A pousada located in a 17th century fortress right on Horta Bay
The Pousada Forte Horta is located in the city of Horta on Faial Island, in the Azores.
Panoramic and cosy
It was built on the edge of the Bay of Horta and classified, in 1947, as a National Monument. It is eight minutes walking from the beach with breathtaking views over the island of Pico and the Marina.
The 16th-century fort, which has a turbulent history including the arrival of the powerful Spanish Armada and, later, the British Navy, was subsequently occupied and pillaged until the restoration of Portuguese independence. From then until the middle of the 20th century, it served to house soldiers and was later classified as a National Monument and transformed into a Pousada.
During your stay, you can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and have fun in the games room. For your meals, the Pousada has a restaurant and a bar.
All rooms are equipped with an LCD television and free Wi-Fi, and most have a balcony with a sea view.
There are countless activities to do in the Azores such as: boat trips, horse riding or cycling, bird or whale watching, or discovering streams and lagoons, among other things. For assistance, see our reception, which is available 24 hours a day.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Parking
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24h reception
- Laundry (payable)
All we have to offer
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Outdoor Swimming PoolOutdoor Swimming Pool
Enjoy our swimming pool surrounded by the fortress walls and with wonderful views of Pico island.
This is the right place to relax and sunbathe.
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Pet FriendlyPet Friendly
Pets are always welcome. Bring your furry friend and enjoy your stay in the best possible company.
One small pet dog is allowed per room, weighing up to 15 kg.
Dog stay supplements of €30 per night will apply.
Email: recepcao.stacruz@pestana.com
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Pet FriendlyPet Friendly
Os animais de estimação são sempre bem-vindos. Traga o seu amigo patudo e desfrute da sua estadia na melhor companhia possível.
É permitido o acesso a 1 cão de estimação de porte pequeno por quarto, até 15 kg de peso.
Serão aplicados suplementos de estadia do cão no valor de 30€ por noite.
Email: recepcao.stacruz@pestana.com
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Meetings and EventsMeetings and EventsTotal rooms: 1
The Fort of Santa Cruz is an iconic location, ideal for saving precious moments and keeping any problem far away from its walls. You can enjoy excellent terraces and lawns to offer a cocktail party or a reception.
Birthday parties, wedding receptions, weddings and much more can be had here on a privileged, symbolic and mystical stage: the force of life in the middle of the ocean.
Whatever your event, here it will be even more memorable.
Email: grupos.pousadas@pestana.com
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RestaurantsRestaurants
From the inside a sixteenth century fort the restaurant offers its visitors unique and special experiences with the combination of a kitchen of excellence and a personalised service.
The welcoming environment of the restaurant will awaken all your senses.
Lunches: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dinners: 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Pet Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Meetings and Events
- Restaurants
Enjoy our swimming pool surrounded by the fortress walls and with wonderful views of Pico island.
This is the right place to relax and sunbathe.
Pets are always welcome. Bring your furry friend and enjoy your stay in the best possible company.
One small pet dog is allowed per room, weighing up to 15 kg.
Dog stay supplements of €30 per night will apply.
Email: recepcao.stacruz@pestana.com
Os animais de estimação são sempre bem-vindos. Traga o seu amigo patudo e desfrute da sua estadia na melhor companhia possível.
É permitido o acesso a 1 cão de estimação de porte pequeno por quarto, até 15 kg de peso.
Serão aplicados suplementos de estadia do cão no valor de 30€ por noite.
Email: recepcao.stacruz@pestana.com
The Fort of Santa Cruz is an iconic location, ideal for saving precious moments and keeping any problem far away from its walls. You can enjoy excellent terraces and lawns to offer a cocktail party or a reception.
Birthday parties, wedding receptions, weddings and much more can be had here on a privileged, symbolic and mystical stage: the force of life in the middle of the ocean.
Whatever your event, here it will be even more memorable.
Email: grupos.pousadas@pestana.com
From the inside a sixteenth century fort the restaurant offers its visitors unique and special experiences with the combination of a kitchen of excellence and a personalised service.
The welcoming environment of the restaurant will awaken all your senses.
Lunches: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dinners: 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
At Sal & Pico, you can gain a unique insight into the island's regional gastronomy. Here, the sea and the land come together at your table, accompanied by the best wines from various Portuguese regions.
It's worth sampling the menu's suggestions, which include crispy vegetables with Azorean cheese, the typical Faial-style meat sauce, the unmissable Terceira rump or an unusual Azorean pineapple carpaccio.
With an incredible view outside the fort, all your meals are sure to be unforgettable.
