Flores, along with tiny Corvo, is the most remote island of the Azores. It is the most western point of Europe and also one of Europe’s most beautiful places. Because of its remoteness this small paradise island is still untouched and authentic. Nature rules here with unpredictable weather, the most awesome waterfalls, crater lakes in various colors, the greenest cliffs and gorgeous flowers. Everywhere you look and drive are gorgeous sceneries. So you definitely need to add a Flores Azores road trip to your travel bucket list!

If you want to know more about Flores first, you can read my Flores Travel Guide with all the necessary information about the island.

Flores Azores Road Trip Itinerary for one day

Itinerary in Google Maps here

Total driving time: about 2 hours 15 minutes
Total kilometers to drive: 86 km
Activities/things to see: hiking, waterfalls, crater lakes, cliffs
What to bring: rain jacket, hiking shoes, swim wear, towel, wet wipes to clean your feet, plastic bag to put wet swim wear in, lunch

Faja Grande

I start this Flores Azores road trip in Faja Grande because I think it is the best place to stay in Flores. It is a cute little town surrounded by amazing views. From here take the main road called Rua da Assumada to the South. On your way you will encounter amazing views of waterfalls, lush vegetation and green cliffs.

Miradouro do Portal

Turn right at the Estrada da Caldeira and after about 100m you’ll reach the Miradouro do Portal. This viewpoint will show you the valley of Fajazinha surrounded by the ocean and the greenest cliffs with the “wall of waterfalls” (that’s how I like to call it) with the big Ribeira Grande waterfall and the many waterfalls that rush into the Lagoa dos Patos.

Rocha dos Bordoes

Then turn back to the main road and turn right at the intersection with the ER1-2. After a few bends you will notice a small parking space from where you will see the Rocha dos Bordoes, an impressive rock formation with high vertical streaks shaped by nature.

Lagoa Rasa & Lagoa Funda

Continue driving the ER1-2 until you can turn left, taking the Caminho Florestal dos Rochoes. Keep driving until you reach the viewpoint in between the two crater lakes. Lagoa Rasa is at the same level you are driving and Lagoa Funda lies much lower. When you keep driving the Caminho Florestal dos Rochoes and then turn right to the Estrada da Pedrinha you will get an awesome view from above with a surreal view of the height difference between the two lakes. There are no viewpoints to stop, but traffic is so calm here, you can just stop at the side of the road (not in a bend, but at a straight part for your own and others’ safety).

Lagoa da Lomba

Follow the Estrada da Pedrinha until you can turn left. Keep following this road until you reach Lagoa da Lomba, another lake. Then turn left onto the Caminho Rural Flo. Frade Cald. Lomba.

Santa Cruz das Flores

At the intersection turn right on the ER2-2 direction Santa Cruz das Flores and leave the ER2-2 taking the Estrada do Rochao do Rebolo to the left. You can go to the biggest supermarket of Flores in Santa Cruz to stock some food and drinks or take a look at the coastline.

Ponta Delgada

Take the ER1-2 direction north and don’t forget to stop every now and then at the miradouros. You can even see the island Corvo on your way! At Ponta Delgada you can drive all the way down to see some waterfalls splashing into the ocean. I didn’t get to visit the town itself since it was pouring rain while I was there, so I can’t say if there is much to see.

Farol de Albarnaz

From Ponta Delgada I took the Estrada do Farol to the lighthouse. From there you get an awesome view of the northwestern coastline and Ilheu Maria Vaz, a tiny island or rock formation (you may choose).

Miradouro do Vale da Fazenda

Then continue your Flores Azores road trip and return to the ER1-2 and turn right at the Estrada dos Ferros Velhos. You will drive through the fantastic landscapes of the center of Flores. Stop at the Miradouro do Vale da Fazenda to take a look at waterfalls rushing through the rough and lush vegetation and the Pico da Sé. Continue driving the road and pass the Caldeira Branca, a dried up lake.

Caldeira Seca

Park your car at the Caldeira Seca and take the hiking path at the other side of the road to Lagoa Comprida to see the waterfall rushing into the lake.

Lagoa Comprida & Lagoa Negra

Then continue to the ER2-2 and turn right. Drive until you reach the parking space of Lagoa Comprida and Lagoa Negra on your right. These two crater lakes are located at an altitude of about 600 meters in the highlands of Flores. The green one is Lagoa Negra (which means black lake) and the black one is Lagoa Comprida (which means long lake, confusing huh?).

Poço do Alagoinha

Continue driving the ER2-2 and turn left to the ER1-2 passing the Miradouro Craveiro Lopes which will offer another view of the Lagoa dos Patos with its waterfalls. Turn right direction Faja Grande and after you cross the Ribeira Grande river, park your car at the parking lot near the Riba do Ferreiro river. Now it’s time for the most epic view of Flores! But you will have to work for it! The hike is less than 1 km long but very challenging with all the rocks and it’s going up all the way (but not too steep). The view at the end will take your breath away! Ever seen a lake surrounded by lush vegetation and a cliff with about 20 waterfalls? Now you have!

Poço do Bacalhau

After the hike drive back to Faja Grande and drive a little further north from the town. On your right you will discover the Bacalhau waterfall and you can swim in its pool (at least if you can handle the freezing water) as a reward for spending a great Flores Azores Road Trip Day full of awe-inspiring views!

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