Flores Island (Azores)
Island Azores island of dramatic cliffs and hydrangea fields
Westernmost of the central Azores islands, Flores features crater lakes, waterfalls, coastal cliffs and rural trails; visitors hike, photograph volcanic landscapes and visit fishing villages.
Flores is an island in the western group of the Portuguese Azores archipelago, noted for dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, crater lakes, and verdant landscapes. The island’s volcanic topography produces numerous waterfalls and deep ravines set among green pastures and laurisilva remnants.
Signature highlights include the basalt column formation known as Rocha dos Bordões, several crater lakes such as Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Comprida, and numerous waterfalls along steep river valleys. The main town Santa Cruz das Flores provides visitor services, ferry and air connections to other Azores islands.
The island was settled and developed following Portuguese colonization in the 15th and 16th centuries and has a history tied to maritime routes across the North Atlantic. Today it is valued for hiking, nature observation, and geological features.
Flores lies in the North Atlantic Ocean as part of the Azores archipelago, west of mainland Portugal and adjacent to the smaller island of Corvo; it is reached by inter-island flights and ferries.
- Archipelago group: The island is part of Portugal's Azores archipelago and belongs to the western group of islands, lying west of São Jorge and north of Corvo.
What to See #
- Santa Cruz das Flores: The main town and administrative centre of the island, where ferry and air links connect to other Azores islands and where visitor services and accommodations are concentrated.
- Rocha dos Bordões: A striking vertical columnar basalt formation that rises above the landscape and is one of the island's most photographed geological features.
- Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Comprida: A pair of volcanic crater lakes set in the island's central highlands, often visited by walkers for their scenery and surrounding trails.
How to Get to Flores Island (Azores) #
Fly to Santa Cruz das Flores Airport (FLW) - SATA/Azores Airlines operates regular flights from Ponta Delgada (PDL) and Terceira, with occasional seasonal flights from Lisbon. There are also ferry connections (Atlânticoline) from nearby islands such as Faial/Corvo when the sea service is running.
The airport is a short drive (a few minutes) from the main village of Santa Cruz das Flores; taxis and small car rentals are available at the airport. Ferries from Óscar/Calheta ports land at Calheta/Caleta de Sebo, a short walk into the island’s main settlement.
Tips for Visiting Flores Island (Azores) #
- Visit between late spring and early autumn (May-September) for the most stable weather and longer daylight; shoulder months give nicer conditions with fewer sea storms than high summer.
- Use the main ferry or flight connections from Lanzarote and arrive early in the day - Caleta de Sebo (the island's main harbor) is small and services (car hire, shops) are limited, so plan logistics ahead.
- Drive or cycle the island's main road but take the short side tracks to waterfalls, Lagoas Funda e Comprida and Rocha dos Bordões; those viewpoints are busiest late afternoon, so aim for morning visits when clouds are less likely.
- If hiking, check trail conditions before you set out - trails can be wet and slippery after rain and weather can change quickly, so adjust plans based on local forecasts.
Best Time to Visit Flores Island (Azores) #
The best time is late spring through summer (May-August) for the mildest weather and best conditions for hiking and sea trips.
Weather & Climate near Flores Island (Azores) #
Flores Island (Azores)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 9°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1761 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (247 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (201 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
