Pink Island of the Azores
A natural amusement park
Flores is described as the pink island for its beautiful landscapes filled with flowers, especially in the summer time. This island has an undulating central massif of volcanic origin dominates the whole landscape. Cones with smooth slopes rise from the top of this plateau, where craters with sharp, rocky walls have been transformed in lakes. These are the remains of a once rebellious Nature that now welcomes visitors with kindness.
From the summit of the hill Morro Alto, one can see lush green vegetation, where the native laurissilva forest is still present. Among the intense greens of the vegetation, there are outstanding waterfalls and streams that water a natural garden of colourful flowers, where the pink of the azaleas and hydrangeas stands out.
The magnificence diversity of the coastline of Flores invites you hop on a boat for a trip along its coasts. The Arco de Santa Cruz das Flores and the Maria Vaz Islet can only be reached from the sea, as well as, the entrance to the Gruta dos Enxaréus - a 50 meters long volcanic cave. The natural tidal pools of Santa Cruz are good for swimming; it’s also possible to swim in the ponds formed by waterfalls. There are many streams and waterfalls on the island which provide dozens of sites for canyoning, not to mention you’ll be in contact with purest and untouched nature.
Flores offers very good conditions for diving, whale watching and of course fishing in the sea or in the streams filled with trout. If you’re a birdwatching fan, especially for the gold crest and the blackcap, here is a true paradise for native and migratory species.
You’re probably wondering how to get here; there are no direct flights you have to do a layover in São Miguel.
- During the year there are usually 2 daily flights, going from Boston to Ponta Delgada, operated by SATA and TAP airlines;
- From mid-April to mid-September TUI operates charter flights directly from Holland and Belgium, to Ponta Delgada
-Concerning other destinations/origins, we strongly advice to go to Lisbon or Porto, and then come to Ponta Delgada, though, at least, 5 flights, operated by TAP, SATA and Ryanair.
Once you are in São Miguel Island is just a 40 minutes trip to the “Pink Island” of Flores.