Flores is one of the smallest islands in the Azores, the Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean (not be confused with Flores, Indonesia). Despite its size, it’s one of the most beautiful Azores islands (in my opinion). While most people do a quick stopover there, I decided to spend 3 full days exploring at a slow-ish pace, allowing me to see the whole island, and also allowing for flexibility in case of foggy/rainy weather (note: I didn’t go to Corvo Island next door, and stayed on Flores the entire time).
So here’s the best Flores (Azores) itinerary for a 3-day trip, organised by geographical proximity, along with some fun facts and practical tips.
PS: before Flores, I spent some time in São Miguel; here’s a detailed itinerary for 5 days in São Miguel.
Fun facts about Flores
1. Flores means flowers in Portuguese, and was named as such due to the abundance of seaside goldenrod flowers found there in the 15th century. Today, the most popular flowers in Flores are hydrangeas.
2. Flores is the westernmost part of Europe (more specifically, the islet Ilhéu of Monchique).
3. Flores is the rainiest of the Azores islands, but this also means glorious waterfalls. Find more crucial info and tips about the Azores islands here.
4. Both Flores and Corvo (the two Western Azores islands) sit on the American tectonic plate rather than the Eurasian plate.
Flores travel guide: insider tips that no one warns you about
1. The Azores isn’t a budget destination (in fact, it can be more expensive than mainland Portugal), and Flores, being part of the Azores archipelago, is no different, especially when it comes to accommodation.
2. It can be challenging to find accommodation in Flores, especially during the peak season (July-August), even when you’re looking months in advance. I’ve seen simple 1-bedroom apartments going for €500+ per night, though you can still find lovely places in Flores at reasonable prices.
3. Everyone says that the best time to visit Flores is during the warmer and less rainy months, from May to October, even if July and August are peak seasons and can get crowded. However, I was there in peak summer, and it was foggy and it rained often, though we also cleared up some days. It’s also not very sustainable to travel during peak time, as it takes a toll on the environment and fragile ecosystems, so the best months to visit Flores are during the shoulder season, in April, May, September, and October. Check the ever-changing weather for Flores here.
4. There are no international airports in Flores, but there’s a domestic one that you can fly into from another of the Azores islands. So, unless you’re already visiting other Azores islands and arriving from there, expect a few layovers and allow for extra journey time for a trip to Flores.
5. At the beach and especially if you’re swimming in the sea, watch out for the Portuguese Man O’ War jellyfish; while it rarely leads to death in humans (unless you have an allergic reaction), its sting is still very painful and can create welts on the skin. Note that the jellyfish can still sting after it’s washed ashore for weeks.
6. There are no large supermarkets like Pingo Doce or Continente that you’ll find on the bigger Azores islands like São Miguel, so plan ahead and get your groceries and snacks from the capital (Santa Cruz das Flores), Fajã Grande town, or Lajes das Flores town.
7. Drive carefully and slowly on the roads in Flores, especially in the mountains. It’s safer for you and the animals, since I saw a lot of roadkill.
What are the main things to do in Flores (Azores)?
The top things to do in Flores, Azores, include snorkeling, exploring the 7 volcanic lakes, canyoning, and taking a boat trip to Corvo Island. C
But probably the most famous attraction in Flores is the Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro, a place dubbed “Jurassic Park” in viral Instagram reels, which also likely led to the Azores’ nickname as the “Hawaii of Europe”.
Flores is also the ideal spot for a relaxing, slow-paced vacation, away from the bigger and more touristy Azores islands like Terceira and São Miguel.
Where should you stay in Flores (Azores)?
In Flores (Azores), most people choose to stay in Santa Cruz das Flores (the capital) or in the second-largest town, Fajã Grande, on the western coast. These are great options as you’ll also have access to restaurants and small supermarkets.
Another option is Lajes das Flores in the south, where you’ll also have all the amenities and a few restaurants.
If you truly want to experience a small village life where all the neighbours know each other, and you’re surrounded by sweet stray cats, cows, and goats, then head to Ponta Delgada in the north east. Note that there aren’t many options for food or groceries there, but it’s a very cute, serene place.
A 3-day Flores (Azores) itinerary
You’ll be landing in the eastern part of the island, in Santa Cruz das Flores. The itinerary below includes 3 full days of exploring Flores. We landed early in the morning from São Miguel, around 10 AM, so we had plenty of time to start exploring and counted that day as Day 1.
Regardless of where you stay, you’ll need to have access to a car to get around Flores; there’s just no other way. Compare the best car rental prices here.
