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This was a press trip was organised by the Azores Tourism Board (ATB). The opinions expressed within this article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of ATB.
Flores Island sits in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean as one of the most secluded and remote wonders of the Azores archipelago. It’s a forgotten paradise where time seems to stand still and waterfalls cascade endlessly into the vast ocean below.
This secluded paradise makes you feel as though you’re standing at the end of the world. And with nearly 1,000 kilometres from mainland Europe and more than 3,000 kilometres from the Americas, you almost are.
Our comprehensive guide will share the enchanting beauty of untouched nature on Flores Island, designed to lead you through this verdant paradise and fascinating culture. Stepping onto Flores feels like a journey into a prehistoric world, with volcanic crater lakes, dense forests, and vibrant orchids.
Exploring Flores Island was a highlight of our Azores trip. A haven for hikers and nature lovers, it offers thrilling adventures and stunning, dramatic landscapes.
In this guide to Flores Island, we will share the top spots on the island, how to get there and all the information you need to make the most of your adventure. If you are coming to the Azores, then read our 7 day island hopping itinerary.
Where is Flores?
Flores is part of the westernmost group of the Azores, a subtropical cluster of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, located 1,000 kilometres from mainland Europe and over 3,000 kilometres from the Americas. It is home to the westernmost point of both the Azores and Europe, marked by the tiny islet of Monchique.
Together with Corvo, Flores is one of the only two islands in the western group. The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Interestingly, despite being part of Europe, both Flores and Corvo lie on the North American tectonic plate.
What is Flores known for? Is it worth visiting?
Flores is truly worth the journey; it’s an adventure in itself. In a world where travel to less-visited destinations can be harder to find, our philosophy is that the more difficult a place is to reach, the fewer people there are—making Flores a must for those who enjoy pristine nature without the crowds.
Flores Island translates to the Island of Flowers, named by maritime captain Diogo de Teive, who was the first to discover the subtropical paradise. The island is a classified Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Geopark, RAMSAR and Special Area of Conservation, abundant in flowers, endemic plants and animals.
Flores is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Azores, making it the ideal destination for adventurers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Its magnificent, green-clad volcanic cliffs make a wonderful backdrop for waterfalls, and the ever-changing weather often results in breathtaking rainbows reaching across the sky.
Flores' natural beauty far exceeded our wildest expectations, revealing a Jurassic Park-style landscape where we imagined dinosaurs would wander freely. Flores is home to volcanic lakes, unique geological structures, caverns, empty sand beaches, lush woods, vivid flowers, soaring cliffs, and breathtaking waterfalls.
How to get to Flores?
While the journey to Flores is more adventurous, it is well worth it. Flores is only accessible by plane from São Miguel if you are arriving outside of Portugal. There are currently no international flights to Flores, only domestic flights with SATA Air within the Azores, including from São Miguel and Terceira.
We flew with British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR) to Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) in São Miguel. These flights only run during the summer months, from April to September. The flight duration was just over 4 hours, and the next step of the journey from PDL to Santa Cruz Airport (FLW) in Flores took over 1.5 hours.
Direct flights from PDL to FLW are usually twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On the remaining days of the week, there are flights to Horta (HOR) on Faial Island from Flores, which has connections to FLW.
It is important to note that stormy and unexpected weather can cause delays or cancellations on flights to Flores. This is more common during the winter months of December through March, when storms can be predicted. The hurricane season typically lasts from June to November, and the occasional remains of a hurricane can reach the Azores, but they are normally much weaker due to the cooler ocean temperatures.
There may be occasions when you may have to wait for several days; if you are fortunate enough to find yourself trapped on Flores (depending on your perspective), make the most of it! When travelling during the months listed above, allow for some flexibility in your schedule to account for unanticipated strong winds or fog that may cause your flights to be delayed.
If your flight is cancelled due to stormy weather, the airline should pay for your accommodation while you wait for the next flight.
When is the best time to visit Flores?
Flores has a warm subtropical climate that provides mild and warm weather for most of the year. Flores, due to its remote location in the Atlantic Ocean, can endure high winds and storms, particularly during the cooler months of November to April.
