Forte de Santa Cruz
Horta, Portugal
Forte de Santa Cruz
Rua Vasco Da Gama, Horta, Portugal
Ranking: Forte de Santa Cruz is ranked 3rd out of 7 accommodation options available in Horta.
Classification: 4 Star Hotel
Overlooking Horta Bay, the Pousada da Horta, Forte de Santa Cruz, is a historic Horta hotel on Faial Island in the Azores archipelago. Situated next to Horta's marina, the hotel enjoys a magnificent view over to Pico Island and is a great destination for walking or cycling holidays as well as horse riding, whale or dolphin watching, and diving excursions. In fact, there are many interesting sights within easy driving distance of the hotel, including the Capelinhos Volcano and Cabeco Gordo Mountain. The Pousada Forte de Santa Cruz has a fascinating history which is sure to make a stay in this Faial hotel feel a little out of the ordinary. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1567 to defend Horta against Moorish pirates, it was the last refuge of Faial's Portuguese and French defenders when the Spanish invaded in 1580. It was also attacked and captured by the English navy in the 1590's, and was as the site of the last battle between American and British naval forces during the so-called Second War of Independence in 1814. With all that history behind it, this Horta hotel promises to be an enchanting place to stay for your vacation in the Azores. Today all of the facilities of a modern hotel have been added to the Forte de Santa Cruz, now the Pousada da Horta Hotel. These include an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant for fine dining as well as lighter refreshments. Furthermore, the hotel features a fully-equipped meeting room, with wireless Internet access, which can seat 16 people in a classroom-style layout, 45 people in a theatre-style layout and 20 people in a U-shape. It can also hold cocktail receptions for up to 50 people too.
