirations with the world and work to dismantle limiting and destructive beliefs for a fair and balanced world. Let's walk together! 🌿

12/12/2023

Eles escolheram o Faial para ser casa. E quem cá f**a sabe o quão especial é viver numa ilha no meio do Atlântico, inseridos nesta comunidade multicultural. 🏠🌍

O Pedro Escobar foi um dos que escolheu a sua ilha para viver, depois de andar pelo mundo a navegar.

Associação de Turismo Sustentável do Faial

As histórias que contamos a seguir têm algo em comum: uma pequena ilha no meio do oceano Atlântico. As protagonistas são pessoas que poderiam ter escolhido viver em qualquer ...

23/08/2023

Cool kids and relaxed families are our kind of people! 🤟
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05/07/2023

This photo sums up our last few days well: showing the islands to the families that visit us, while connecting with nature. 🌱
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07/06/2023

Luís wanted to share his experience about the first time he ran in the Azores Trail Run - Triangle Adventure. You can read the full report and feel his excitement and nervousness at the same time. 🤸

The Azores Trail Run Triangle Adventure was something that I’ve been wanting to do since its first edition. A 3-day stage race in 3 islands.

31/05/2023

It is also on top of a bicycle that we like to show the island! 🚴‍♂️ Riding a bike is a great way to spend a vacation day. Exploring new places and being active is a pleasant, healthy and responsible way to travel!
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22/05/2023

Ainda temos 3 lugares disponíveis para a Descida à Caldeira do próximo sábado, 27 de Maio, em parceria com a Associação Ninovan. 🌿

Inscrições: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScb3ZJ7C495ujWSVEhf1scNXk7gv9kcg4hH6cM8z1A1ef5hoQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1ZmN_-Jhpowcd4Z1f2IBMO-gkuKXjZMajPQ_U2eA5J7Yu_sUBDOvzzazo

Se nunca desceste à Caldeira e queres ajudar uma Associação sem fins lucrativos, inscreve-te para o próximo dia 27 de Maio!

Em parceria com a Associação Ninovan, iremos descer a Caldeira e a totalidade do valor será doada à Associação!🐴

Preço: 30€ por pessoa
*inclui: Guia Certif**ado, transporte e taxa de autorização do Parque Natural

Ponto de encontro:
9:00 - Our island
Rua Serpa Pinto, 32
9900-095 Horta

Para te inscreveres basta preencheres este formulário e de seguida entraremos em contacto: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScb3ZJ7C495ujWSVEhf1scNXk7gv9kcg4hH6cM8z1A1ef5hoQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1ZmN_-Jhpowcd4Z1f2IBMO-gkuKXjZMajPQ_U2eA5J7Yu_sUBDOvzzazo

18/05/2023

Se nunca desceste à Caldeira e queres ajudar uma Associação sem fins lucrativos, inscreve-te para o próximo dia 27 de Maio!

Em parceria com a Associação Ninovan, iremos descer a Caldeira e a totalidade do valor será doada à Associação!🐴

Preço: 30€ por pessoa
*inclui: Guia Certif**ado, transporte e taxa de autorização do Parque Natural

Ponto de encontro:
9:00 - Our island
Rua Serpa Pinto, 32
9900-095 Horta

Para te inscreveres basta preencheres este formulário e de seguida entraremos em contacto: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScb3ZJ7C495ujWSVEhf1scNXk7gv9kcg4hH6cM8z1A1ef5hoQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1ZmN_-Jhpowcd4Z1f2IBMO-gkuKXjZMajPQ_U2eA5J7Yu_sUBDOvzzazo

15/05/2023

No próximo dia 27 de Maio iremos promover uma Descida à Caldeira, em parceria com a Associação Ninovan, para darmos o nosso contributo a esta associação sem fins lucrativos! Os amigos cavalos agradecem :)

Será um grupo de 12 pessoas, acompanhado por 2 Guias certif**ados. A totalidade do valor será doada à NINOVAN!

Para se inscreverem basta preencherem este formulário e de seguida entraremos em contacto.

A Descida à Caldeira é um trilho muito especial que nos leva ao fundo da cratera de um vulcão. É uma das reservas naturais mais importantes dos Açores e por isso o acesso é limitado pelo Parque Natural do Faial, sendo apenas possível com acompanhamento de um Guia certif**ado. O trilho é bastante difícil e técnico, principalmente na descida. É obrigatório levar botas de montanha ou sapatos de caminhada em trilhos.

Preço: 30€ por pessoa
*inclui: Guia Certif**ado, transporte e taxa de autorização do Parque Natural
Ponto de encontro:
9:00 - Our island
Rua Serpa Pinto, 32
9900-095 Horta

No próximo dia 27 de Maio iremos promover uma Descida à Caldeira, em parceria com a NINOVAN, para darmos o nosso contributo a esta associação sem fins lucrativos! Os amigos cavalos agradecem :) Ficamos muito gratos por contribuirmos para a comunidade local, sempre que conseguimos! Será um grupo...

