Western group · The Azores

Flores
Nature, untamed.

Wild cliffs, crater lakes and waterfalls at the edge of Europe.

Explore experiencesPlan your visit

The waterfall island

Where the Azores turn wild.

Flores feels like nature turned all the way up: sheer green cliffs, crater lakes, hidden valleys and waterfalls spilling towards the Atlantic. From the cascades of Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro to the remote villages of the west coast, Flores rewards slow travel.

Follow winding roads through hydrangea-lined landscapes, walk beside volcanic lakes and discover an island where the weather, ocean and mountains shape every day. Santa Cruz das Flores is the main town and home to the island's airport (FLW); explore its volcanic coastline and natural swimming pools before following the coast south. On the west coast, a walk leads to the wall of waterfalls at Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, and Poço do Bacalhau tumbles down beside the village of Fajã Grande.

Read more

Across the central plateau, crater lakes such as Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida lie among wild green highlands, while in the south the basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões rise above peaceful villages. Three to four days covers the highlights by car or on guided tours, with time left for the weather and a little spontaneity.

Why visit Flores?

  • Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro: a wall of waterfalls on the west coast
  • Poço do Bacalhau: a towering waterfall beside Fajã Grande
  • Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida: volcanic lakes in wild green highlands
  • Rocha dos Bordões: a striking wall of basalt columns
  • Fajã Grande: waterfalls, ocean views and life on the wild west coast
  • Santa Cruz das Flores: the main town, with natural pools on a volcanic shore

Flores at a glance

Main town
Santa Cruz das Flores
Airport
FLW
Suggested stay
3–4 days
Getting around
Car or guided tours

Highlights

Places you'll remember

  • Waterfalls at Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro
    Poço da Ribeira do FerreiroA wall of waterfalls in the heart of Flores.
  • The waterfall and pool at Poço do Bacalhau
    Poço do BacalhauA towering waterfall beside Fajã Grande.
  • Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida side by side
    Lagoa Negra and Lagoa CompridaVolcanic lakes surrounded by wild green highlands.
  • The basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões
    Rocha dos BordõesFlores' extraordinary wall of basalt columns.
  • Fajã Grande beneath its cliffs
    Fajã GrandeWaterfalls, ocean views and life on the wild west coast.

Handpicked for you

Experience Flores

Loading experiences…

Flores is the Azores at its most elemental — an island where the landscape does the work and every tour feels like a journey into remote terrain. Full-day island tours are a popular choice: guides drive through a sequence of viewpoints that would be difficult to identify alone, stopping at the Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Comprida crater lakes on the ridge, the Poço do Bacalhau waterfall near Fajã Grande, and the small waterfalls that cascade directly into the sea along the southern coast.

Read more

Kayaking is possible in sheltered bays when sea conditions allow, and calm days suit beginners. Guided hikes between villages on the island's trail network suit those who want more time on foot — some paths follow old routes between remote communities. Birdwatching walks look for seabirds and native forest birds, and in autumn for rare migrants.

A day trip to Corvo fits naturally at the end of a Flores stay: Corvo's Caldeirão crater rim hike is a short walk with dramatic views.

Suggested itinerary

Your first four days on Flores

  1. Day 1

    Santa Cruz & the east coast

    Santa Cruz das Flores and the east coast

    Explore the island's main town, volcanic coastline and natural swimming pools before following the coast south.

  2. Day 2

    Fajã Grande & the waterfalls

    Waterfalls near Fajã Grande

    Walk to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, visit Poço do Bacalhau and spend the afternoon on Flores' dramatic west coast.

  3. Day 3

    Crater lakes & the highlands

    Crater lakes in the highlands

    Cross the central plateau, discover Flores' volcanic lakes and take in sweeping views across the island.

  4. Day 4

    Rocha dos Bordões & the south

    Rocha dos Bordões and southern Flores

    See the island's iconic basalt columns, explore the southern landscapes and slow down in peaceful coastal villages.

Make it your own — leave room for the weather and a little spontaneity.

On the map

Places to explore on Flores

  • Fajã Grande

    Western village base for waterfalls, sunsets, and coastal walks.

  • Poço do Bacalhau

    Tall waterfall with a natural pool near Fajã Grande.

  • Lagoa Funda

    Crater lake viewpoint often paired with nearby Lagoa Comprida.

  • Santa Cruz das Flores

    Main town, airport area, museums, restaurants, and natural pools.

  • Rocha dos Bordões

    Basalt column formation and one of Flores' signature geological sights.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • When to visit

    Late spring through early autumn brings longer days and generally better conditions for hiking and exploring. Flores stays green year-round, but the weather can change quickly in every season.

  • Getting here

    Fly into Flores Airport (FLW) in Santa Cruz. Inter-island flights connect Flores with the rest of the Azores, with schedules varying throughout the year.

  • Getting around

    Hiring a car gives you the most freedom to explore viewpoints, lakes and remote villages. Guided tours are a good alternative if you'd rather leave the narrow roads and changing weather to a local.

  • Where to stay

    Choose Santa Cruz for convenience, Fajã Grande for waterfalls and sunsets over the ocean, or the south of the island for a quieter, slower stay.

Good to know

Good to know before you go

Three full days lets you see the main highlights, but four days is ideal. The extra time gives you flexibility when clouds or rain change your plans.

Keep exploring

Discover another island

All nine islands
  • The Caldeirão crater lake, Corvo

    Western group

    Corvo

    The smallest Azores island, shaped by one vast crater and Atlantic solitude.

    Explore island guide

  • The Capelinhos lighthouse and volcano, Faial

    Central group

    Faial

    Marina life, Capelinhos landscapes, sharks, and sailing.

    Explore island guide

  • Mount Pico above its stone-walled vineyards

    Central group

    Pico

    Mountain climbs, volcanic wine, lava tubes, and whale watching.

    Explore island guide