Build flexibility into every day
Fog and rain can move quickly across the island, so keep indoor meals and short walks as backup options.
Flores
Waterfalls, crater lakes, and the wild edge of the Azores.
Flores sits near the western edge of the Azores and feels more remote than its size suggests. Rain, cliffs, and Atlantic weather have created one of Portugal's lushest landscapes, where waterfalls drop down green walls, crater lakes sit in quiet basins, and villages appear between pasture, hydrangeas, and black rock coast. The west coast around Fajã Grande is the island's emotional centre, especially at Poço do Bacalhau, where a tall waterfall falls into a natural pool close to the village. Inland, Lagoa Funda, Lagoa Comprida, and the surrounding viewpoints reward slow exploration, but the island is not about rushing between sights. Roads are narrow, weather changes quickly, and the best days often come from adapting to the light. Flores is ideal for travellers who want hiking, photography, swimming holes, birdlife, and the feeling of being far from mass tourism. It also pairs naturally with Corvo, reached by small boat when conditions allow.
Best time to visit: June to September offers the most reliable hiking and boat conditions. Flores stays green year-round, but winter travel needs patience.
Why visit Flores?
- Poço do Bacalhau waterfall near Fajã Grande
- Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Comprida crater lakes
- Fajã Grande village and Europe's western edge feeling
- Waterfall viewpoints along the Ribeira Grande cliffs
- Coastal hikes, birdwatching, and quiet natural pools
- Boat trips to Corvo when sea conditions allow
Explore the island map
Key places to understand Flores, grouped by what visitors are most likely to plan around.
Fajã Grande
Western village base for waterfalls, sunsets, and coastal walks.
Towns
Nature
Viewpoints
Practical tips for Flores
Rent a car if possible
Public transport is limited, and many crater lakes, viewpoints, and trailheads are difficult to combine without a car.
Treat Corvo as weather-dependent
Boat trips can be cancelled by sea conditions, so avoid making Corvo your only reason for visiting Flores.
Flores in pictures
Top activities on Flores
See all activities →Frequently asked questions about Flores
What is Flores best known for?
Flores is best known for waterfalls, crater lakes, Fajã Grande, lush green landscapes, quiet hikes, and its remote western Azores atmosphere.
How do I get to Flores?
Most travellers fly with SATA Air Açores from another Azores island. Ferries are seasonal and more limited, especially outside summer.
Can I visit Corvo from Flores?
Yes, small boats connect Flores and Corvo when sea conditions allow. Trips are weather-dependent and should be planned flexibly.
Is Flores good for families?
Flores can work well for families who enjoy nature, short walks, swimming holes, and quiet villages, but distances and weather require patience.