10/05/2023

Meet our team!

Rita is our company manager, the captain of our boat. Without her in the back office, Our island wouldn’t be here.
She thinks about every detail, so our customers always have a perfect experience.
Rita’s passions are her family, photography, beach time ☀️ and traveling, passions that she often sacrifices so Our island can go on. And by the way: Happy birthday and thank you 🙏

09/05/2023

Last saturday I did my first race above 50k! I guess I’m an ultra runner now. The most difficult is not the race, but to prepare for it. Training does not depend only in oneself; it requires support from family, friends, and co-workers. For months they have to put up with early morning runs, lunch time workouts, and machiavellian plans when I take the bike to get somewhere, and everyone else drives. I’m grateful to my family and friends and I want to send a big special thank you to coach Mike Ehredt, who guided me, not only in training but also during most of the race!! It was a big big pleasure to run with you!! Next goal: 3 digit race 🤫😅😉
Luís Bicudo
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📸 Paulo Gabriel
Azores Trail Run

22/04/2023

Earth Day is on April 22 each year! The first Earth Day was celebrated 48 years ago in 1970. Millions of people organized to protest the negative impacts of industrial development. The pollution and smog were negatively impacting the health of citizens and the development of children. Biodiversity was declining as a result of pesticide use and heavy pollution. The movement to preserve the environment was gaining a lot of traction. In the same year, the Environmental Protection Agency was formed to protect the air and water. It’s super important to protect our natural resources because we need them to live. When we pollute the world, we’re polluting ourselves. So people began to celebrate Earth Day in hopes of getting information spread amongst the public on ways our choices negatively impact Earth.

Here are some examples of what we try to do in our daily lives:

• Planting trees;
• Building a house with natural materials;
• Walking or biking whenever it is possible;
• Pick up litter when we’re out walking;
• Composting in our backyard;
• Buying less and shopping second hand first;
• Using natural products whenever possible;
• Using reusable diapers;
• Reducing, Reusing and Recycling;
• Always repairing;
• Getting involved in local community;
• Buying food from the farmers market;
• Eating seasonally;
• Avoiding wasting food;
• Eating less meat or not eating meat at all;
• Buying food without packaging;
• Using house plants to filter the air and open the windows;
• Educating children to protect the environment.

What are you doing to raise awareness to the person next to you?


Source: www.goingzerowaste.com

01/04/2023

A estreia do documentário “Boat people trying to be land lovers” superou todas as nossas expectativas, com a sala bem cheia e calorosa. Estamos muito gratos por termos tido a oportunidade de mostrar mais um filme nosso à comunidade faialense e por nos terem recebido com tanto carinho. 🎬

23/03/2023

Na próxima semana vamos estrear o nosso mais recente documentário “Boat People Trying To Be Land Lovers”, acolhidos pelo nosso querido Cineclube do Faial.

Ao longo da história, o Homem foi-se tornando cada vez mais sedentário. A evolução do conhecimento e da tecnologia permitiu que a vida se tornasse mais confortável. Porém, houve sempre quem preferisse viver a vida como uma aventura, deixando tudo para trás em direcção ao desconhecido. No Faial vive uma comunidade de aventureiros que, depois de uma vida no mar, decidiram finalmente ter uma morada em terra. De todos os sítios do mundo por onde passaram o que é que os terá levado a f**ar aqui, na ilha do Faial?

Dia 28 de Março, às 21:00, no Teatro Faialense. Apareçam para conversarmos no final do filme! 🎥

10/03/2023

Last Saturday we had our first Caldeira Descent of the year, with the winners of Our island birthday party Costume contest: the ants/flies.
Good weather accompanied us during the whole trail and cold water from the bottom of the crater was felt on our feet! 🌱

24/02/2023

Celebrar o nosso aniversário com a comunidade local é algo que nos dá muito prazer. É um evento anual que fazemos questão de manter enquanto estivermos ativos. Aproxima-nos das pessoas da ilha e enche-nos o coração estarmos rodeados de amigos que nos apoiam.

