Most people start planning their trip to the Azores several months in advance. During their research, they quickly discover that most travel guides focus almost entirely on São Miguel, which is often considered the main island to visit. While São Miguel is undoubtedly worth including in your itinerary, Flores Island deserves a place on your trip too. With a little planning and a few practical tips, you can easily combine both islands and enjoy a smooth, unforgettable Azores adventure.
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What to do on Flores island Azores?
Flores Island is a small island covering just 54.4 square miles (141 km²) and home to around 3,428 inhabitants. Despite its small size, the island is filled with breathtaking landscapes and scenic places that you should include in your itinerary, including the following:
Places to visit in Flores island
Poço da Alagoinha (must-visit)
Situated just 5 minutes by car from Fajã Grande on the west side of the island, Poço da Alagoinha is one of the most iconic places in the Azores. Parking is available right next to the start of the trail, followed by an easy 15-minute walk to the viewpoint. Here, you’ll find multiple waterfalls cascading down the cliffs into a beautiful green lake, creating one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Azores. It is an absolute must-visit when traveling to Flores Island.
Poço do Bacalhau
Located in Fajã Grande, Poço do Bacalhau is easy to reach, with convenient parking and just a 5-minute walk to the waterfall. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular 300-foot (90-metre) waterfall and a natural pool formed by the crystal-clear water flowing from the mountain above. If you don’t mind the cold water, you can even enjoy a swim.
Lagoas Funda e Rasa
Located in the centre of Flores Island, these volcanic lakes are approximately a 20-minute drive from both Santa Cruz das Flores on the east coast and Fajã Grande on the west coast. A viewpoint beside the parking area offers stunning panoramic views of both Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa, making it one of the island’s most unique viewpoints.
Faja de Lopo Vaz
If you’re looking to escape the crowds even more than you already do on Flores Island, Fajã de Lopo Vaz is the perfect place. Located on the south coast near Lajes das Flores, it can only be reached by following a scenic hiking trail from the nearby parking area. The trail is approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km) long and is well worth the effort.
Baia da Alagoa
Situated on the east side of the island between Santa Cruz das Flores and Cedros, Baía da Alagoa is another peaceful and secluded location. Similar to Fajã de Lopo Vaz, it is perfect if you’re looking for beautiful scenery, great photography opportunities, or simply a relaxing morning or afternoon surrounded by nature.
Ilheu de Maria Vaz
Located off the northwest coast of Flores Island, Ilhéu de Maria Vaz is one of the island’s most impressive sea stacks. The best viewpoint is near Ponta Delgada. After visiting the Albernaz Lighthouse, continue a little further and you’ll find a fantastic view of this magnificent islet.
Monchique Islet View
Monchique Islet marks the westernmost point of Europe. The best places to admire it are Fajã Grande and Ponta da Fajã, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Most Western Sunset of Europe
While you’re on the west coast of Flores Island, don’t miss the opportunity to watch the most western sunset in Europe. I recommend visiting Fajãzinha, Fajã Grande, or Ponta da Fajã. For many visitors, this is one of the most memorable experiences on the island. Enjoy a nice dinner beforehand and finish your day watching the last sunset in Europe.
Activities to book in Flores
Boat tours around Flores island and Corvo
A boat tour is one of the most unique experiences you can have during your visit to Flores Island, and I highly recommend including it in your itinerary.
Seeing Flores from the sea offers a completely different perspective of the island. You’ll discover dramatic cliffs, hidden waterfalls, sea caves, and breathtaking landscapes that simply can’t be appreciated from land.
You should also consider visiting Corvo Island, located just 15 miles (24 km) from Flores. The boat journey takes approximately 40–50 minutes and gives you the opportunity to explore the smallest island in the Azores archipelago.
If you’re looking for a professional experience led by a local Azorean guide, I recommend booking your tour with Flores Boat Tours, which offers both boat trips around Flores Island and excursions to Corvo.
Canyoning
If you’re looking for adventure, canyoning is one of the best activities to experience on Flores Island.
Thanks to its many rivers, waterfalls, and lush volcanic landscapes, Flores offers ideal conditions for canyoning. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced adventurer, there’s a route suitable for your skill level, so there’s no need to worry if it’s your first time.
WestCanyon Turismo Aventura is the island’s specialist canyoning company, with more than 17 years of experience guiding visitors safely through some of Flores’ most spectacular natural scenery.
Walking Trails
Flores Island is home to four official hiking trails. Three follow the spectacular west coast, while the fourth begins in the island’s central highlands and finishes in the picturesque village of Fajã Grande.
