Flores Island – Waterfall Paradise & Green Paradise

Flores Island – Remote Atlantic Island of Waterfalls, Crater Lakes & Green Cliffs

Flores Island is the westernmost island in the Azores chain, an island group off the coast of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean. This small volcanic island feels very much like your own little world. Steep green cliffs, misty hills, crater lakes and waterfalls will make you feel like you’re in a whole different world.

Being a destination far away from large resorts, Flores is perfect for those wanting to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery. One of the most amazing parts of the island is the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro (or Poço da Alagoinha). This is a wonderful landscape of many waterfalls falling into a still lake. The greenery covers the drop, giving the island one of its most iconic sights.

Getting to Flores isn’t as straightforward as getting to the bigger cities or more accessible islands in Portugal. There are not a lot of flights and rental cars may be harder to find in peak times. The weather can also be unpredictable as it’s in the Atlantic. However, it can be a great destination to take your time and allow for some flexibility. You’ll get the best of both worlds with lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, volcanic landscapes and peaceful coastal vibes.

🗺️ Fast Facts

• Location: Flores Island, Azores, Portugal (North Atlantic Ocean)
• Landscape: Volcanic crater lakes, green valleys, coastal cliffs, waterfalls & natural swimming spots
• Main Airport: Flores Airport (FLW) – Near Santa Cruz das Flores
• Cost: Around €70-120 per day (Budget) or €130-220 per day (More comfortable) – Excludes international flights. Cost varies depending on where you’re staying, transport and time of year.
• Best Time To Go: June – September – Generally a good time to hike and explore the coastal villages. July/August can be busier so book accommodation and rental cars in advance. May and early Autumn can also be nice if you’re looking for a more peaceful vibe.
• Length Of Stay: 3-4 days – Allow for an extra day if you have a flight to catch.
• Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, couples & looking for more peaceful destinations.

🌦️ Best Time To Visit Flores Island

Flores has a mild climate with a coastal influence. However, due to the island being in the west of the Atlantic Ocean the weather can be very unpredictable. You could have a sunny morning and the skies could turn grey very quickly. Sometimes you may not even be able to see the crater lakes or mountain views due to the fog.

Generally June to September is a great time to visit Flores. You can enjoy hiking, exploring the coastal villages and longer daylight hours. July and August can be busier so book your accommodation and rental car in advance. May and early Autumn can also be nice if you’re looking for a more peaceful vibe.

As it rains quite a bit on Flores, there isn’t really a dry season. Try to keep your itinerary flexible so you can visit the viewpoints when the weather is better.

💧 Waterfalls – The Most Stunning Natural Features

One of the main reasons people visit Flores is for the waterfalls. The volcanic terrain, lots of rainfall and lush valleys all help to create the perfect environment for streams and waterfalls.

Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro

This is often considered to be one of the most iconic natural features on the island. The lagoon is surrounded by high green cliffs with lots of waterfalls.

After rainfall the scenery can look incredible! The streams will be full and the greenery will look extremely lush. If it’s a calm day the lagoon will reflect the cliffs and waterfalls – a great spot for landscape photography.

To get to the viewpoint you’ll need to walk through some lush greenery. Wear some sturdy footwear. If it’s wet it can be a bit of a muddy walk.

Poço do Bacalhau

Located in Fajã Grande on the west side of the island this waterfall is very prominent. The waterfall flows from the surrounding green cliffs. This is one of the most recognisable outdoor features on the island. You can also visit the nearby village and coastal areas.

Depending on how high the water is, the weather and local conditions the pool below may look inviting. However, don’t assume you’ll be able to swim. Check the local conditions. If the waterfall is running fast or there are unsafe weather conditions don’t go in.

Ribeira Grande Waterfalls

Another great place to enjoy the dramatic waterfall scenery is at Ribeira Grande. The waterfalls flow through deep valleys and eventually into the Atlantic.

This is a great spot for those who like to find some natural viewpoints. Due to the wet conditions try to stick to the paths and viewpoints.

🏞️ Crater Lakes & Volcanoes

Although Flores is well known for the waterfalls it also has some stunning volcanic features. There are crater lakes surrounded by lush hills.

Two of the most popular lakes to visit on a scenic drive around the island are Lagoa Funda & Lagoa Comprida. There are also a few more lakes to visit such as Lagoa Negra & Lagoa Branca.

The lakes will look very different depending on the weather. On a clear day the deep blue/green waters will contrast with the surrounding slopes. If there is low cloud rolling over the island the scenery can look very atmospheric.

Try to visit when there is good visibility. Check the road conditions and official trail information before heading out to the more remote areas.

🌄 Rocha dos Bordões

This is a beautiful geographical feature. The tall pillars of basalt were formed due to past volcanic activity.

The black rock pillars stand out against the lush hills of the island. This is one of the most unique geographical features on Flores. It’s great to contrast with the waterfalls, crater lakes and coastal scenery.

You don’t need to climb up to enjoy this feature. Stick to the official viewpoints and safe stops.

🚶 Hiking

One of the best ways to explore Flores is by hiking. There are official hiking paths which will take you between villages, volcanoes and some dramatic coastal areas.

A few of the hiking routes include:

• Lajedo to Fajã Grande – Coastal route with lots of interesting geological and cultural features.
• Miradouro das Lagoas to Poço do Bacalhau – Route between the central plateau and lakes to the waterfall area near Fajã Grande.
• Fajã de Lopo Vaz – Coastal route on the south of the island. Steep drop.
• Ponta Delgada to Fajã Grande – Longer route through the north east of the island. Parts of the route can be quite rugged.

The routes can vary quite a lot. Some of them can be quite steep. If you’re not comfortable with heights some of the routes may not be suitable.

