Flores Island Guide: The Most Beautiful Island in the Azores

Why Flores is Called the Most Beautiful Island in the Azores

Flores is the westernmost island in the European Union — and many people who visit it consider it the most beautiful place they've ever been. The island has an extraordinary concentration of natural features: dramatic waterfalls (some dropping 90m into natural pools), volcanic crater lakes, hydrangea-carpeted hillsides, and a rugged Atlantic coastline with sea stacks and arches. Unlike the more accessible eastern islands, Flores has remained largely undiscovered by mass tourism — which is precisely what makes it so extraordinary.

The Waterfalls of Flores

Flores has more waterfalls per square kilometre than almost anywhere in Europe. The most famous is Poço da Alagoinha — a 90m cascade into a natural pool surrounded by tropical vegetation that looks like something from a fantasy film. But there are dozens of others, many accessible only by trail:

• Poço da Alagoinha — 90m cascade, the most dramatic waterfall in the Azores
• Cascata do Ribeiro do Ferreiro — multiple tiers through dense forest
• Poço Ribeira do Ferreiro — natural swimming pool at the base of a waterfall
• Cascata da Ribeira Grande — accessible from the main road
• Dozens of unnamed falls visible from hiking trails

The Volcanic Crater Lakes

Flores has seven volcanic crater lakes — more than any other island in the Azores. The most spectacular are Caldeira Funda and Caldeira Rasa, two deep blue lakes in the island's interior that are accessible by a short hike from the main road. The contrast between the deep blue water, the green crater walls, and the Atlantic visible in the distance is extraordinary.

Hydrangea Season: June to August

Flores is carpeted in blue and purple hydrangeas every summer — the most spectacular floral display in the Azores. The hydrangeas were introduced to the islands in the 19th century and have naturalised completely, growing as hedgerows along every road and field boundary. In peak season (July–August), the entire island appears to be covered in blue and purple flowers.

Getting to Flores: The Logistics

Getting to Flores requires planning — it's the most remote island in the Azores with the most limited connections:

• Fly via Lisbon or Faial to Flores airport (FLW)
• Flights are infrequent — check SATA Air Açores schedules carefully
• Summer ferries connect Flores to Corvo (30 min) and occasionally to Faial
• Rent a car immediately on arrival — the island is small but roads are steep
• Book accommodation months in advance — very limited options

Combining Flores with Corvo

Flores and Corvo are the two western islands — and they're best visited together. Corvo is just 30 minutes from Flores by ferry and is the smallest inhabited island in the Azores (population 430). The Caldeirão caldera on Corvo is one of the most extraordinary geological features in the archipelago. Plan 5–7 days for Flores and 2–3 days for Corvo.