Flores earns its name. It is the island where flora erupts in countless shades, especially in spring; it is also the island of vertiginous waterfalls, lagoons suspended in mist, cliffs that plunge straight into the Atlantic. Located 240 kilometres from its central-group neighbours, Flores is the westernmost of European islands, the most isolated in the archipelago — and undoubtedly the most spectacular. Getting there requires logistical effort and patience with the weather. What you bring back, in exchange, stays with you for a long time.
At a glance
- Area: 143 km².
- Population: around 3,700 inhabitants.
- Access: Santa Cruz das Flores airport, a single daily flight from Faial or Terceira. Unpredictable weather.
- Ideal stay: 3 to 4 days, with a buffer day for weather contingencies.
- Must-see: Poço do Bacalhau, Sete Lagoas, Poço da Alagoinha, Fajã Grande, Morro Alto walk.
An island out of time
Flores is the wettest of the Azores — and it shows. Rainfall nurtures lush vegetation, watercourses that turn into vertiginous waterfalls the moment they meet the coastal cliffs, and the seven suspended lagoons of the central plateau (“Sete Lagoas”), each lodged in its own crater. The island counts fewer than 4,000 inhabitants, one main road, and a rhythm of life that evokes an earlier world. Corvo, its neighbour, is visible on clear days and counts only 430 souls.
Signature experiences on Flores
Discover the Sete Lagoas of the central plateau
The seven volcanic lagoons — Lagoa Funda, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa Branca, Lagoa Comprida, Lagoa Seca, Lagoa Negra, Lagoa da Lomba — are seen by car and on foot. The miradouro das Lagoas offers THE signature view of Flores, especially when clouds play in the craters.
Contemplate the Poço do Bacalhau
One of the most beautiful waterfalls of the archipelago: 90 metres of free fall into a pool reached by a short trail. Swimming possible in summer, cold but memorable.
Explore Fajã Grande and Fajãzinha
Two coastal villages nestled between sea and cliffs, reached by a road that winds steeply down from the plateau. The traditional stone houses, the amphitheatre of green cliffs from which dozens of waterfalls spring: one of Europe’s most powerful landscapes.
Hike around Morro Alto
The island’s highest point at 915 m, reached by a demanding trail (16 km). For experienced hikers. Striking panorama on clear days; turn back if clouds cover the plateau.
Where to stay on Flores
The offering is modest but quality: a few hotels in Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores, guesthouses in Fajã Grande, and casas rurales in inland villages. Hotel das Flores in Santa Cruz offers comfort and sea views; Pousada Beira Mar in Fajã Grande is one of the most atmospheric refuges in the archipelago.
Best time to visit
May to September. May-June for the bloom and waterfalls at full power after winter. July-August for best weather conditions and swimming. Avoid November to March: high frequency of cancelled flights.
How to get there and around
A single daily flight from Faial or Terceira (SATA, about 55 minutes). Strongly recommended to plan a buffer day before an international return flight — weather-related cancellations are frequent. On site, rental car essential — limited rental desks, book in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Flores feasible for a first Azores trip?
Only if you have 12 days or more and accept weather uncertainty. Flores demands a long trip, an adventurous spirit, and ideally good hiking shoes. For a shorter stay, stick to São Miguel or Terceira and keep Flores for a return.
How to combine Flores and Corvo?
A day on Corvo from Flores: fast ferry or light aircraft. Visiting Corvo in 4 to 6 hours is enough to grasp the essentials. Keep a second window if the first-day transfer is cancelled.