Day 1 in Flores (Azores): East and North
Start Day 1 in Flores on the east, in Santa Cruz das Flores, making your way to the north. Here are the best stops:
East of Flores
- Miradouro da Caveira
- Miradouro da Fajã do Conde
- Piscinas naturais de Santa Cruz das Flores
- Poça das Salemas
- Zona Balnear do Boqueirão – Poça das Mulheres
- Miradouro da Costa Nordeste (there’s no parking here, we just drove by)
- Miradouro do Monte
- Miradouro dos Caimbros
- Miradouro dos Cedros
- Museu do Machado
North
- Miradouro do Ilhéu Furado
- Miradouro da Pedrinha
- Pico do Meio Dia
- Miradouro de Ponta Delgada
- Miradouro sobre o Porto e Baía de Ponta Delgada
- Farol de Albarnaz
- Miradouro da Baía de Além
Day 2 in Flores: The most popular attraction in Flores
Driving from Ponte Delgada (going through the middle of the island)
- Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida (walk PR3FLO walking trail to see them up close or just drive there)
- Miradouros da Lagoa Seca and Lagoa Branca
- Pico dos Sete Pés
- Morro Alto (the highest point of the island, can be windy, but great views)
- Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro (this is the famous attraction that looks like Jurassic Park).
- Insider tip: you’ll need to walk 800m (park here and start trail here). It’s a fairly easy walk, but the rocks are wet and slippery and you’ll need proper hiking, waterproof shoes
- On Google Maps, you’ll see a place next door named Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro. Poço means well, like a pond, and it’s what the waterfalls flow into, so it’s the same spot as the Cascada da Ribeira do Ferreiro.
- Short hike or park here to see Cascata da Ribeira Grande (this is a more rocky area and there’s no proper trail). I didn’t end up doing this hike and simply admired the Cascata from Ribeira do Ferreiro.
- Poço das Patas
- Moinho da Fajãzinha (old-fashioned water mill in full operation)
- Insider tip: best to visit between 1-5pm for explanations of how it works
- Fajãzinha: buy cheese from Queijaria Pico Redondo
- Miradouro Craveiro Lopes (one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the island)
- Miradouro do Portal for views of Fajãzinha
- We drove up to Fajã Grande for lunch, but the food truck Barry’s opening hours didn’t match, and we ended up eating at the Pink Hostel, which was disappointing and subpar. It’s also not the place if you’re looking for Portuguese culture or food.
- Vigia da baleia da Fajã Grande (views)
- Ponto mais ao oeste da Europa (the most western part of Europe).
- Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau with a small natural pool (sometimes a rainbow appears in the afternoon) (park here)
Day 3 in Flores: Explore the Southern villages and miradouros
- Head to the small, tiny town of Mosteiro (an abandoned village in the crater with a small cemetery with a mysterious grave of pirate António Freitas)
- Rocha dos Bordões and Miradouro (570 thousand year old geological formation resulting from the rapid cooling of basaltic rock in vertical columns of about 20 meters high. It looks like a pipe organ)
- Miradouro do Lajedo
- Drive through Lajedo, a tiny village
- Miradouro da Costa do Lajedo
- Rocha dos Frades and views
- Fajã de Lopo Vaz beach
- Lajes das Flore town (if you feel like hiking, it’s the PR4FLO trail). We had lunch here at a very local restaurant called Café Old Port, and it was delicious. We had the chicken bifana with rice and fries, but they also have a buffet
- Miradouro da Pedrina – it’s a bit out of the way
- Miradouro Caldeira Rasa e Funda (great views when there is no fog)
- Miradouro Lagoas Rasa e Funda
- Miradoudo da Caleira de Lomba
Note that if you want to go to Corvo, it’s best to add 1 extra day to this itinerary.
FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Flores (Azores)?
The best time to visit Flores, Azores is during the shoulder season (April, May, September, October) rather than peak summer months (June, July, August). The hydrangeas will still be blooming in the shoulder season, though not at its peak, and it will be easier to find accommodation. There’s no guarantee of no rain in summer anyway, so going in the summer months to avoid rain in Flores is a myth.
How many days do you need to spend in Flores?
While most people will argue that you can see all of Flores in 1-2 days, it’s best to spend at least 3 days to explore properly, and account for rainy days.
What’s the Flores (Azores) weather like?
Flores is the rainiest island of the Azores, so expect fog daily, especially in the mountains, and expect occasional rain and humidity even in summer.
How to get to Flores, Azores?
There’s a domestic airport but no international airports in Flores (Azores), so you’ll likely fly from another Azores island like Terceira or São Miguel.
