Azores: Activities To Do In Flores Island.

Flores Island is a gem of the Azores archipelago and has been included on the UNESCO biosphere reserve list. The island’s name, which translates to “Flowers” in Portuguese, is proof of its abundant and diverse plant life. From dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls to tranquil lakes and charming villages, Flores offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Is your next trip to Flores Island? If yes, I am happy you came across this post because, in the next couple of minutes, you will be busy figuring out which place you should see first on the island. You will also be able to check out some activities to do in Flores Island.

Table of Contents

1. What are the places to see in Flores Island?
2. What are the Activities to do in Flores Island?
3. How do I get to Flores Island?
4. How many days should I spend in Flores Island?
5. Where Should I stay for my visit to Flores Island?

1. What are the places to see in Flores Island?

1. Santa Cruz das Flores, which means “Holy cross of the flowers,” is the capital of Flores Island. It has a population of over 2000 inhabitants and it borders Lajes das Flores in the southern municipality. Being the capital of Flores, It offers a lot of attractions through its historical villages, incredible viewpoints, and natural wonders. Here are some of the must-see places in the capital:

-Queijaria Val da Fazenda: This cheese factory is a perfect spot for a delightful cuisine
experience in Santa Cruz. You will be treated to a delicious locally prepared cheese paired with jams and bread.

– Museu das Flores: Located in an old convent of São Boaventura, this small museum offers insights into the local history and culture of Flores Island from its discovery to the present.

– Museu da Fábrica da Baleia do Boqueirão: This is another historical museum that showcases the history behind the whaling industry in the Azores. The museum displays tools and boats used by ancient whale hunters on the island and enlightens you with informative videos about whaling in the Azores.

– Poca das Salemas: You can enjoy a refreshing bath in this natural pool. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the water.

2. Rocha dos Bordões. This is a must-see landmark on Flores Island. It is a towering vertical basalt columns formed from ancient lava flows. This natural monument is a spectacular spot in photography, making it an iconic location on the Azores.

3. Miradouro Lago Negra e Lagoas. This viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the island’s famous volcanic crater lakes, the Lagoas
Negra- a dark lagoon, and Lagoa Comprida- a long lagoon, which are renowned for their striking colors and extremely calm surroundings. The tranquility of the lakes combined with their incredible features is something so surprising to see; it’s the Lagoa Comprida that is dark, not Lagoas Negra. The surrounding greenery makes this spot a peaceful environment for Flores adventurers.

4. Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro. Beyond the crater lakes is a real-life Jurassic Park located near fajãzinha. A spot that displays the most beautiful waterfall in the Azores. Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro or Poço da Alagoinha is a waterfall cascading from a 200m (656ft) cliff into a dark mystical lagoon. The aesthetics of this waterfall lies within its surrounding lush jungles, ancient trees, and its serene atmosphere. It is a spot you should not miss in Flores Island.

5. Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau. This is also another waterfall that hikers swim in after their tough descent towards Fajã Grande. It is a 90m (300ft) waterfall that flows massively during the rainy season but trickles down to form a pool during summer. It’s a refreshing water which you can have a quick bath after
exploring Flores Island.

6. The Bay of Alagoa. Another attraction of Flores Island is the Bay of Alagoa. It is endowed with a pebble stone beach, crystal-clear water, and a waterfall that connects to the ocean. You can enjoy a variety of activities like swimming, kayaking, and exploring the islets and peninsula of the Alagoa beach. There is also a campsite in the Alagoa park where you can have special memories with your families, partners, or even yourself if you go on a solo trip.

7. Miradouro Craveiro Lopes. From this viewpoint, you will be thrilled to a breathtaking sight of the greenery environment of Flores Island, a magnificent distant view of the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro waterfall, and an overview of the charming village of Fajã Grande. It is an ideal spot for capturing the beauties of Flores Island on camera for unforgettable memories.

8. Fajãzinha village. This historical village should not be left out among the places you should see in Flores Island. It is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, historical sites, ancient houses, and a more than a century watermill still in use. It also offers the best scenic trails making it a perfect sub-destination for every kind of traveler on Flores Island. Flores Island is an amazing destination waiting to be explored on all traveler’s bucket lists. However, there are activities you can engage in when you visit this untouched island which extends over the above places. These activities include hiking, bird watching, swimming, and more.
In this post, we won’t talk about hiking trails on the Island. If you are preparing a trip to the Island and your first activity is to explore the hiking trail on Flores Island, you should read our Guide on the best Scenic Trails on the Island.

