Flores

Waterfalls, crater lakes, and the wild edge of the Azores.

Lush waterfalls and dramatic nature on Flores island

Flores is the most remote of the inhabited Azores islands, perched at the westernmost edge of Europe where the Atlantic begins its long push towards America — and that isolation has preserved a landscape of extraordinary, almost surreal intensity. Waterfalls cascade directly down basalt cliffs into the sea, crater lakes shimmer in gradients of teal and cobalt, and lush valleys are carpeted year-round in hydrangeas, ferns, and the native azaleas for which the island is named. Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Comprida are the signature crater lakes, accessible from a rewarding ridge walk that opens up sweeping panoramas across the island's western half. Poço do Bacalhau is a 100-metre waterfall that plunges into a clear natural pool and — a genuine rarity in an age of crowds — rarely has more than a handful of visitors on any given day. The village of Fajã Grande on the west coast offers a striking convergence of black sand beach, vertical sea cliffs, and the quiet sensation of standing at the end of the continent. Snorkelling, sea kayaking, birdwatching for endemic subspecies, and multi-day hiking trails between villages complete the picture on an island that feels genuinely unhurried, unmapped, and entirely itself.

Best time to visit: June to September offers the calmest conditions for water activities and the most reliable weather for hiking, though Flores is lush and green year-round.

Why visit Flores?

  • Poço do Bacalhau — 100-metre waterfall dropping into a natural pool, rarely crowded
  • Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Comprida crater lakes connected by a scenic ridge trail
  • Fajã Grande village with black sand beach and dramatic Atlantic sea cliffs
  • Sea kayaking and snorkelling in calm, crystal-clear bays
  • Birdwatching for endemic Azores subspecies in laurisilva forest
  • Multi-day hiking trails connecting remote villages across the island

Top activities on Flores

See all activities →
Waterfalls and crater lakes on Flores island
Scenic
Santa Cruz das Flores, Flores

Flores Waterfalls & Lakes Full Day Tour

4.9(48 reviews)
from€90/ person
See all activities on Flores

Stays on Flores

Coming soon — we're working on it.

Restaurants on Flores

Coming soon — we're working on it.

Car rentals on Flores

Coming soon — we're working on it.

Frequently asked questions about Flores

What is Flores island best known for?
Flores is best known for its dramatic waterfalls, crater lakes, and extraordinary natural scenery — a dense, rain-fed landscape unlike anywhere else in the Azores. Poço do Bacalhau waterfall, the Lagoa Funda crater lake, and the coastal village of Fajã Grande are the signature sights. The island's near-total absence of mass tourism is itself a major draw.
How do I get to Flores island?
Flores is served by SATA Air Açores with regular flights from São Miguel (Ponta Delgada) and Faial (Horta). Flight times are typically 1.5 to 2 hours. An inter-island ferry also connects Flores with Corvo and occasionally with Faial in summer, though the ferry crossing can be lengthy in rougher seas.
How do I reach Poço do Bacalhau waterfall?
Poço do Bacalhau is located near the village of Fajã Grande on the island's western coast. A short walk from the road leads to the base of the waterfall and the natural pool. It can be visited independently by car or included in a guided island tour. Swimming in the pool is possible in summer.
Is Flores suitable for hiking?
Flores has some of the most rewarding hiking in the Azores, ranging from short walks between viewpoints to multi-day traverses linking village to village along the island's ridge. Trails pass crater lakes, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. Some paths are steep and unmarked, so a local guide is recommended for longer routes.
Can I combine Flores with a trip to Corvo island?
Yes. Corvo is the smallest and most remote Azores island, just 17 km north of Flores and reachable by small ferry in around 30–45 minutes. A day trip to Corvo allows you to hike the rim of the dramatic Caldeirão crater, home to a handful of lakes. Combining both islands makes for an unforgettable western Azores itinerary.

Other Azores islands

Sete Cidades twin crater lakes viewed from a Sao Miguel viewpoint

São Miguel

The Green Island. Lakes, hot springs, and the biggest choice of tours.

Mount Pico rising above vineyards and the Atlantic ocean

Pico

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

Coastal volcanic landscapes used as a stand-in image for Faial island

Faial

Marina life, Capelinhos landscapes, sharks, and sailing.

Historic and volcanic landscapes on Terceira island

Terceira

UNESCO heritage, caves, and sea trips from Angra.