7 Best Waterfalls in Flores Island, Azores
All the details you need to explore the best waterfalls on Flores Island, in this guide.
Written by Fabio Filipe · Azores Unlocked
In this article...
- 01 Let´s Get Started
- 02 Best waterfalls in Flores island
- 03 Best time to visit the waterfalls in Flores island
- 04 Which waterfalls are easiest for Seniors to reach?
- 05 Which waterfalls can you swim at?
- 06 Table - best waterfalls in Flores island
- 07 Frequently Asked Questions
- 08 Who I Am
- 09 Travel Inspiration & Local Tips
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Let's Get Started
Growing up in Fajã Grande, I remember being a kid, running over the mountains, exploring the waterfalls and swimming in some of them despite the cold water. At the time, I simply didn't understand how lucky and free I was to be able to experience that, but now I do. I also remember Poço da Alagoinha, which today has become one of the most iconic images of the Azores and a place that almost every visitor to the islands wants to see. I remember visiting it as a kid with my friends when it was completely empty, and at the time, I never imagined that one day it would become one of the hotspots in the Azores. Hopefully, we can continue welcoming travellers who care about the environment and help us preserve the unique nature of Flores Island. Places like Poço da Alagoinha are a perfect example of what makes Flores so special, and I believe we are on the right path to protecting them for the future.
I hope this article helps you prepare for and plan your trip to Flores Island, especially if you're interested in exploring its waterfalls. It will cover different topics, from my favourite waterfalls on the island to which ones you can safely swim in.
Best waterfalls in Flores island
Flores Island is considered one of the best, if not the best, island in the Azores when it comes to waterfalls. The views of the cliffs along the west coast are magnificent and certainly something you won't find in many destinations around the world. Some waterfalls are harder to access than others, but that's what makes exploring them so incredible and unique. The feeling of reaching the bottom of a waterfall after walking for an hour along a challenging trail is simply indescribable. In addition, not all waterfalls on Flores Island are accessible to everyone, but the island still offers plenty of options for different levels of ability and experience.
Here I list seven waterfalls, all of which are also featured in my interactive guide. However, Flores is home to many more waterfalls and hidden gems, making it one of the best islands in the Azores for waterfall exploration.
💦 Cascata de José Fraga
José de Fraga Waterfall is one of Flores' hidden gems and a rewarding stop for those looking to explore a quieter side of the island. The waterfall itself is surrounded by lush vegetation, but one of the highlights of the walk is the beautiful views you get along the way over Flores' west coast and Monchique Islet. The trail is short, taking around 20 minutes at a relaxed pace, but the uneven and sometimes slippery stone steps make sturdy footwear important. Once you reach the waterfall, the combination of nature, ocean views and the peaceful surroundings makes it well worth the effort.
You can park near the village church or along the main road, provided your vehicle does not block traffic or private access.
💦 Cascata Portal do Paraíso
Portal do Paraíso is one of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls on Flores, hidden away between Fajã Grande and Ponta da Fajã. Reaching it requires a more challenging hike along an unmarked and poorly maintained trail, but the effort is well worth it. As you make your way through the lush surroundings and eventually reach the waterfall, the scenery feels almost otherworldly, with a sense of untouched nature that makes this one of the island's most rewarding hidden gems.
You can park along the main road between Fajã Grande and Ponta da Fajã, near the start of the trail.
💦 Poço do Bacalhau
Poço do Bacalhau is a must-see when exploring the west coast of Flores Island. This impressive 90-metre (300-foot) waterfall is one of the island's most iconic natural attractions and can be seen from almost anywhere in Fajã Grande thanks to its impressive height. The waterfall drops into a beautiful natural pool, making it an especially memorable place to visit during the warmer summer months.
There is free parking beside the small white bridge at the start of the trail.
💦 Poço da Alagoinha
Poço da Alagoinha has become one of the most iconic places in the Azores and is an absolute must-see when visiting Flores. Surrounded by lush vegetation and dozens of waterfalls cascading down the dramatic cliffs, the viewpoint offers one of the island's most unforgettable landscapes. The combination of the waterfalls, green cliffs and peaceful natural setting makes this one of the highlights of exploring Flores.
The trail is well maintained, but some sections are uneven and slightly steep.
Free parking is available at the start of the trail.
💦 Poço da Ribeira Grande
Poço da Ribeira Grande is one of the most unique and least-visited places on Flores, offering the rare opportunity to stand at the exact spot where the water from the impressive 300-metre (984 ft) Ribeira Grande Waterfall reaches the stream below. Reaching this hidden spot means following an old trail that has been partially damaged by the flowing water over the years, adding an adventurous element to the experience. The combination of the impressive waterfall, untouched surroundings and sense of exploration makes it a rewarding place for those looking to discover a quieter side of Flores.
You can park at the entrance to the trail. Alternatively, you can use the same parking area as the Poço da Alagoinha trail, which is only a short walk away.