The best time to visit Flores is from June to September, offering a small window of ideal weather. Most visitors arrive in June, July and August, when accommodation and car rental prices are at their highest. We’d recommend May, June and September, which are typically out of the main season, to visit the Azores for a chance of fewer visitors and a better chance to get a good deal.
During the busier months, the quieter islands like Flores, Graciosa, and Santa Maria remain less visited compared to São Miguel. However, with limited accommodation options, they can still book up quickly.
The best times to visit Flores are May, June and September. These months offer a greater chance of securing a rental car and allow you to experience the island with fewer people. If you visit in May, you will be able to see the magnificent flowers that Flores is known for.
We visited Flores in September and were treated to warm weather and clear blue skies, especially when exploring Corvo. Make sure to reserve your accommodation and car rental well in advance to make the most of your trip to Flores and avoid disappointment.
How to get around on Flores?
The most reliable and flexible way to get around Flores is to hire a car. This will allow you to explore at your own pace and discover places along your route. It’s worth noting that rental cars in July and August book fast; make sure to secure yours in advance if you plan to visit during these months.
Flores has limited public transport options, with UTC buses running from Santa Cruz to Fajã Grande in the morning and evening on most days. In July and August, the bus travels directly to Fajã Grande. Other services are available throughout the year; however, times may vary and it is worth checking the current bus timetables but bear in mind they may not be reliable.
Other options to get around Flores include taxis and shuttle services, which can be booked in advance. The main operators include Pick Me Up in Flores (Silvio Medina), Experience OC, and Noya Tours. This may be the best option if you plan on hiking on Flores, as most of the routes are not circular.
We booked a tour with Experience OC for a day trip to Corvo and would highly recommend them, especially our guide Francisco!
The best things to do in Flores?
Flores is rich in natural beauty from breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, volcanic lakes, beaches, natural pools, islets, villages and unique geological formations. The best way to explore Flores is to focus on a few areas of the island and then let yourself wander. Allow yourself to discover places down a dirt road or around the corner, you may just find your favourite spot on the island.
This map shares all the locations mentioned in this article making it easy to find these places on the go. To use the map click on the top left button to reveal the map legend including all the places we visited in Flores.
The bottom left allows you to zoom in and out of the map. The top right buttons let you share the map and make it full-screen for even better functionality.
Viewpoints
Miradouro do Portal
Set above Fajãzinha, Miradouro do Portal is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Flores and one the best places to watch the sunset. From here, you can admire the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreira waterfall and take in the view of Fajãzinha village below.
Parking is limited, but with the viewpoint located right next to the road, it’s easy to access and perfect for a quick stop.
Miradouro do Craveiro Lopes
Miradouro do Craveiro Lopes is located close to Miradouro do Portal but offers a different perspective, overlooking Fajã Grande and the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreira waterfall. Miradouro do Craveiro Lopes is another fantastic spot for watching the sunset, with a small parking area conveniently located across the road.
Miradouro Rocha dos Bordões
A geological wonder, Rocha dos Bordões is a rock formation of basalt columns located on the southwest of Flores. The road to the viewpoint follows the coastline, offering a scenic drive and the best time to visit is in the late afternoon.
Keep in mind that Rocha dos Bordões sits quite far from the parking area but this viewpoint provides the best spot to admire it from a distance.
Miradouro Lagoas Rasa e Funda
Miradouro Lagoas Rasa e Funda is one of the best viewpoints on Flores, overlooking the dramatic volcanic crater lakes, Rasa and Funda. Caldeira Rasa stands at 530 metres elevation, while Caldeira Funda lies 360 metres below, and the contrast between the two lakes, such as the difference in colour, is visible from the viewpoint.
Native Azorean plant species thrive around the lakes, and the area forms part of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark Geosite.
Waterfalls
Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau
Cascata Poço do Bacalhau, also known as codfish waterfall was our first stop on Flores and it did not disappoint. In the morning, a golden glow beams above the top of the cliffs where the waterfall towers into the plunge pool below.
It’s a breathtaking sight, with towering cliffs on one side and a black sand beach just a stone’s throw away, highlighting the dramatic contrast of landscapes on Flores. A short walk along a cobbled stone path takes you past an old stone watermill, vibrant tiger lily flowers and the stream will lead you to the bottom of the waterfall.