2. What are the Activities to do in Flores Island?

WhaleWatching: The waters around the Azores are currently one of the world’s largest whale abodes. Flores Island is home to over 20 cetaceans(marine animals, dolphins and whales), and you will be thrilled to swim alongside dolphins and common bottlenose dolphins in the seas of the Azores. During the summer, you will get the chance to spot the dolphins in action and the blue whales can be seen at the end of the winter. Make sure you take your camera to capture these unforgettable memories.

Canyoning: Flores Island offers the most diversified canyon destinations, from large vertical descendants to simple tracks.
Canoeing/Kayaking: The calm coastal waters of Flores are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle along the coastline to discover hidden coves and enjoy the serene beauty of the island from a different perspective.
Bird Watching: Amongst other attractions of Flores Island, bird watching is another activity you shouldn’t miss. The Azore has become a breeding site for common and rare bird species in Europe. You will be amazed that over 400 species of birds have been recorded and each species is endemic to a certain island of the Azores. Flores Island is a breeding home where you can observe the American passerines.
Yachting: Flores Island is a popular joint for sailing across the Atlantic. You can rent boats or yachts to cruise around the seas of the Azores and explore the Azores other islands. You will be mesmerized by the display of dolphins as they sail together with you across the Atlantic.
Corvo Island: If you mention that you have been to Flores but didn’t see Corvo Island, I will tell you to catch the next flight back there on that day to explore the beautiful Island. Corvo Island or “Ilha do Corvo” in Portuguese translates to “Island of the Crow”. It is the smallest northernmost Island in the Azores archipelago, with over 400 people that reside in its only inhabited area- Vila do Corvo. The caldeirão(caldeira) is a vast volcanic crater filled with a shallow lake and several small volcanic cones that many explorers have claimed to showcase the drawing of the Azore. As its name implies, the Island of the Crow- is also known as a paradise for birdwatching. It is a haven for spotting different species of birds such as terns, wood pigeons, Cory’s shearwater, and more. Corvo Island is renowned for its rare landscapes and serene lakes. It highlights breathtaking views of the neighboring Flores Island and the Atlantic Ocean.

Other activities to experience in Flores Island include surfing, Bike tours/MTB, hiking/trails and more.
You can read our: Azore: The Guide to the Best Scenic Trails in Flores Island for everything you need to know before you set out to trail on Flores Island.

3. How do I get to Flores Island?

Getting to Flores Island might be a little hard because you can only book a flight to the Azores from other Azorean islands. The easiest and the most convenient way I recommend to reach Flores Island is by Plane. You can get to Flores Island from either PDL airport in São Miguel Island or TER airport in
Terceira Island before heading to Flores Island. You can book your ticket at Sata Azore airlines or here.

For car rentals, I recommend using this service, as it offers a reliable and convenient way to book your vehicle. However, if you’re unable to use this service for any reason, here are direct contacts for local car rental companies, ensuring you have alternative options for your trip.

4. How many days should I spend in Flores Island?

Flores Island is a small village yet it still offers a lot of exciting experiences for tourists. We recommend that you spend 3-5 days if you want to explore and immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of the Island. You will be able to enjoy the charming villages, Natural viewpoints, spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, and more natural wonders of the island. This will be done with maximum patience and satisfaction as you have enough days to spend.

5. Where Should I stay for my visit to Flores Island?

Aside from the incredible features of Flores Island, it also owns numerous hotels that offer the best accommodations where you can enjoy full comfort throughout your visit to the Island. Aldeida da Cuada, INATEL Flores, and Casas da Quinta are some of the most popular holiday houses you can check. Check out for more hotels.

There is no doubt that Flores Island is a paradise on earth endowed with lush jungles, ancient villages with historical significance, breathtaking waterfalls, and natural monuments all waiting to be explored by travelers of all kinds. It is an amazing Island where nature booms and flourishes abundantly all year round.

If you need more information check out my guide to Flores Island. This guide will help you make the most of your trip, highlighting must-see locations and offering insider tips to ensure a memorable experience.

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