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Lunch: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Capacity for 38 people
- recepcao.stacruz@pestana.com
Our offers for you
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Summer OfferSummer Offer
Summer begins with the first ray of sunshine
With your feet in the sand, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, or soaking up the energy of a new city?
At Pestana, there’s a destination for every lifestyle, whatever your pace, setting, or company. Choose your vacation destination and book your stay now at one of our hotels or Pousadas de Portugal.
Notes: The "starting from" prices shown already include a 10% discount under the Pestana Guest Club (PGC) programme. If you have not yet registered, please take this opportunity to register now.
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Historical RoutesHistorical RoutesHistorical Routes are exclusive Pousadas de Portugal experiences that invite you on a journey through time across the country.
In order to a enjoy 10% discount, book at least 4 consecutive nights at participating Pousadas, including 2 mandatory consecutive nights in at least 2 different Pousadas, and discover landscapes, flavours, and legends that make Portugal an unforgettable destination.
Conditions:
• Exclusive bookings through the Contact Center
• 3 mandatory consecutive nights in at least 2 different Pousadas
• Nights booked with Vouchers, Gift Cards or other offers are not counted
• Bookings and stays until 31/12/2026
• The offer is not applicable for stays between: 01/06/2026 and 15/09/2026 | 30/12/2026 and 31/12/2026Includes all Pousadas except: Pousada de Lisboa, Pousada do Porto, Pousada Castelo Alvito, Pousada Convento Belmonte, Pousada Ourém, Pousada Valença e Pousada Bragança.
Contact us at (+351) 210 158 100 or via Whatsapp.
Notes: The "starting from" prices shown already include a 10% discount under the Pestana Guest Club (PGC) programme. If you have not yet registered, please take this opportunity to register now.
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Pousadas Bike FriendlyPousadas Bike FriendlyStaying at one of the Pousadas of Portugal is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a unique stay in historic buildings and discover the country's most emblematic places with your bicycle.
This offer includes:- Cycle routes
- Secure outdoor parking
- Bicycle washing
Notes: The "starting from" prices shown already include a 10% discount under the Pestana Guest Club (PGC) programme. If you have not yet registered, please take this opportunity to register now.
- Summer Offer
- Historical Routes
- Pousadas Bike Friendly
Summer begins with the first ray of sunshine
With your feet in the sand, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, or soaking up the energy of a new city?
At Pestana, there’s a destination for every lifestyle, whatever your pace, setting, or company.
Choose your vacation destination and book your stay now at one of our hotels or Pousadas de Portugal.
Notes: The "starting from" prices shown already include a 10% discount under the Pestana Guest Club (PGC) programme. If you have not yet registered, please take this opportunity to register now.
In order to a enjoy 10% discount, book at least 4 consecutive nights at participating Pousadas, including 2 mandatory consecutive nights in at least 2 different Pousadas, and discover landscapes, flavours, and legends that make Portugal an unforgettable destination.
Conditions:
• 3 mandatory consecutive nights in at least 2 different Pousadas
• Nights booked with Vouchers, Gift Cards or other offers are not counted
• Bookings and stays until 31/12/2026
• The offer is not applicable for stays between: 01/06/2026 and 15/09/2026 | 30/12/2026 and 31/12/2026
Includes all Pousadas except: Pousada de Lisboa, Pousada do Porto, Pousada Castelo Alvito, Pousada Convento Belmonte, Pousada Ourém, Pousada Valença e Pousada Bragança.
Contact us at (+351) 210 158 100 or via Whatsapp.
Notes: The "starting from" prices shown already include a 10% discount under the Pestana Guest Club (PGC) programme. If you have not yet registered, please take this opportunity to register now.
This offer includes:
- Cycle routes
- Secure outdoor parking
- Bicycle washing
Notes: The "starting from" prices shown already include a 10% discount under the Pestana Guest Club (PGC) programme. If you have not yet registered, please take this opportunity to register now.
Awards & Certifications
What our clients are saying
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The Pousada Forte da Horta is ideally...The Pousada Forte da Horta is ideally located on the harbour offering incredible views of Pico and central to the town’s many restaurants, shops and water...• Google • 28-09-2025
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We will recommend this hotel to our...Positive: The staff was very professional. The service was exceptional. The breakfast was great and we had one of the best dinners of our 10 day trip was at...US • Booking.com • 21-08-2025
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Nice hotel with very good location...Nice hotel with very good location near marina and restaurants. Our room was small, but clean. Breakfast is pretty good, but very small options for desserts...• Google • 15-08-2025
- Outdoor Pool
- Sealife Watching
- Horse Rides
- Bike Rides
- Fishing
With Pestana Guest Club you can enjoy the following advantages and many others:
- From 10% discount on the value of stay
- 10% discount on restaurants and bars