The island of Flores is the westernmost point of Europe. Together with the island of Corvo, they form the Western Group of the Azores. It is placed at 30° 54' W and 39° 25' N. It covers an area of 141,4 km², at 16,6 km long and 12,2 km wide.

The discovery of this island must have happened around 1452 by the navigator Diogo de Teive. The settling of this island was not easy because of its isolation, which led to its abandonment for some years. The settling is resumed around 1508, by settlers from the island of Terceira and from the Madeira archipelago. It is thought the island derives its name from the abundance of wild flowers.

In the island of Flores, a regular bus service covers the whole island during the week. There are also rent-a-car and taxi services.

Itinerary I

Starting from Santa Cruz, go through Caveira, Lomba, Fazenda and Lajes das Flores. Here, go down to the port, stop at the lighthouse and visit the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, built in the 18th century. Head towards Lajedo, sightseeing spot of Alto do Mosteiro. Also, visit Rocha dos Bordões, the Caldeira Rasa and the Caldeira Funda. Go down to Fajã Grande, passing by Fajãzinha, returning through the same road, and head in the direction of Santa Cruz following the road that crosses the island, where you can enjoy beautiful views. Visit the sightseeing spot of Monte das Cruzes.

Itinerary II

Leaving Santa Cruz towards Ponta Delgada, stop at Parque Florestal da Fazenda, and afterwards, at the sightseeing spot of Rocha dos Caimbros, admire the Baía da Alagoa and then follow through Cedros to Ponta Delgada, admiring the beautiful nature that permeates the island. Return to Santa Cruz by the same road.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, in Lajes, was built between 1763 and 1783 where once stood the Ermida do Espírito Santo. In this church, it is possible to see revivalist painted carvings. In Santa Cruz, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição stands out for its grandiose front. Also deserving of a visit are the Capela da Nossa Senhora das Angústias, the Igreja da Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and the Igreja da Nossa Senhora de Lurdes.

The Museu das Flores documents the traditions of the people of Flores. Noteworthy items include the agricultural furniture collection, scrimshaw and maritime instruments, carpentry and smithing utensils, and the wool and linen textiles.

The handmade flowers of hydrangea cores are a unique craftwork that requires much skill. The fish scale flowers are another craft, showcased in several embroidery items. Regarding folklore, the main traditions are the Chamarrita Encaracolada, the Sapateia, the Pézinho Baixo, the Rema and the Manjericão.

As is in the rest of the archipelago, the Festas do Espírito Santo are of profound significance in this island. Running from May to September, the streets are decorated with colorful flowers. The Festa do Emigrante, one of the largest festivities of the island, serves as homage to all the Flores natives that departed the island in search of a better life, who take advantage of this festivity to return to their homeland. The Festas de Santa Cruz happen on the first Sunday of August.

You may go for a swim in clear waters of pleasant temperatures in the natural pools of Santa Cruz, the beaches close to Lajes das Flores or the several available spots of Fajã Grande, such as the ports (New and Old), the natural pool or the waterfalls (Poço do Bacalhau).

Flores is home to incredible sea life. You can dive at Gruta do Galo, where you can admire a waterfall that falls directly into the ocean, at Ilhéu do Garajau and Gruta dos Enxaréus by boat, and also at Ponta da Caveira, where caves formed by erosion are home to much sea life.

Fishing can be done from the rocks, from a boat at sea or in the trout-filled creeks. You will find fishing ports from Santa Cruz to Fajã Grande. You may fish by trolling, bottom fishing or with a fishing buoy, capturing seabream, parrotfish, grouper, wrasse, anchovy and other species.

You can surf at Fajã Grande, an isolated and sparsely populated place. Canoeing is also recommended here. Several enterprises can take you on a boat trip around the island, to the island of Corvo, or whale watching.

The sprawling green valleys, the creeks and the flowers that ornament the trails, provide uncommonly relaxing walks. For the more adventurous, canyoning is possible at the several creeks of Flores, such as Ribeira dos Algares and Ribeira do Ferreiro.

With the due license, you may hunt woodcock, rabbit and duck. Contact the Serviço Florestal for more information - 292 592 354.

The island has been considered by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, due to its well preserved natural beauty, the abundant forest and the sharp cliffs that cover most of its coastline