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A Local's Picks 2026
Written by Fabio Filipe · Azores Unlocked
Discover waterfalls, volcanic lakes, natural hot springs and authentic local experiences with a real 3-day plan for São Miguel, built by someone who grew up on the islands, not a generic list from a travel blog.
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Flores Island may be one of the smallest islands in the Azores, but don't let its size fool you. From dramatic viewpoints and hidden waterfalls to volcanic lakes, natural swimming spots, authentic local gastronomy and outdoor adventures, Flores packs an extraordinary amount into a small space enough to fill a full week without repeating yourself. In fact, most visitors leave wishing they had stayed longer.
Flores Island has several beautiful places worth including in your itinerary, from stunning viewpoints and natural swimming spots to hidden gems you will never find in a standard travel guide.
The places listed below are some of my personal favourites on Flores, but if you want to go deeper, my Interactive Guide covers 173 hand-picked locations across Flores and Corvo with local tips, accessibility notes and practical information for every stop: Get the Interactive Guide
From this viewpoint, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Ponta da Fajã and Fajã Grande. It's one of the best spots for panoramic photos of both villages. Ponta da Fajã is also one of the best spots to observe the Monchique Islet, the westernmost point of Europe.
It's not just because it's the village where I was born and raised, Fajã Grande has something magical I have never found anywhere else in the world. The surrounding cliffs with waterfalls, the bay and the view of Monchique Islet, the westernmost point of Europe, make it one of the most beautiful and memorable places to visit when travelling to Flores Island.
Poço do Bacalhau is a must-see when exploring the west coast of Flores Island. This impressive 90-meter (300-foot) waterfall can be seen from almost anywhere in Fajã Grande thanks to its height. It is also one of the most spectacular places to go canyoning on Flores Island. See all the activities you can do on Flores Island here.
Poço da Alagoinha has become one of the most iconic places in the Azores and is an absolute must-see when visiting Flores. Dozens of waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, creating one of the island's most unforgettable landscapes. In addition is the perfect place for a break and picnic when exploring the island.
This viewpoint offers what is probably the best panoramic view of the charming village of Fajãzinha. With just over 70 residents, Fajãzinha is one of the most peaceful villages on Flores and is well worth a relaxing stop.
From this viewpoint, you'll enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Fajãzinha and Fajã Grande. It's also one of the best places on Flores to take memorable photos with your partner or family.
Thanks to its high elevation, this viewpoint offers a unique perspective of Flores' west coast, where you can admire the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and endless Atlantic Ocean all at once.
This is a must-visit viewpoint because you'll be right between two of the most beautiful lakes in the Azores: Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida.
Morro Alto is the highest point on Flores Island, standing at 914 metres (2,999 feet) above sea level. It's well worth the drive along the secondary roads to experience one of the island's most impressive viewpoints.
This is one of those places that feels like pure peace and quiet-almost meditative. It's the perfect spot if you want to sit by the coast, completely surrounded by nature, with nothing but towering cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean around you. If you're looking to disconnect from everything, this is one of the best places on Flores to do it.
This is a must-visit viewpoint for anyone exploring Flores Island. From here, you'll enjoy an incredible view of Rocha dos Bordões, a striking volcanic formation rising 493 metres (1,617 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean. Its distinctive white trachybasalt rock formations, sculpted by volcanic activity and erosion, make it one of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the Azores.
From here, you'll enjoy one of the best views over the northern part of Santa Cruz. It's a must-stop if you're driving around the Cedros area and a perfect spot for taking photos.
This is one of the must-visit places on Flores Island. Baía da Alagoa is known for the impressive rock formations just off the small bay, which was shaped by volcanic activity. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon, whether you're alone or with your loved ones.
This viewpoint is located right beside the road on the way to Ponta Delgada. From here, you'll enjoy stunning views of Corvo Island. This is als a perfect spot for photos with hydrangeas during the months of July and Aufust.
This is another must-visit spot for views of Ilhéu de Maria Vaz and Corvo Island. It's one of the best photo spots on Flores Island and one of my personal favourites.
Flores Island has an incredible variety of places to explore, from dramatic viewpoints and waterfalls to peaceful coastal spots and panoramic views over the island's villages. The table below gives you a quick overview of the parking situation, difficulty, and senior-friendliness of all 15 places featured in this guide.
This can help you decide which places are easiest to visit depending on your mobility, how much walking you want to do, and how convenient you want the parking to be.
| Place | Parking | Difficulty | Senior-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ponta da Fajã | 🟡 Limited | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Fajã Grande | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Poço do Bacalhau | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Poço da Alagoinha | 🟢 Easy | 🟡 Moderate | ⚠️ Some limitations |
| Viewpoint over Fajãzinha | 🟡 Limited | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Viewpoint Portal | 🟡 Limited | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Viewpoint Craveiro Lopes | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Viewpoint Caldeira Negra e da Caldeira Comprida | 🟡 Limited | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Morro Alto | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Fajã de Lopo Vaz | 🟢 Easy | 🟡 Moderate | ❌ Not recommended |
| Viewpoint Rocha dos Bordões | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Viewpoint of Cedros | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Baia da Alagoa | 🟡 Limited | 🟢 Easy | ⚠️ Some limitations |
| Viewpoint Pedrinha | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
| Viewpoint Baía de Além (Ilheu de Maria Vaz) | 🟢 Easy | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good |
All these places can be visited during the whole year, although the views will change because of the different weather during winter, which gives a different and unique beauty to each place. To see the weather throughout the year in the Azores, visit our guide to the best time to visit the Azores.
Flores and Corvo are two of the most untouched islands in the Atlantic but they're small, remote, and easy to miss the best parts of without a guide who actually knows them. I was born and raised on Flores. This map is everything I'd tell a close friend and family before their trip.
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Explore the Free Interactive Guide →Curated by Fabio - I grew up on Flores. These are the places I still think about.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions travellers have before visiting Flores Island.
Fabio Filipe • Azores Unlocked
Growing up on Azores gave me something no travel course could teach, a genuine understanding of what makes these islands special. After living and working across different countries in the world, I saw firsthand what international travelers truly need. I created Azores Unlocked because I kept seeing people arrive unprepared for how remote and extraordinary these islands really are. My job is to make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Learn More About Me
Discover local guides, insider advice and practical resources to help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Azores.
Discover waterfalls, volcanic lakes, hot springs, scenic viewpoints and unforgettable experiences on the Azores' largest island.
Explore dramatic cliffs, hidden waterfalls, charming villages and one of Europe's most breathtaking islands through a local's perspective.
Find the perfect season for hiking, whale watching, hydrangeas, swimming and experiencing the islands at their very best.