💦 Waterfall Mosteiro
The waterfall in Mosteiro is one of Flores' lesser-known hidden gems and is not mentioned in most travel guides. Reaching it isn't the easiest, but if you're already exploring Mosteiro village, it's a beautiful place to discover away from the more popular attractions. Following the small river stream uphill through the surrounding landscape makes the walk feel like a little adventure, and the waterfall is a rewarding place to visit before continuing your exploration of the village.
You can park in Mosteiro village next to the church and walk from there.
💦 Waterfall Ribeira do Fundão
Ribeira do Fundão is a small but peaceful roadside waterfall that makes for a worthwhile quick stop when exploring the central part of Flores. I recommend visiting it after Rocha dos Bordões, as it is only a short distance away. While it isn't as large or dramatic as the waterfalls along Flores' west coast, its easy access and quiet surroundings make it a nice place to stop, take a few photos and enjoy a lesser-known spot along the road.
The walk itself is easy, but extra care is needed when crossing the road to reach the waterfall.
A small parking area is available directly opposite the waterfall, making it very easy to access.
Best time to visit the waterfalls in Flores island
In my opinion, there is no better time to visit the waterfalls on the island, as each season brings a different view of them. I personally like them more on stormy days, when they are full of water, but I also like Poço do Bacalhau during the summer so I can swim in it. This is the good part: it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, the waterfalls will always be beautiful, but in different ways.
Summer is a good season and an easier time for senior travelers to explore the waterfalls, because getting close to some of them requires a bit of walking, and walking in good weather conditions always helps. Summer is also the time when you can swim in some of them, which is always a unique experience you should not miss when visiting the westernmost island of the Azores. During winter and stormy weather, you can experience the waterfalls at their most powerful, with waterfalls like Ribeira Grande becoming incredible when the wind is strong. In my opinion, waterfalls during windy conditions are the best for photos. So again, it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit the waterfalls in Flores; they will always be beautiful in a different way.
Which waterfalls are easiest for Seniors to reach?
Unfortunately, some of the waterfalls in Flores are not easy for seniors to reach. On the other hand, the lack of accessibility is what makes them unique and helps protect them for future generations. However, there are some options that are accessible for seniors when visiting Flores Island, and even opportunities to swim if you are very careful. In summary, I recommend three options if you visit Flores Island.
My first recommendation is Poço do Bacalhau in Fajã Grande, which has a hiking trail providing access to the waterfall. You can also swim if you are very careful when stepping on the rocks around the "natural pool" created by the waterfall. You can also visit Poço da Alagoinha, but the hiking trail is longer, so you might need to make a few stops along the way to rest if needed. Lastly, you can visit Ribeira do Fundão as a quick stop, but be very careful when crossing the road to see this waterfall because it is right next to a turn. For the remaining waterfalls, I don't recommend visiting them because the access is difficult and it can put your trip in danger unnecessarily.
Which waterfalls can you swim at?
As a waterfall, you can swim only in Poço do Bacalhau. In fact, the access to Poço do Bacalhau and the surrounding area was prepared for people to bathe and rest during the summer days. Swimming in other places with waterfalls, such as Poço da Alagoinha, is prohibited and dangerous due to the plants underwater, which can become attached to your body.
For swimming in Flores Island, you have many other better options situated around the island, including Fajã Grande, Fajazinha, Lajes, Santa Cruz and Ponta Delgada. The island has a lot to offer in terms of places to swim, from natural pools to coastal areas and small harbours prepared for the same purpose.
Table - best waterfalls in Flores island
| Waterfall | Access | Walking Required | Senior-Friendly | Swimming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poço do Bacalhau | Easy access from Fajã Grande | 🟢 Easy | ✅ Good | ✅ Yes |
| Poço da Alagoinha | Short but uneven and slightly steep trail | 🟡 Moderate | ⚠️ Some limitations | ❌ No |
| Ribeira do Fundão | Roadside stop with a short walk | 🟢 Easy | ⚠️ Some limitations | ❌ No |
| Cascata de José Fraga | Uneven and sometimes slippery stone steps | 🟡 Moderate | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ No |
| Cascata Portal do Paraíso | Unmarked and poorly maintained trail | 🔴 Challenging | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ No |
| Poço da Ribeira Grande | Old, partially damaged and unmaintained trail | 🟡 Moderate | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ No |
| Waterfall Mosteiro | Small trail following the river stream uphill | 🟡 Moderate | ❌ Not recommended | ❌ No |
Local Tip
In general, be cautious when walking to each of the waterfalls I mention, as the trails may be in poor condition, making the journey there somewhat dangerous.
The Places I'd Take My Friends & Family on Flores & Corvo
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.
- ✓ Over 170 hand-picked locations
- ✓ The viewpoint most visitors drive past without knowing what they've missed
- ✓ The cafés and restaurants where locals actually eat (not the ones on Google Maps)
- ✓ Personal notes on timing, parking, difficulty level and whether each spot is suitable for older or less mobile travelers
Curated by Fabio - I grew up on Flores. These are the places I still think about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about visiting the waterfalls in Flores Island.
Can seniors visit the waterfalls in Flores?
Which waterfall is best for swimming?
Are the trails to the waterfalls easy?
Are there other places to swim in Flores?
Who I Am
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