- Lagoas to Fajã Grande (PR03 FLO):
This trail begins near the beautiful Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa before descending all the way to Fajã Grande.
Although it isn’t the easiest hike due to its steep downhill sections, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Azores.
The hike takes approximately 3–4 hours and covers around 5.4 miles (8.7 km).
- Ponta Delgada – Fajã Grande (PR01 FLO):
Starting in Ponta Delgada, the northernmost village on Flores Island, this trail follows the rugged west coast before ending in Fajã Grande.
While the terrain is not particularly technical, the trail is moderately challenging because of its 7.4-mile (11.9 km) distance. Most hikers complete it in 4–5 hours, enjoying spectacular coastal scenery throughout the route.
- Lajedo – Fajã Grande (PR02 FLO):
Beginning in the village of Lajedo, this scenic coastal trail stretches for approximately 8.2 miles (13.2 km) and takes around 3–4 hours to complete.
One of its highlights is the uninterrupted ocean scenery, as much of the route follows the dramatic western coastline, offering stunning views for almost the entire hike.
- Fajã de Lopo Vaz (PRC04 FLO):
As mentioned earlier, reaching Fajã de Lopo Vaz requires following a short but rewarding hiking trail that starts near Lajes das Flores.
The hike takes around 2 hours (round trip) and covers approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km). It leads to one of the island’s most peaceful and untouched coastal fajãs.
Island Van Tours
If you’d rather not drive, joining a guided island tour is an excellent alternative.
A local guide will take you around Flores Island in the comfort of a van or car, allowing you to relax while visiting the island’s main attractions, hidden gems, and breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the island’s history, traditions, and local culture from someone who knows Flores inside and out.
Local Gastronomy
Much of the traditional cuisine on Flores Island is shared with the rest of the Azores.
Seafood lovers will find plenty to enjoy, including lapas (limpets), octopus, and freshly caught local fish such as boca-negra, chicharros, and vejas.
You’ll also find popular Portuguese dishes such as bitoque, mixed espetadas (grilled meat skewers), and even francesinha, the famous sandwich originally from Porto.
If you’d like to learn more about Azorean food and the dishes you should try during your trip, be sure to read my guide: Things to do in the Azores: A local´s guide to the islands.
The video bellow explains everything included in this article ↓
How to arrive in Flores island?
The Azores are easier to reach from North America than many travelers realize. Throughout the year, there are direct flights from several cities in the United States and Canada to the Azores, mainly to São Miguel (Ponta Delgada) and Terceira Island.
Direct flights are available from cities such as Boston, New York (JFK), Toronto, and Montréal, with average flight times ranging from 5 to 7 hours, depending on the departure airport. Travelers departing from other North American cities can usually reach the Azores with just one connection through Lisbon, Porto, Boston, or another European hub.
Be aware that, starting in September 2026, travelers from the United States and Canada will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before visiting the Azores. You can read the full guide here: ELTIAS for the Azores
Once you arrive in São Miguel or Terceira, you’ll need to take an inter-island flight with SATA Airlines to reach Flores Island. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the westernmost island of the Azores.
How to prepare before my trip to Flores island?
Before your trip to Flores Island, it’s very important to book your inter-island flights, accommodation, and rental car as far in advance as possible. Demand is very high while availability is limited between May and September.
If you’re traveling outside the peak season, it’s generally easier to find flights, accommodation, and rental cars. However, I still recommend booking everything well in advance. For travel during the high season (June to September), aim to book at least 2–3 months before your trip to secure the best options and prices. During this period, accommodation can easily cost between $200 and $400 per night.
The same applies to flights. If you’re visiting Flores during the high season, book your flights as early as possible. Although SATA Airlines and the Azorean Government usually increase the number of flights to the western islands during the summer months, demand often exceeds supply. Planning ahead is the best way to avoid limited availability and higher prices.
FAQ
How do I get to Flores Island?
The easiest way to reach Flores Island is by taking a domestic SATA Airlines flight from São Miguel or Terceira. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How many days should I spend on Flores Island?
I recommend spending at least 3 days on Flores Island. This gives you enough time to visit the main waterfalls, volcanic lakes, hiking trails, and viewpoints without rushing.
What is the best time to visit Flores Island?
It really depends on the type of weather, price and travel style you are looking for. For more details look on this article: Best time to visit the Azores
Do I need a rental car on Flores Island?
Yes. Renting a car is highly recommended as public transport is very limited, and many of the island’s best attractions are spread across different areas.