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Day -5
Many choose to visit Pico Island for its mountain climbing or Terceira for its breathtaking views. I’ll save those for another trip.
Today, I head to Flores Island, the westernmost part of Europe.
With a one-hour SATA flight, I arrive on the island and discover… no car available. After some insistence, they find a car for me, though not the one I booked. Small tip: always take photos and videos of your rental car to avoid disputes over damages.
The island isn’t large, and the morning stops include Lomba, Fazenda, and Lajes das Flores, passing by Ribeira do Fundão waterfall, Rocha dos Bordões, and a visit to the town of Mosteiros, followed by lunch at Por do Sol in Fajazinha—very good and charming!
In the afternoon, I continue to Miradouro Craveiro Lopes and then to Ribeira do Ferrero and the Poco de Bacalhau waterfall. In a couple of days, I’ll rappel down its 100 meters—it's intimidating just to look at!
The sunset is absolutely unforgettable, with a stunning scene from Miradouro do Portal: the coast bathed in golden sunlight and dozens of waterfalls creating rainbows on the cliff. One of those indelible memories.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day -6
In the morning, I head to Santa Cruz da Flores port and take a small Zodiac to the unmissable Corvo Island.
The island has few houses, but the main attraction is the enormous caldera, which you can visit by a small bus that takes tourists to the top. Inside are green meadows and small lakes—no description does this place justice!
The return trip is rainy and with incredibly high waves—definitely not for the faint of heart.
In the afternoon, I shower and head north on the island to Miradouro da Pedrinha and then to Albarnaz Lighthouse.
The sense of freedom is profound.
After a brief walk to Miradouro de Baia Alem, I decide it’s time to head back. Tomorrow promises to be interesting.
Day -7
The canyoning meetup is at 8:00 under the Poco de Bacalhau waterfall.
There are three of us, and after being provided with technical gear, we head out in a 4x4 to higher altitudes.
The route follows the river to the incredible 100-meter fall of Poco de Bacalhau. During the 3 hours before reaching the final waterfall, we receive instructions and tests.
This isn’t for beginners; the level must be advanced, and you must not suffer from vertigo, or you’ll be stuck.
The jumps into natural pools become progressively higher and more challenging, as do the rappelling descents.
Reaching the final waterfall is exhilarating. Rappelling down a 100-meter waterfall is something wild. The view is priceless, but I must stay focused as I’m last in the line.
During the descent, I manage to enjoy the scenery and feel the adrenaline at its peak.
It’s a unique experience, but it requires courage and physical preparation. Not for everyone.
After a hot shower, I drive to the unmissable lagoons in the island's center: Lagoa Branca, Lagoa Funda, and Miradouro Lagoa Negra and Comprida. These are all small lakes formed inside old craters.
Exhausted, I prepare for the return flight the next day.
Day -8
An early morning flight takes me turbulently back to Ponta Delgada, where I have an unplanned day before flying to Porto the next day.
On the plane, I meet an American lady who suggests a ranch near Mosteiros for a sunset horseback ride. I send a WhatsApp message, and my excursion is booked in no time.
I still need to plan the morning and early afternoon.
Surfing has always intrigued me. I’ve tried several times, but the waves were never strong enough.
The Azores are reputed to be great for learning, so I head to Santa Barbara Beach near Ribeira Grande and discover an amazing surf center offering lessons almost daily. I’m lucky to get a few hours of basic/advanced lessons and ride some exceptional waves—this area is a must-visit for enthusiasts.
After that, I relax and have lunch at a local tavern in Ribeira. There are many on every street—look for fewer tourists for a better experience.
In the late afternoon, I reach the Mosteiros ranch, where a horseback ride (including a trot) takes me to places inaccessible by car. The sunset is memorable, though always windy!
A fitting farewell to the Azores.
Conclusions
The Azores offer a dynamic trip, a continuous visual pleasure, and a paradise for those who love free walks.
Adrenaline-pumping activities are excellent and unmissable to add some spice to the vacation.
Domestic flights are punctual and comfortable, but renting a car is necessary to move between attractions.
Prices are typical for Europe, and food in more remote places can be economical.
Accommodation
The only advice for accommodation is to book it in advance, or you risk ending up without a place. If you can stay in a traditional house on Flores Island, you’ll hit the jackpot!
Food
Azorean cuisine can be heavy, but there are must-try dishes: Grilled limpets and Bacalhau top the list! Cheeses and meats in general are excellent. On São Miguel Island, try the Cozido das Furnas, a stew with a mix of meats cooked in the fumaroles. For the adventurous, Morcela is also worth trying—a sausage made with pig’s blood and pineapple.
Two restaurant names?
Tony’s on Sao miguel island
Restaurant Por do sol in Flores
My impressions
Flores is an island out of this world.
Here, cats sleep by the roadside without fear because you are the guest!
The nature and cliffs offer unique emotions. Are they the Hawaii of Europe? I don’t know. But I do know that the sunset in Flores, with the waterfalls illuminated behind me, left an indelible, primal memory.
When I think of the Azores, this is what I see.
Top Picks:
-Boca do Inferno
-Pico da Barrosa
-Canyoning Poco de Bacalhau
-Sunset at Miradouro do Portal
Have a question? Drop it in the comments below!
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