No sábado passado contámos com a presença de muitas pessoas que nos são queridas, sem esquecer os grandes parceiros do Cineclube do Faial e as DJeitosas que nos presentearam uma noite bem mexida! Estamos muito gratos pela companhia de todos.✨

23/01/2023

Yesterday was the day we celebrated 7 years of Our island. We are very grateful for what we have built and look forward to exploring the new paths that are opening up. ✨

Visit us at our office, February 18th after 6:00 pm, to celebrate with us the good year that passed and toast to another year full of good things and plenty work. 🎉

31/12/2022

It's time to say goodbye to 2022, a year that brought us a lot of work, a lot of professional achievement and some challenges, so that we could grow. 🌱

It was the year that we did the most Retreats and of various types: hiking, trail running, mountain biking, family vacations, azorean roots. This has always been the initial goal of Ourisland and we feel that we are getting where we wanted... Spending several days with the same group of people through the 3 islands of the triangle is what gives us the most pleasure. This is the type of tourism that we think the Azores deserve: a slow and immersive tourism. And in the end we always feel we made new friends! It was also the first time we had the honor of guiding a group of friends in São Miguel, exploring the beautiful trails of the island. In the midst of so much work, we still provided fixing services for an Icelandic tv production, which gave us a lot of joy; and we finished a new documentary film of our own, that had been in the drawer since 2012 - premiere soon.

We continue to work with the best agencies and the best logistics partners and this gives us a lot of energy to continue on our way. 🙏

It was also a year of personal evolution for each of us: Rita co-created an educational project in which she believes a lot; Pedro changed to a healthier lifestyle, where health food and bodyboarding have been his focus; Luís resumed the project and took the opportunity to learn more about the world of carpentry, an area that has always pleased him.

For 2023 we have some wishes: that our team can increase and bring some tranquility to the project; that public entities better protect the heritage and nature of the islands; and that people continue to believe in our work. And the rest will work for itself.

Happy New Year! ⭐️

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Chegou a hora de nos despedirmos de 2022, um ano que nos trouxe muito trabalho, muita realização profissional e alguns desafios, para que pudéssemos crescer. 🌱

Foi o ano que mais Retreats fizemos e de vários tipos: hiking, trail running, mountain biking, family vacations, azorean roots. Este sempre foi o objetivo inicial da Ourisland e sentimos que estamos a chegar onde queríamos… Passar vários dias com o mesmo grupo de pessoas pelas 3 ilhas do triângulo é o que nos dá mais prazer. É este tipo de turismo que achamos que os Açores merecem: um turismo com calma… E no final sentimos sempre que ganhámos novos amigos! Foi também a primeira vez que tivemos a honra de guiar um grupo de amigos em São Miguel, explorando os lindos trilhos da ilha. No meio de tanto trabalho, ainda fizemos de fixers numa produção islandesa, que nos deu muito gozo; e terminámos um filme nosso que estava na gaveta desde 2012 - estreia em breve.

Continuamos a trabalhar com as melhores agências e com os melhores parceiros logísticos e isso dá-nos muita energia para continuarmos o nosso caminho. 🙏

Foi também um ano de evolução pessoal para cada um de nós: a Rita co-criou um projeto educativo no qual acredita muito; o Pedro mudou para um estilo de vida mais saudável, onde a alimentação e o bodyboard têm sido o seu foco; o Luís retomou o projeto e aproveitou para aprender mais do mundo da carpintaria, área que sempre lhe agradou.

Para 2023 temos alguns desejos: que a nossa equipa aumente e traga alguma tranquilidade ao projeto; que as entidades públicas protejam melhor o património e a natureza das ilhas; e que as pessoas continuem a acreditar no nosso trabalho. O resto, vai-se fazendo.

Feliz Ano Novo! ⭐️

02/11/2022

Today is Pedro's birthday, one of the pillars of Our island.

Happy birthday Pedro Escobar! 🎉

21/10/2022

During the busy month of August, we hosted an Icelandic film crew that came to shoot a TV show in Faial and Pico. It was a very smooth shoot, thanks to all the people involved, who were willing to participate and did a great job - many thanks to them! 🎬

Cantinho das Provas
Equipas de botes baleeiros do Faial
Tuna e Grupo Folclórico Juvenil dos Flamengos
Patio
Maria Odete Escobar
Azores Experiences - Whale Watching & Jeep Tours
Grupo de fados do Faial

02/09/2022

Erva do Capitão or the Azorean sanicle [sanicula azorica] is an endemic plant that you can find on six of the nine islands of the Azores - very common on Pico Island. With nice white flowers in the spring, this plant usually lives between 400 and 1000 meters of altitude, especially in the laurel forest because it loves shady and humid places. Stable since the 19th century, the species is still worth protecting because of its rarity and small number of individuals on each population.

01/09/2022

Meet our team!

Pedro is our Expert Guide on the species of plants that we can find on the islands of the Azores. Endemic and non-endemic nature is his passion, just go visit him to his "boat on land" house and see his small garden full of plants. At the same time, the history and tradition of the islands is so present in his habits, maybe that is why he wants to share the Azorean culture with those who visit us. Cinematographic projects are also present in his life, both as a co-creator and assisting as a fixer. In his free time, he enjoys a good dive in the sea and barbecues with friends. Recently adopted healthier life habits, so he continues to be the Pedro Escobar that the whole island knows, but with even more class. 😎