Full Tour – Discover Flores – the Island of Your Dreams

Thinking about exploring the stunning island of Flores in the Azores? This full-day guided tour offers an immersive look at some of the most breathtaking spots without rushing. With a relaxed pace, you’ll get to enjoy waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and natural wonders while learning from knowledgeable guides. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a well-rounded, authentic experience of Flores’s natural beauty.

What we love about this tour is the careful balance between sightseeing and leisure. The small group size ensures a personalized touch, and the variety of stops means you’ll see both iconic and hidden gems. One thing to consider is the long day—while the itinerary is comprehensive, it can be quite full, so travelers who prefer a more leisurely or flexible schedule might find it a bit packed.

This experience is best suited for nature enthusiasts, photography lovers, and anyone eager to connect with Flores’s untouched landscapes. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized way to see the island’s highlights with local insights, this tour is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Slow-paced, scenic, and designed to showcase the island’s natural beauty.
• Comprehensive Stops: From waterfalls to viewpoints, covering the entire island in one day.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, fostering a more personal and engaging experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Renata enhance the trip with local insights.
• Value for Money: At $85, it offers a full-day of sightseeing, swimming, and photo opportunities.
• Flexible and Inclusive: Hotel pickup across the island and optional trails make it adaptable.

An Overview of the Flores Full-Day Tour

This 8-hour adventure is designed for travelers who want a thorough yet relaxed exploration of Flores. The tour starts early, with the convenience of hotel pickups across the island, and covers a significant stretch of this rugged, green paradise. Its main goal? To give you a calm and unhurried experience that lets the island’s natural beauty shine.

The route takes you through the northern, western, southern, and eastern parts of Flores, ensuring no corner is left unexplored. The plan includes key viewpoints, waterfalls, scenic spots, and even a chance to swim in pristine water pools. The itinerary is flexible enough to include lunch at Fajã Grande and spontaneous stops if time permits.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Actually See

Starting Point: Santa Cruz and Northward

The tour kicks off with a pickup from one of ten locations, including Fajã Grande, Lajes, or Ponta Delgada. From there, you’ll head north toward Farol Albarnaz, a lighthouse perched on the edge of the Atlantic. The scenery here is dramatic—think steep cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic views. Reviewers mention that the scenic drive along the coast is a highlight, so keep your camera ready.

Next, you’ll visit Ponta Ruiva, a striking red-rock formation that makes for an excellent photo stop. This area showcases the island’s volcanic origins in a vivid, colorful way. Guides like Renata are praised for their local knowledge and flexibility, adjusting timing based on your interests.

Scenic Viewpoints and Landmarks

The tour then moves through several viewpoints (miradouros), such as Miradouro do Portal, Caldeira Branca, and Lagoa Negra e Lagoa Comprida. These spots offer sweeping views of volcanic craters, lush greenery, and tranquil lakes. Reviewers appreciate how these viewpoints provide real photo opportunities and a chance to breathe in the fresh, mountain air.

Waterfalls and Nature Stops

One of the tour’s main attractions is Poço do Bacalhau and Poço do Ribeiro do Ferreiro, waterfalls where you can take a dip or just relax by the water. The waterfalls are described as crystal-clear pools, perfect for a refreshing swim or a quiet moment immersed in nature’s quiet symphony.

Iconic Formations and Highlights

The Rocha dos Bordões is a must-see—these towering basalt columns are unlike anything else on the island, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. The Caldeira do Mosteiro offers a glimpse into Flores’s volcanic past, with lush vegetation surrounding the crater.

Lunch and Leisure

Midday, the group can enjoy a break at Fajã Grande, a quaint fishing village, where you can grab lunch (lunch is not included but plenty of local eateries are nearby). Many reviews mention that this relaxed lunch stop is the perfect way to recharge before more sightseeing.

Final Stops and Return

On the way back south, the itinerary favors lagoon views at Lomba and Pedrinhas, avoiding Lajes village for a more scenic route through lagoons and peaceful landscapes. The last viewpoints, such as Miradouro da Pedrinha and Lomba, offer more stunning vistas before heading back to Santa Cruz.

The Experience on the Ground

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is in a comfortable vehicle suited for small groups—limiting to just 8 people. This small-group setup means more personalized attention from guides like Renata, who is known for her friendly demeanor and local insights. The focus on timing and flexibility helps avoid the feeling of being rushed, allowing for spontaneous stops or extra time at your favorite spots.

What to Bring

Travelers are advised to carry cash, a towel, and comfortable shoes—especially if you plan to swim at waterfalls. The optional trails are gentle but involve walking up to 600 meters, approximately 20 minutes at a slow pace. The tour is accessible for most, but not suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users.

Cost and Value

At $85 per person, the price covers a full day of exploration, including hotel pickup and drop-off across the island, scenic stops, and water-based activities. Considering the length, diversity of sights, and a guide’s expertise, this represents good value especially for those wanting an authentic, stress-free way to see Flores’s highlights.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise Renata’s knowledge and flexibility, describing her as friendly and attentive. One reviewer mentions, “Thanks to Renata for our wonderful experience,” highlighting the personal touch. Others highlight how well the tour balances sightseeing and relaxation—”the tempo is adjusted by your needs,” says one traveler.

The opportunity to swim at waterfalls was a favorite for many, with comments like, “we had the chance to bathe at a beautiful natural pool.” Viewpoints like Rocha dos Bordões and Caldeira do Mosteiro often receive special mention for their surreal landscapes, truly capturing Flores’s volcanic essence.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip appeals most to nature lovers wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to Flores. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, photo stops, and gentle hikes, rather than intense trekking. With its focus on natural beauty and tranquil moments, it’s ideal if you’re seeking a peaceful, immersive experience.

If you enjoy guided tours with local insight and a small group setting that ensures personal attention, this tour delivers. It’s a great choice for those who want to see a lot without feeling rushed and for anyone eager to connect with the island’s untouched landscapes.

The Sum Up

The Full Tour of Flores offers a well-rounded, authentic snapshot of the island’s most stunning features. It combines scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, volcanic formations, and peaceful lagoons in a calm, unhurried day. The small group size and flexible itinerary make it feel personalized, and the knowledgeable guides like Renata bring local stories and tips that enrich the experience.

For travelers who prioritize natural beauty, relaxed pacing, and genuine insights, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially valuable for those visiting Flores for the first time and eager to get a comprehensive yet intimate look at one of Portugal’s most beautiful islands. Given the thoughtful itinerary and positive reviews, this experience is a reliable choice for a memorable day out in the Azores.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with some variation depending on how long you spend at each stop.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, pickups are included from all over the island, including Fajã Grande, Lajes, Ponta Delgada, and more. You just need to inform the provider of your accommodation.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but there is a stop at Fajã Grande where you can buy food and enjoy the scenery.

Can I swim in the waterfalls?
Yes, one of the stops is at Poço do Bacalhau, where you can swim if you wish.

What should I bring?
Bring cash, a towel, comfortable shoes, and possibly a swimming suit for waterfall swimming.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 or wheelchair users, mainly due to the walking trails involved.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

How much walking is involved?
Some small trails are included, with the longest trail being about 600 meters, roughly 20 minutes at a slow pace.

How do I pay for the tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is there a guide?
Yes, the tour is led by guides speaking English and Portuguese, with Renata being one of the highly praised guides.

In summary, this Flores tour offers a heartfelt, detailed look at the island’s natural wonders, perfect for those wanting a relaxing, authentic day immersed in nature. Whether you’re after stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, or peaceful lagoons, it provides a balanced, memorable experience at a fair price.