🏘️ Accommodation

There are a limited number of guesthouses, holiday lets and accommodation in general.

Santa Cruz das Flores is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the airport, local amenities and ferry to neighbouring Corvo.

Fajã Grande is a lovely place to stay if you’d like to wake up close to the west side of the island. It’s perfect if you want a more peaceful stay with lots of nature. There are lots of waterfalls and beautiful hiking routes.

Lajes das Flores is another great place to stay. There are local amenities and you’ll be close to the south of the island.

Book in advance in the summer months. There aren’t too many places to stay so you may be left with a limited choice if you leave it too late.

Guesthouses & Holiday Lets:

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Hotels & Stays:

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✈️ Getting There

The main way to get to Flores is by internal flights. Most people will fly into another island in the Azores first. Often you’ll fly into São Miguel, Terceira or Faial.

If you’re flying in from the mainland of Portugal check the connections from Lisbon or Porto. Flores Airport is close to Santa Cruz das Flores so it’s easy to get to the main town.

There is no regular ferry service from Flores to the mainland of Portugal. You can also take a boat to neighbouring Corvo. This depends on the weather.

It’s important to allow plenty of time between leaving Flores and any international flights. The internal flights can be affected by the weather. Don’t assume you’ll be able to leave the island the same day.

Book your flight:

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🚗 Getting around Flores

Renting a car can be very convenient. Many of Flores viewpoints, lakes, villages and waterfalls are located in various spots around the island which can make it difficult to get around with public transport.

Book your rental car in advance, especially if you’re visiting in July or August. If you aren’t driving, book local taxis or guided tours to get you to certain locations. You might struggle to hike one way so having transport will save you.

You’ll want to allow plenty of time for your journey. The roads can be quite narrow and it can be unpredictable with the weather. Plus you’ll want to take photos and sometimes there will be fog. Don’t rush between your destinations!

💰 Cost and Tips

Prices are just guidance. Prices will vary depending on the time of year, availability and how you travel.

Accommodation – €45-€120+

Food – €20-€45

Car Hire – €40-€90+

Fuel/local transport – €10-€30

Hiking/Natural viewpoints – Many free, some may charge.

• Book your car hire and accommodation in advance. It can be a small island and there might not be much availability.

• Pack waterproof clothing. Even in the warmer months there can be rain and wind.

• Pack good hiking shoes. Sometimes trails can be muddy and slippery.

• Be flexible with your plans. Some viewpoints can be hidden behind the fog so try to visit key locations when the weather gets better.

• Check what the trails are like. Sometimes official information will tell you if certain trails are closed or any safety issues.

• Pack offline maps. Reception can be unreliable in rural areas.

• Be respectful with the nature. Stick to the marked trails, don’t bother wildlife and don’t leave any litter.

• Try to allow an extra day in case there are any flight issues. Adding an extra day before your international flight will help if you hit any issues with the weather.

🗓 3 Day Simple Itinerary

Day 1 – Waterfalls and West Coast

Start your trip off at the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro. Allow plenty of time to hike up to the viewpoint and enjoy the views. Continue to Fajãzinha and Fajã Grande. Stop at some beautiful viewpoints.

If possible visit the Poço do Bacalhau. In the late afternoon explore the village.

Day 2 – Crater Lakes and Rocha dos Bordões

Visit the crater lakes in the centre of the island, Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Comprida. If the weather is good visit some more viewpoints with stunning lake views.

Head to Rocha dos Bordões to see the unique basalt columns. Be flexible with your plans as you might want to go back to your viewpoint if the fog lifts.

Day 3 – Hiking

Choose an official trail that suits your fitness. Or explore Santa Cruz das Flores and/or Lajes das Flores. Try some local food and enjoy spending more time at your favourite spot on the coast.

If you’re interested in visiting Corvo, have a look at the ferry times and sea conditions first. It’s best to plan a potential ferry in advance.

Consider staying longer (4 or 5 days) to really relax.

❓ FAQs

Is Flores Island worth visiting?

Definitely! If you love waterfalls, crater lakes, hiking and peaceful nature then Flores is a great place to visit. It’s unlikely to be great for those looking for lots of nightlife, big resorts and busy city sightseeing.

How many days should I spend in Flores?

3-4 days will give you a good amount of time to see the main waterfalls, crater lakes, coastal viewpoints and villages. It’s a good idea to add an extra day in case of any flight issues.

When is the best time to visit Flores?

Between June-September is generally a good time to visit. The weather can be unpredictable though. May and early Autumn can also be nice depending on the weather and availability of accomodation.

Can I visit without a car?

Yes, but it’s important to plan. Taxis and guided tours will help you visit the attractions. There isn’t much public transport. Make sure you have transport sorted before booking your accommodation and hiking.

Are the waterfalls safe to swim in?

Not always. The water can be fast flowing and the rocks can be slippery. Only swim in safe areas, either designated or local recommendations. Never swim in the pools of a waterfall if the water is fast flowing.

Can I visit on a budget?

Yes! If you can share accomodation and transport, cook some meals and focus on the free nature spots. However there isn’t much car hire or accomodation so it can be expensive during peak times.

Is Flores a good place to visit alone?

It can be a fantastic place for solo travellers who love nature and hiking. Plan your transport carefully. Share your hiking plans where applicable. Check the trails are okay and don’t go on rural trails if the weather is unsafe.

🌍 More Nature Based Travel Guides

Flores is one of the most unique islands in the Azores. However, there are many destinations to visit that focus on nature. If you love visiting remote areas, peaceful villages and are looking for more unusual holidays then check out more guides on AvaRoams.

Destinations that require some careful planning, travelling slowly and getting off the beaten track.

— Ava