Planning Your Trip to Flores: Key Things to Know Before Visiting the Island

Flores, one of the stunning islands of the Azores archipelago, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is an autonomous region of Portugal located in the North Atlantic Ocean. The official language is Portuguese, and the local currency is the Euro (EUR). The island has a small population, which adds to its serene and untouched charm. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to this breathtaking island.

Best Time to Visit Flores

The best months to visit Flores are from May to October. June and September are particularly ideal, offering pleasant weather, warmer water, and fewer crowds. While winter is generally rainier, it isn’t overly cold, especially compared to Iceland. However, the weather on Flores is highly unpredictable year-round, often shifting rapidly. It's highly recommended to plan your trip to Flores well in advance, as the best options for flights, accommodations, and even car rentals tend to sell out quickly. The island's popularity has grown, making last-minute planning difficult and expensive. I recommend planning at least 4-5 day trip to Flores Island. This timeframe is ideal for exploring all the major sights and attractions. A 4-5 day trip to Flores can cost approximately 350 to 500 euros per person, including basic car rental, accommodation, and dining. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, start booking your essentials as early as possible.

How to Get to Flores

There are no direct flights to Flores. You'll first need to fly to one of the main Azorean islands—like São Miguel or Terceira—from Lisbon, Porto, or other European or U.S. airports. From there, SATA Air Açores offers flights to Santa Cruz das Flores

Top 5 Places to Visit

1) Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro: It features a series of cascading waterfalls that flow down lush, green cliffs into a serene pool below. This picturesque spot is often described as one of the most beautiful places on the island. A short, easy hike leads visitors to this hidden gem.

2) Miradouro do Portal: A breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views of the island’s west coast, island's dramatic cliffs, verdant valleys, and the expansive Atlantic Ocean. This place is perfect for sunset.

3) Miradouro Craveiro Lopes: Another spectacular viewpoint. It is situated on a high ridge, providing a panoramic perspective that highlights the island's natural beauty. This viewpoint is named after Francisco Higino Craveiro Lopes, the President of Portugal from 1951 to 1958, honoring his contributions to the country.

4) Cascata da Ribeira Grande: This breathtaking waterfall is celebrated for its towering height and dramatic descent, as it plunges down a verdant cliff into a peaceful pool below. The surrounding lush greenery enhances the natural splendor of this striking cascade.

5) Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau: Nestled near Fajã Grande, this serene waterfall features a natural swimming spot at its base. Framed by lush vegetation and dramatic rock formations, it creates a picturesque and tranquil environment perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.

Activities

Visit to Corvo Island: A day trip to the nearby Corvo Island, the smallest and northernmost of the Azores, offers an opportunity to explore its volcanic landscapes, hike to the Caldeirão crater, and experience the island’s peaceful charm.

Diving: The underwater world around Flores Island is known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and unique rock formations. Diving here provides a chance to see everything from colorful fish to old wrecked liner.

Hiking: The island’s scenic trails lead through lush forests, along dramatic cliffs, and to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls. Popular hikes include routes to Poço do Bacalhau Waterfall and Miradouro do Portal.

Canyoning: he rugged landscapes of Flores offer thrilling canyoning experiences, with opportunities to descend through waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and navigate steep canyons for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Boat Trip to Caves and Waterfalls: A boat trip along the coast of Flores Island reveals hidden sea caves and coastal waterfalls, offering unique perspectives of the island's dramatic cliffs and natural wonders, making it a memorable experience.

Where to Stay on Flores

For convenience and access to top attractions, staying in Fajã Grande or nearby areas like Aldeia da Cuada is ideal. I recommend booking at least six months in advance, especially during peak season, as demand is very high and availability tends to be limited. Here are the top 5 places I would recommend staying:

Aldeia da Cuada: Experience rural tourism in charming stone cottages of various sizes, each with a kitchen and outdoor space. The accommodation emphasizes disconnecting from technology, with no TV or WiFi in the rooms. In my opinion, this is the best place to stay in Flores.

Villas do Mar: Modern apartments with panoramic sea and mountain views. Each unit includes an ensuite bedroom, a twin bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a third bathroom. Guests can relax on the balcony and enjoy barbecue facilities, perfect for unwinding in nature.

Moinho da Cascata : A cottage that accommodates up to six people, located near the picturesque Poço do Bacalhau waterfall.

INATEL Flores Hotel: This Santa Cruz das Flores hotel offers 26 rooms with a bar, restaurant, pool, meeting room, Wi-Fi, and private parking. Nestled in a landscape of lagoons and rock formations, it provides a serene base for exploring the island's beauty.

Casas da Cascata: It offers cozy homes with ocean views, available in 1 to 3-bedroom options, each with a kitchen and living area. Ideal for nature lovers, it’s close to hiking trails and beaches, providing a peaceful stay near local dining.

Useful Links and Apps

Car Rental: For car rentals, I recommend using DiscoverCars, as it offers a reliable and convenient way to book your vehicle. However, if you're unable to use this service for any reason, here are direct contacts for local Car rentals companies, ensuring you have alternative options for your trip.

Wikiloc (Android/iOS/Web) is a must-have free app, especially hikers and cyclists. It offers GPS routes and maps, allowing users to discover and share trails worldwide. The app works offline, making it ideal for remote areas.

Windy (Android/iOS/Web): Essential for planning your days, Windy provides detailed forecasts for rain, clouds, and wind, helping you decide the best activities based on the weather. It also features webcams for real-time views.

Maps.me (Android/iOS): Similar to Google Maps but works offline, offering additional information, especially for hiking trails. It’s particularly useful for trail navigation when you download routes from the official Azores trails website.

SpotAzores (Android/iOS/Web): This app lets you view webcams across the islands, making it easy to check current weather conditions. Given the unpredictable weather on the islands, it’s a quick way to avoid unnecessary trips by confirming where the sun is shining.

Official information about Hiking Trails of Flores island. In addition to the map and descriptions of hiking trails, this website also provides information on whether a trail is closed for visiting.

The Ferry to Corvo island operates daily except Wednesdays during the summer season and only a few times per week in the winter season. Make sure to check the schedule well in advance to plan your trip accordingly.

If there’s no ferry on your planned visit date, you can always book a speedboat tour, which offers a more exciting experience! These tours typically include visits to caves, waterfalls, and the stunning coastline of Flores, making the journey even more memorable.

Official list of taxi drivers operating on the island of Flores.

Public transportation schedule and routes.

Flores is a unique destination that promises a blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a must-visit for any traveler seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. If you need more information check out my guide to Flores Island. This guide will help you make the most of your trip, highlighting must-see locations and offering insider tips to ensure a memorable experience.