Don’t forget your swimsuit if you enjoy cold water dips, for a chance to dip underneath the waterfall. Take extra care when entering the pool as the rocks are very slippery and it can be difficult to see the depth.
Poço do Bacalhau is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Azores, offering experienced canyoners the unique chance to abseil down this monumental natural wonder!
Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro
One of the most impressive sights on Flores is the Cascata da Riberia do Ferreiro, a collection of more than 20 waterfalls tumbling over emerald-cloaked cliffs. When you search Flores Azores on the internet, you will most likely be shown photos from the Riberia do Ferreiro waterfall.
A small car park is located opposite the start of the trail to the waterfalls, which fits around 10 cars. The hike to Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro follows a stone path through a dense forest and a small stream. It takes around 20 minutes from the car park to reach the base of the waterfalls, a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary to sit still and listen to the sounds of nature.
We’d recommend visiting Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro either early in the morning or later in the day to have the best chance to enjoy the waterfalls with the least amount of other people, as this is one of the most popular places to visit in Flores!
Cascata da Ribeira Grande
Cascata da Ribeira Grande, the tallest waterfall on Flores, plunges over 180 metres, earning the title of the highest in the Azores. Despite its impressive size, it attracts fewer visitors compared to other waterfalls on the island. The starting point for visiting Cascata da Ribeira Grande is conveniently located at the same car park as Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro.
To begin the hike, cross the bridge and look for a gravel road on the left-hand side of the road, which will guide you towards the waterfall. The trail is more rugged and adventurous than the one to Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro, requiring you to navigate over large rocks.
After around 30 minutes of climbing, you’ll catch sight of Cascata da Ribeira Grande. You can continue a bit further to reach the base of the waterfall, but as the sun was beginning to set, we chose to admire it at a distance and start our descent.
Villages
Fajã Grande
Fajã Grande, located on the western coast of Flores Island, is a popular base when staying on Flores. This is a result of many of the main natural wonders and attractions concentrated within this area, including Cascata da Riberia do Ferreiro.
We noticed a few people hitchhiking around Fajã Grande, and many were happy to pick up on the way into the village. While this is possible, Fajã Grande is positioned at the bottom of large cliffs, which means once you are in the valley, it’s difficult to leave without a car.
We hired a car during our time on Flores, which is the best way to explore the island beyond Fajã Grande, as there is so much more to see! During our visit, we stayed in Fajã Grande, which has a few different accommodation options. The village centre has cafés, restaurants, small food shops, natural pools, beaches, and spectacular waterfalls.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is where the airport is located and is a great base when staying on Flores. The airport runway is adjacent to the main town centre, where from Miradouro da Vigia you can watch the plane taking off and coming to land near the roundabout by Casa da Cruz.
Santa Cruz has a supermarket, a pharmacy, museums, a church, hotels, parks, and restaurants. If you forget your electronics, the ‘Chinese’ shop, located next to the petrol station, has practically everything you may want.
If you stay in Santa Cruz or have time to explore before your flight back to São Miguel, the most noteworthy places to visit are the natural swimming pools, the whale museum, and the Nossa Senhora da Conceição church. If you need to buy anything from the pharmacy or shops, most places are closed on Sundays.
Best restaurants and places to eat in Flores
Barraca Q’Abana
We stumbled across this café one afternoon when trying to find somewhere to fill up our water before we had checked into our accommodation. Barraca Q’Abana is a beautiful, scenic café opposite the natural pools in Fajã Grande.
Barraca Q’Abana serves hot food, cakes, and sweet treats. We enjoyed a doughnut, the last giant cookie, and water for our afternoon hike to more waterfalls. It’s good to know that they accept cards, as the ATM in Fajã Grande doesn’t always work.
Aldeia da Cuada
Aldeia da Cuada is a wonderful ecotourism village, set in a remote rural location with the option to stay overnight. The village was abandoned in the 1960s when Azoreans left for America and other parts of the world.
On our first evening in Flores, we ate at the restaurant at Aldeia da Cuada. The setting of the restaurant is beautiful, surrounded by wildflowers and trees and all set under white fabric umbrellas and wooden benches, sat on old cobblestones. Arrive before sunset to see the glow over the terracotta roofs, and as darkness approaches, the song of cicadas fills the air.
