Flores Island in the Azores offers some of Portugal’s most captivating landscapes, from towering waterfalls to dramatic rock formations. This full-day guided tour, offered by Experience OC, promises a comprehensive look at the island’s natural beauty in around seven hours. With a high rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 58 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this experience both enriching and well worth the cost.
What immediately catches your eye about this tour is its focus on authentic, scenic spots like Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro and Rocha dos Bordões. You’ll also get a taste of the picturesque villages, stunning viewpoints, and lush lakes that make Flores a true natural paradise. The tour’s flexibility—covering key sights and the chance for some local stories—makes it a well-rounded way to explore without the stress of planning every detail yourself.
Of course, no tour is perfect. The main consideration is the price of $91 per person, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off but excludes meals. This cost might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget, but when you factor in the quality of guides, the sights seen, and the convenience of transportation, many find it good value. If you’re after an authentic and scenic adventure, this tour aligns beautifully with those goals.
This experience is best suited for those who love nature, enjoy easy walking combined with breathtaking views, and appreciate having a knowledgeable guide to fill in the details. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Flores’ highlights comfortably and efficiently, especially if short on time but eager to soak up the island’s essence.
Good To Know
- Comprehensive sightseeing of Flores’ most iconic spots in one day
- Expert guides offer insights into the island’s geology, myths, and history
- Small group size (up to 6 participants) ensures a personalized experience
- Multiple viewpoints and natural wonders like waterfalls, lakes, and rock formations
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
- Excludes meals, so plan for a lunch stop at your own expense
An In-Depth Look at the Flores Full-Day Tour
This tour offers a well-balanced package for travelers wanting to explore Flores without the hassle of organizing transport or navigation. Starting from Santa Cruz or Fajã Grande (depending on your chosen route), the day is packed with sightseeing, nature walks, and photo opportunities.
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The Itinerary – A Tour Through Flores’ Natural Highlights
First Stops: Villages and Viewpoints
The journey begins with a pickup from one of 13 available locations in the morning. The route often starts at the villages of Fazenda de Santa Cruz, Cedros, and Ponta Ruiva, where you’ll enjoy some of the island’s best viewpoints. Reviewer Nadine notes her guide, Frank, was particularly warm, relaxed, and an evident lover of nature, enhancing the experience. Frank’s enthusiasm for Flores’ natural beauty made her day both emotional and unforgettable.
Depending on your starting point, you’ll visit spots like the Ilhéu Furado, Ponta Delgada Viewpoint, or Craveiro Lopes Viewpoint. These locations offer panoramic views that highlight the island’s rugged coastline and lush interiors. Travelers consistently praise the guides’ local knowledge, often mentioning how they answer questions about the island’s myths, geology, and flora.
Lakes and Waterfalls
Next, the tour heads inland to visit the 7 Lakes and the famous waterfalls. The lakes like Lagoa Funda e Rasa are stunning, with crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings. The waterfalls, such as Poço do Bacalhau and Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, are true highlights—not just for their beauty but for the soothing sound of cascading water that makes you want to linger.
Ramona, another reviewer, emphasizes how Claudia, her guide, skillfully reorganized their itinerary to optimize sightseeing despite foggy weather, showing how flexible and attentive guides can make all the difference. She describes the waterfalls as “fantastic,” and notes that her guide’s local insights made the walk to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro especially memorable.
Lunchtime and Scenic Lakes
After a morning of waterfalls and viewpoints, you’ll stop for lunch (not included), giving you a chance to sample local flavors or relax before continuing. Post-lunch, the tour visits the Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa, two of the island’s iconic lakes that seem almost painted, surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
Rocha dos Bordões
No trip to Flores would be complete without seeing the Rocha dos Bordões, a striking formation of basalt columns that stretch across the landscape. Many reviews highlight this as a must-see, with some saying it’s the main visual reference for the island’s volcanic origin. Claudia described it as the “main reference of the island in the world,” and visitors get plenty of time for photos and marveling at its natural artistry.
What Makes This Tour Special?
The tour’s strength lies in its carefully curated itinerary that balances scenic viewpoints, geological formations, and local culture. The fixed stops ensure you won’t miss the top sights, yet the guides’ flexibility—like Claudia’s quick reorganization—means weather or other factors won’t ruin your day.
Small Group Advantage
With groups limited to 6 people, you receive more personalized attention from guides like Francisco, who is praised for his expertise in flora, fauna, and local stories. Smaller groups also mean more comfortable pacing and better opportunities for questions and photos.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPractical Details and Logistics
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting in the morning, with pickup from your accommodation. It’s offered in multiple languages—English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French—making it accessible for most travelers. The cost of $91 per person includes hotel pickup and insurance, offering peace of mind. Meals are not included, so packing some cash and snacks is advisable.
The Guides – Knowledge and Enthusiasm Matter
Many reviews mention guides like Claudia, Fillipa, and Francisco, highlighting their passion, local knowledge, and ability to make the day feel like a visit with friends. Claudia’s ability to answer questions about myths and her quick adaptation to foggy weather earned her particular praise, demonstrating how a good guide can turn a good tour into a memorable one.
What to Pack and Prepare
Bring a hat, camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, jacket, and cash. Since the tour takes place rain or shine, be prepared for changing weather. The guides recommend comfortable footwear due to the walks and some uneven terrain, but overall, the pace remains accessible for most fitness levels.
Who Would Love This Tour?
Travelers who want a rundown of Flores’ main sights will find this tour perfect. It suits those who enjoy nature walks, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and volcanic formations, especially if they prefer to travel with a guide who can enrich the experience with local stories.
If you’re short on time but eager to see the island’s best in one day, this tour provides incredible value. It’s also a good choice for small groups, travelers who cherish personalized attention, and those who want a hassle-free way to explore.
Final Thoughts
This Flores Island full-day tour offers a well-rounded, scenic experience led by passionate guides who know the island intimately. For around $91, you gain access to some of Flores’ most iconic spots, comfortably and efficiently, while learning fascinating stories and geological facts along the way.
The experience shines brightest in its combination of stunning views, natural waterfalls, and friendly, knowledgeable guides who enrich every stop. The small group size ensures you won’t be just another face in the crowd—making it ideal for travelers who want a more intimate and personalized adventure.
While meals are not included, the tour’s convenience, coverage, and quality of sights make it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to absorb the beauty of Flores. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a hassle-free way to see the highlights, this tour is likely to leave you with a camera full of memories and a heart full of appreciation.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, with departure times depending on availability.
What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus insurance.
Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring cash for lunch.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is accessible for all ages and includes easy walking around viewpoints and lakes.
What languages are guides available in?
Tours are offered in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What should I bring?
Hat, camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, jacket, and cash.
Will the tour go ahead if it rains?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine, so be prepared for weather changes.
Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size makes it a friendly environment for solo travelers wanting an intimate experience.