Flores Island is the paradise of all destinations for travelers. From dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls to tranquil lakes and charming villages, Flores offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Table of Contents
- Recommended hotels for travelers in Flores Island
- Must-try local dishes for travelers in Flores Island
- Top restaurants to enjoy Flores’s local dishes
- How do I get to Flores Island?
1. Recommended hotels for travelers in Flores Island
When traveling to Flores, we always recommend that you secure your accommodations before you board the plane. You might wonder why. Flores Island is a small village yet it is somehow on every traveler’s bucket list. It attracts visitors from all parts of the world all year round, and as a result, guests’ houses fill up quickly. To prevent being left out without a place to stay because of late bookings, here are some of the hotels you can book before your trip to the Island based on your budget.
1. Aldeia da Cuada– Turismo de Aldeia: It is arguably the best hotel in Fajã Grande. It is situated a 4min drive from Praia breach. Aldeia da Cuada is a newly renovated stone house that illustrates the charming vibes of this historical village. It features 17 beautifully carved stone houses, each room named after the last person who lived there. It has an outdoor swimming pool decorated with breathtaking greenery and comfy beach chairs to enjoy the distant view of the cliffs. If you like, there is an old little chapel where you can worship, but make sure you enjoy the delicious meals offered in the restaurant. It is so odd that there are no TVs or WiFi in the hotel rooms, yet it’s the most booked hotel throughout Flores because it allows tourists to focus and enjoy the vibrant historic features of the hotel with some touch of modern vibes all coupled with the breathtaking views of its surrounding nature.
2. A Quinta das Flores– Casa do Miradouro: Provides the best accommodations in Santa Cruz das Flores. It features a garden with a balcony that provides guests with a breathtaking view of the nearby ocean and cliffs. They have rooms decorated with cozy interiors to create a comfortable atmosphere for their visitors. Because it is located in a remote area. It offers privacy and tranquility, allowing guests to fully engage with the surrounding nature, a perfect way to escape into the pristine beauty of Flores Island. A Quinta das Flores is highly rated because of its location and the comfort it provides. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, this accommodation offers everything you need for a delightful stay.
3. Santa Cruz Villas: It is designed to offer maximum convenience and comfort for guests through their well-furnished rooms that are equipped with modern amenities. Free wifi, air-conditioned rooms, and its terraces are good spots for relaxation and observing the surrounding nature views. Its proximity to the airport and nearby local attractions makes it a perfect accommodation for travelers looking forward to connecting with what Flores has to offer. The exceptional service of the owner, Mr. Pedro, is applaudable as he is always happy to recommend places to their guests and guide them on outdoor activities like boat tours and hiking trails within the Island. This family-owned guest house provides visitors with a unique experience combined with the tranquility of the Island through their attentive service coupled with the beautiful surroundings to ensure that every guest leaves with cherished memories.
4. Sitio da Assumada: Situated in Lajes das Flores. This accommodation is surrounded by beautiful scenery with a backdrop of nature. This eco-friendly lodge consists of five lovely houses each equipped with modern basic amenities. The hotel’s closeness to the beach, allows visitors to easily explore the island’s coastal beauty. If you enjoy hiking, the location of the hotel is home to several scenic trails where you can start your adventure. Also, the beautiful green garden adds to the overall beauty of the hotel; pay attention to regular visits from local birds and their soothing sound. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, this holiday house provides an excellent experience for your desires by offering a peaceful and friendly environment for reconnecting
with the natural wonders of the Island.
5. INATEL Flores: The hotel is a collection of 26 air-conditioned rooms that come with modern conveniences such as minibars, safes, and satellite TV. It is located in a great spot making it easy access to explore the island’s natural beauty, including its rugged terrain, lush green landscapes, and beautiful lagoons.
Guests can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and water sports, making it an ideal base for nature enthusiasts. INATEL Flores Hotel provides visitors with a range of amenities to ensure that they have a memorable experience throughout their stay.
6. Villas do Mar: This is another charming hotel that boasts modern amenities put in place to provide guests with a memorable experience and comfortable stay. Each villa is equipped with air-conditioned rooms, free wifi, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy outdoor meals and relax on the terrace and balcony while enjoying stunning views of the nearby sea and mountains. Its proximity to hiking trails, waterfalls, and the coast makes it more admirable for eco-friendly tourism and adventures. The serene environment and well-designed accommodations create the perfect retreat for those who want to experience the island’s unique landscape and culture.
7. Moinho da Cascata: This is a delightful holiday home in Faja Grande. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, bedrooms, and modern basic amenities. It is situated in an area surrounded by beautiful landscapes, stunning viewpoints, and some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Flores. Several picturesque trails are located in the region which makes it convenient for hikers who choose to stay at the hotel. Due to its excellent location and wonderful ambiance, Moinho da Cascata provides a perfect getaway for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Flores Island as it offers amazing views of both the mountains and sea.