The food at Aldeia da Cuada restaurant is outstanding, using seasonal Azorean products that mean the ingredients are fresh and local. Our favourites include the homemade soup, aged steak, tuna, and the Passion Azores cocktail.
As we stayed in Vila do Mar, breakfast is included during your stay at Aldeia da Cuada, and it was one of the best breakfasts we had in the Azores: fresh fruit, yoghurts, and homemade pastries.
Papadiamandis Restaurant
As an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Flores has an abundance of fish. Papadiamandis restaurant serves freshly caught fish in a traditional, relaxed setting. There is a bar with seating outside if you prefer to be in the sun or a more formal dining setup inside.
Papadiamandis restaurant was named after a shipwreck that was caught off the coast in Faja Grande, and all of the crew miraculously survived! The restaurant boasts ocean views and is located near a popular local swimming spot and not far from the beach.
We enjoyed the fresh catch of the day, which was a succulent sea bream, served with local vegetables, while we watched a solo surfer catching the waves.
Day trip to Corvo
If you are planning a trip to Flores, then you must take a boat ride over to Corvo Island. Corvo and Flores are some of the most remote islands and make up the western group of islands in the Azores archipelago. Corvo is also the smallest island of the Azores and is a volcano that collapsed to form the Caldeirão that can be seen today.
We booked a day trip to Corvo with Experience OC, where our guide Francisco picked us up from Aldeia da Cuada after breakfast and we made our way to the port in Santa Cruz. It was a beautiful morning where a cloud of mist sat among the trees and was illuminated by the rising sun.
Once we arrived at the port, we were given life jackets and assigned to a rib boat for our journey to Corvo. Little did we know that the ride to Corvo was going to be one of the highlights of the whole day. The boats traced the coastline of Flores, passing impressive basalt columns, islets, caves, and magical waterfalls entering the sea.
We were smiling ear to ear as the boat skippers skillfully took us underneath the waterfalls and into magnificent caves with flawless precision. Francisco told us that if we spotted whales or dolphins on the way the journey would take a little longer (not that anyone would complain).
While we didn’t spot any on our ride to Corvo, we did see two flying fish as we left Flores and some shearwaters which are migratory birds that can be spotted from April to November across the Azores.
We’d been told that the weather on Corvo can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack a waterproof as it can get particularly windy. Once we arrived at the port in Corvo, taxis were waiting to take us to the top of the Caldera for €10.
At the top of the Caldera, the viewpoint was phenomenal. The clouds had parted and we could see inside the collapsed crater and the ocean peered over the edge on the other side. We followed Francisco’s footsteps into the heart of the crater where a couple of lakes had formed.
Corvo is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to a number of migratory birds and endemic plant species. Francisco identified thyme, water mint, heather, ferns and sphagnum moss. The sphagnum moss made it a little challenging to walk in places, making it important to look where you put your feet.
After passing many cows that contribute to the island’s cheese production, you’ll notice they graze freely within the caldera. An initiative is in place to limit cattle grazing areas to protect and preserve the wild flora and fauna from disturbance.
Eventually, we made it to a tiny island of trees in the middle of the lake. Many birds gathered together on this small island, a sanctuary of pure freedom to enjoy their tranquil surroundings. There is a circular walk which takes you around the circumference of the lake. We spotted a hooded warbler, ring-necked duck and cory’s shearwater.
We walked up and out of the inner bowl of the Caldeirão along the ridge to a panoramic viewpoint above the lakes and the blue sky, a stark contrast to the vibrant green of Corvo. The day was better than we could have imagined, with warm sunshine, little wind, and having the chance to visit one of the most beautiful places.
After soaking in the views, we got back in the taxi to Vila do Corvo, the only town on the island. We ate at Caldeirão Restaurante, which overlooks the ocean and ‘moinhos,’ a few windmills and a small lighthouse. The food is buffet style with the option of pastries and coffee to enjoy after all that hiking.
We’d highly recommend booking your experience with Experience OC, and the whole experience will take up most of the day, taking around 4 to 5 hours. If you are a keen birdwatcher, Francisco will be the perfect guide for you!
Where to stay on Flores?
We’ll be writing a guide with all the best places to stay on Flores from modern apartments to charming stone cottages and beautiful hotels. Check back here soon to read all about where to stay on Flores.
