The island of Flores has a very unique and stunning landscape shaped by important hydrographic basins and the presence of several ancient volcanic cones. Along several waterfalls and lagoons, this itinerary presents you an incredible island, whose abundance of water, source of life, has shaped both the landscapes and the locals' experiences.
The Boqueirão Environmental Interpretation Centre, our first point of interest, is a space dedicated to promoting and providing knowledge about the places with the greatest environmental interest on the island.
We head to Central Plateau, where we can appreciate the particularities of four of the seven existing calderas on the island - Caldeira Branca and Caldeira Seca -, followed by a short walking trail, making a stop by a viewpoint that allows you to simultaneously observe the Caldeira Comprida and the Caldeira Negra, the deepest caldera in the archipelago. It is possible to appreciate several beautiful panoramic views throughout this geosite.
After lunch, we proceed to Fajã Grande, a lava delta covered by sediments brought by water lines (such as Ribeira Grande), where we can enjoy one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the Azores. This fossil cliff, with about 300 meters high, delimits the fajãs from the central plateau of the island and possesses numerous waterfalls on its slopes, which feed the permanent bodies of water in its base. These bodies of water are locally designated by poços, one of the most famous being the Poço do Bacalhau, nurtured by a waterfall with about 90 meters high. An idyllic place where you can also take a dip!
We take a short break to appreciate the famous Ilhéu de Monchique, Europe's westernmost point, located about 1500 meters away from the west coast of Flores. Historically this islet had a fundamental role in supporting navigation, as a reference point for correcting routes and checking navigation instruments.
We head to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, through a walking trail of loose stone, considered by many to be a paradisiacal place, with its steep cliff, from which various waterfalls flow.
Lastly, we take the opportunity to visit the Alagoa Watermill, one of the few existing mills on the island still in operation. A short visit you cannot miss, where you can learn how hydraulic energy was used by the population for grinding cereals, namely corn, very abundant in the island of Flores.