8. Casas da Cascata: This is a charming set of vacation homes located in Lajes das Flores. Visitors can appreciate the wonderful comfort provided by the cozy rooms that are fully equipped with basic amenities. It is situated near the mesmerizing Poço do Bacalhau waterfall, offering you its breathtaking view. It is also a perfect area for hikers to set out for their adventures because there are several historical trails within the area. Casas da Cascata provides a tranquil and comfortable stay for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Flores Island. Budget-friendly hotels in Flores Island
Budget-friendly hotels in Flores Island:
1. The Pink House Hostel is an affordable and charming pink-colored house located in the heart of Fajã Grande, a coastal village. This hostel is a beautifully restored 100-year-old townhouse that used to be a school, combining historic charm and modern comfort. This hostel offers comfortable rooms, free wifi, and parking for guests. The rooms are set up in a dormitory style to create a social environment for travelers to share their experiences and adventures on Flores Island. They have friendly staff who are ready to help you out on your guide through the historical village and recommend the best scenic trails and adventures for your memories. Since it’s situated in a village that embodies the history of Flores Island, it is a perfect location for exploring the stunning mountain views, vast landscape, and impressive nearby waterfalls. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to make new friends, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or an adventurer eager to explore the unspoiled beauty of Flores Island, The Pink House Hostel offers a memorable experience.
2. Alagoa camping site: This is a hidden gem that promises unforgettable outdoor memories. Spending a day or two at this natural wonderland should be a top choice for anyone visiting Flores Island. You shouldn’t expect TVs or WiFi at a campsite; the clean and well-maintained sanitary facilities, barbecue spots, and picnic benches allow you to immerse in the great scenery of the surrounding nature. The area hosts a couple of natural attractions of Flores Island, ranging from the nearby Poço da Alagoinha waterfall, where campers can enjoy a refreshing bath in its crystal-clear pool. Hikers can also start their adventures from this amazing spot. The magical sights of the stars will surely lighten up your mood as they create a mesmerizing display of the ocean, giving a nostalgic feeling. The Alagoa Camping Site is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature or an adventurous escape filled with outdoor activities. It’s a place where the beauty of nature and the simplicity of camping come together to create lasting memories.
Note If you are planning a trip to Flores Island or its neighborhood, we advise that you book your room beforehand as the best hotels get sold out easily. This was noticed while preparing this article so you should avoid that by all means necessary. However, you must read the accommodation policies of your preferred guest house. Almost all the hotels have their exclusions or services that they do not provide, for example, some hotels do not accommodate visitors with pets. Ensure you read your chosen hotel policies thoroughly before you proceed to book your stay. Check out more hotels here.
Whether you are in Flores Island for hiking, adventure, vacation, or for any reason. The local dishes should be part of something you experience.
5. Must-try local dishes for travelers in Flores Island
1.Lapas Grelhadas ( Grilled Limpets): Because of the proximity of the Azores to the coast, it offers mouthwatering kinds of seafood for locals and travelers. Limpets are small shellfish that can be found in the Azorean oceans. They are often grilled with garlic and butter, it is a delicious seafood you must try across the Azorean islands.
2. Alcatra (Pot Roast): A traditional Azorean dish, Alcatra is a slow-cooked pot roast made with beef, onions, garlic, a quantity of red wine, and a blend of spices. It’s usually served with bread or potatoes.
3. Cozidos das Furnas: This is a unique traditional Portuguese stew (cozidos) cooked using the geothermal heat produced from the soil. Cozido is a beef stew prepared with ingredients like carrots, cabbage, and vegetables which are all packed together into a big pot. The pot is then buried into the Furnas which is allowed to cook between 5-6 hours. It is a delectable meal that you shouldn’t miss.
4. Queijadas da Graciosa( Graciosa cheesecakes): Enjoy this irresistible dessert prepared with fresh cheese, sugar, and eggs. It is a delicious creamy dessert that you will enjoy with a cup of Azorean tea.
5. Sopa de Agrião (Watercress Soup): A popular dish in Flores, it is a soup prepared by mixing fresh watercress, potatoes, and sometimes local sausage. It’s a sumptuous dish you must try.
Other Azorean dishes you should try are Bolo lêvado, Azorean tea and coffee, and Kima, etc.
6. Top Restaurants to enjoy Flores’s local dishes
1. Restaurante O Moreão: For an authentic taste of Flores, head to Restaurante O Moreão in Santa Cruz das Flores. This restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, and warm hospitality.
2. Restaurante “Aldeia da Cuada”: This is the restaurant of the already mentioned hotel. They offer visitors well-prepared traditional meals like bonito, Limpets, and pineapples and provide the best hospitality for their customers.
3. Restaurante Pôr-do-Sol: There is a welcome drink for customers. Homemade desserts, grilled fish, and seafood stuffed crepe are amongst what to enjoy in this hotel. It is situated in Fajãzinha.
4. Papadiamandis Restaurante-Bar: They offer a stunning dining location with a relaxing view of the mountains and nearby oceans. Enjoy their delectable seafood, and pasta, and make sure you try out their garlic shrimp.
5. “O Mergulhador”: A go-to guest house for travelers who are vegans because of the chickpea curry and Carob they offer. They offer non-vegan dishes also. It is located in Santa Cruz das Flores.
7. 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.
Renting a car: 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.
Are you curious to know some activities you can engage in while on Flores Island? Read our Azores: Activities To Do In Flores Island for deep insights on that.
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.