Things to do in Flores Island - All About Portugal

[Atlantic Islander]

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Things to do in Flores Island are closely linked to the beautiful natural scenery of this Azorean Island. You may appreciate them by foot, by car or by boat


Things to do in Flores Island are mostly related with the enchanted scenery of this Island belonging to the Azores archipelago. The steep topography of Flores Island offers breath taking views either by the coastline or in the interior areas.

The cliffs by the sea, which can reach 600 meters high, are impressive. Inland the beautiful valleys nested between imposing elevations characterize the landscape. Getting the most out of all the natural wonders at our disposal is one of the commendatory things to do in Flores Island.

My favourite things to do in Flores Island

No matter were you go on Flores Islands you will always find remarkable landscapes. As it happens with all other Azorean Islands, Flores is a true paradise, blessed by Nature with amazing hidden corners waiting for you to discover them.
Visiting the seven extinct craters of the ancient volcanos that gave birth to the Island is one of the most interesting things to do in Flores Island. Nowadays these craters are lovely lakes.


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The overwhelming rock formation Rocha dos Bordões is one of the essential things to do in Flores Island. After all, it is the major ex-libris of the Island.

The highest point of the Island is Morro Alto. The view from Morro Alto Belvedere alone justifies the visit. Nearby are other interesting things to do in Flores Island, namely the natural wonders of Pico da Burrinha, Testa da Igreja, Pedrinha Belvedere or Pico dos Sete Pés. All of these are emblematic elevations of the Island offering rich fauna and flora as well as beautiful landscapes.

One of my top things to do in Flores Island is a road trip around the Island. It is the perfect way to discover charming villages like Ponta da Fajã Grande, known simply as Ponta, or Cuada. However, all the Azorean Islands are famed for their trekking trails. Flores Island is no exception. Therefore, one of the most amazing things to do in Flores Island is the walk from Fajã Grande to Ponta Delgada das Flores.

Boat trips around the Island are one of my favourite things to do in Flores Island. After all this is the only way to reach Arco de Santa Cruz das Flores and the Maria Vaz Islet as well as the entrance to the Gruta dos Enxaréus, an amazing volcanic cave.


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For those like me who can’t go without a swim, I advise a visit to the natural pools of Santa Cruz, the beaches at Lajes das Flores or at the beach of Fajã Grande. But one of the most charming things to do in Flores Island is to go for a swim in the idyllic scenery of the waterfalls at Poço do Bacalhau and Ribeira Grande.

source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/things-to-do-in-flores-island/)

[Tropico]

Wow these islands are very beautiful. They look so untouched and Eden like.

[Atlantic Islander]

Wow these islands are very beautiful. They look so untouched and Eden like.

Because they mostly are.

[Atlantic Islander]

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Flores Island is one of the amazing islands of the Azores archipelago. Its history and economic growth are linked to the sea, the vineyards and the whaling.

Flores Island history started sometime around 1452. The exact date of the Island’s discovery is unknown. Its name means literally Flowers Island and it came from the fact that the island was covered with flowers when the first settlers landed.

Flores Island development

The first settlers came from Flanders, under the orders of Willem van der Haghen. This Flemish had already been responsible for the efforts to settle Sao Jorge Island. However, they didn’t stay for long either due to Flores Island’s isolation or to its poor economic potential.

After the Flemish experience, Flores Island was abandoned for several years. Then in 1508 another group of settlers headed by a Portuguese family named Fonseca came to the Island. Since then there has been a sustained demographic growth on the Island. More people mean more development and by the end of the 16th century both Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores were granted town charters.

During the first centuries the economy grew mostly based on the growth of cereal, sheep breeding, fishing and the production of cloth. Life was hard but peaceful.


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The strategic location of the Island ended by making pirates and corsairs covetous. They came in search of the treasures brought aboard the Portuguese galleons arriving from the East and the Spanish ships arriving from the Americas.

During the 18th century Flores Island was sought by English and North-American whalers, who were coming to hunt sperm whales. Shortly after, were built premises to extract the oil from the whales. The whaling became an important economic activity of the Island.

During the 20th century the Island’s economy boosted once more mainly due to the airport opened in 1972. Tourism is becoming more and more a source of income of the Flores Island. Even though there aren´t many hotels and restaurants in Flores Island the ones existing offer all the conditions needed for wonderful holidays.

source (http://www.all-about-portugal.com/flores-island-history/)

[Hecy]

And I can't believe I've never been there...

[Catkin]

The Azores look gorgeous. I love how remote they are too. Will definitely have to visit there someday.

[Atlantic Islander]

And I can't believe I've never been there...

It's funny because most islanders visit the mainland at least once, but people on the mainland seem to forget the Azores even exist lol. You should visit!

[Hecy]

Definitivamente :) E nunca estiveram esquecidos!!