Full Tour – Discover Flores – the Island of Your Dreams

If you’re planning a trip to the Azores and want to see Flores in a way that balances stunning scenery with a laid-back vibe, this Full Tour – Discover Flores might just be what you’re looking for. From waterfalls to panoramic viewpoints, it promises an unhurried journey through some of the most beautiful spots on the island.

What really draws us to this experience are the calm pacing and the chance to truly connect with nature without feeling rushed—and the small group size, which makes the whole day feel more personal and less like a crowded bus tour. Also, the inclusion of waterfalls for swimming and many scenic viewpoints means you get a varied and immersive experience.

Of course, it’s not perfect for everyone. The tour runs around 8 hours, so if you’re not a fan of long days or have specific physical limitations, that’s worth considering. Plus, it’s designed for people comfortable with walking on small trails and swimming in waterfalls, so families with very young children or those with mobility issues might want to look elsewhere.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, authentic look at Flores’ natural beauty—those who love slow-paced adventures, stunning vistas, and meaningful encounters with nature. If you’re seeking a comprehensive, well-organized way to experience the island’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Relaxed pace: The tour is designed to be unhurried, giving you time to enjoy each stop.
• Comprehensive coverage: It spans the entire island, from north to east, ensuring you see the key sights.
• Variety of stops: From waterfalls and viewpoints to scenic lagoons and volcanic formations.
• Inclusion of water activities: Waterfalls for swimming, depending on your interest.
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants, fostering a more intimate experience.
• Flexible options: You can choose to have lunch at Fajã Grande and explore at your own pace.

If you’re considering this tour, here’s what you can expect from start to finish, along with some insights on how it might fit your travel style.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins with hotel pickup and drop-off across the island, which is a huge plus. Being able to be collected from wherever you’re staying means you skip the hassle of finding a meeting point. The departure time is generally around 9:30 AM, and the tour lasts roughly 8 hours, though you might find it slightly longer or shorter depending on how long you linger at each stop.

It’s a small group experience—limited to 8 people—which makes the journey feel more personalized. Booking is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

The Itinerary: A Full-Honest Breakdown

The tour is thoughtfully designed to cover the entire island, starting in the north at Farol Albarnaz, then traveling through the west, south, and finally back to the east. This circular route ensures you see a wide array of landscapes, from rocky coastlines to lush lagoons.

Morning Highlights

• Ponta Ruiva and Farol Albarnaz offer scenic coastal views and are perfect photo stops. The guides usually point out interesting facts about the lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs.
• Moving inland, you’ll visit Pico Casinha and the famous 7 Lakes—a cluster of lakes nestled among volcanic formations. These are among the most iconic sights, perfect for taking in the lush, tranquil scenery.
• Miradouro do Portal and Cascata do poço do Bacalhau are two of the many viewpoints. These vantage points give you sweeping vistas of the island’s volcanic landscape.
• The stop at the Poço do Bacalhau Waterfalls is a highlight—this is where you can relax and swim if you want, as per reviews mentioning the opportunity to bathe in beautiful, natural pools.

Midday and Lunch

Around midday, there’s a pause for lunch at Fajã Grande, if you decide to take it. This allows you to enjoy local cuisine or simply rest before the afternoon’s explorations. If you prefer a more flexible schedule, you can opt to skip the organized lunch and explore Fajã Grande on your own.

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Afternoon Wonders

• The Poço Ribeiro do Ferreiro is a small but stunning waterfall where visitors often linger for photos or a quick swim. Many reviews mention how enchanting this spot is.
• The tour then takes you to mosteiro, Rocha dos Bordões (famous for its incredible vertical basalt columns), and the Lajedo viewpoint.
• The ride continues with stops at Caldeira Rasa e Funda and Pedrinha, offering some of the island’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes.
• The last stops include panoramic viewpoints like Lomba and Arcos Ribeira da Cruz, each providing opportunities to snap memorable photos and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

Return and Reflection

On the way back south, the tour chooses scenic routes along lagoons and lush valleys, avoiding Lajes to focus on tranquility and natural beauty. The day ends with a drop-off back at your hotel or the central meeting point.

The Waterfall Stop: A Real Highlight

One of the most praised aspects, based on reviews, is the waterfalls stop for swimming. The Poço do Bacalhau is a natural pool where the water is refreshingly cold but incredibly clear. If you love the idea of cooling off in a pristine waterfall setting, this stop is perfect. It’s also optional—so if you prefer just to observe, that’s fine too.

The Scenic Viewpoints

From miradouros like Caldeira Branca and Craveiro Lopes, you’ll get breathtaking vistas of the volcanic craters, lakes, and cliffs. These spots are ideal for photography and soaking in the vastness of the island’s landscape.

Guides and Group Experience

Based on reviews, the guides like Renata are friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible. They seem committed to showing you the most spectacular spots while respecting your pace. The small group setting ensures you won’t feel like just another face in a crowd, making the experience more relaxed.

What to Expect on the Trails

The tour involves small walking trails, with the longest being only about 600 meters (roughly 20 minutes at a slow pace). The trails are manageable for most people but do require comfortable shoes and a willingness to walk on uneven terrain. The tour is quite suitable for those who enjoy gentle outdoor activities, though it’s not ideal for wheelchair users or small children under six.

Value for Money

At $85 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day exploring the island’s highlights, including multiple viewpoints, waterfalls, and scenic stops. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience, especially on a remote island like Flores. Considering the full itinerary, small group size, and inclusion of water activities, many travelers have found it excellent value.

What the Reviews Say

Reviews emphasize the expertise and friendliness of guides like Renata, who are praised for their flexible approach and insights. Travelers also mention how the trip is well-paced and covers everything you’d hope for—everything from iconic viewpoints to hidden waterfalls. The opportunity to swim in waterfalls was a consistent highlight.

Some note that the timing is flexible, making it suitable for those who want to linger or skip certain stops. The views are called “amazing” and “breathtaking”, with many appreciating the variety of landscapes—coastal, mountainous, volcanic, and lagoon scenery.

Practical Tips

• Bring cash for any extra purchases or tips.
• Pack a towel if you want to swim.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for light walking and trails.
• Remember that lunch is not included, but there are options at Fajã Grande or nearby.
• Be prepared for a full day—long enough to see a lot but relaxed enough to enjoy each spot.

This experience is ideal if you love natural scenery and want a slow-paced, comprehensive look at Flores. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group travel, are comfortable with walking on trails, and want to avoid large, rushed tours. If you’re traveling with a partner or small family and prefer a more personal touch, this tour can be a highlight of your trip.

However, if you prefer more intense outdoor activities like hiking longer trails or are traveling with very small children or mobility issues, this might not be the best fit.

This Discover Flores tour offers an authentic, relaxed way to experience one of the Azores’ most stunning islands. The combination of scenic viewpoints, waterfalls for swimming, and the gentle pace makes it appealing to travelers who want to connect with nature without feeling overwhelmed.

The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, and the small group size guarantees a more personalized experience. For a fair price, you get a full day of exploring, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights at your own pace. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone seeking tranquility in beautiful landscapes, this tour is likely to leave you with wonderful memories of Flores.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves walking on small trails and swimming in waterfalls, it’s generally suited for children over 6 who are comfortable with outdoor activities. Very young kids or those with mobility issues might find some parts challenging.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring cash for extras, a towel if you want to swim, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven paths. Don’t forget your camera and perhaps a light snack if you prefer not to rely solely on lunch options.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You can opt to have lunch at Fajã Grande or explore local eateries on your own during the break.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

How long is the walking involved?
The longest trail is about 600 meters, roughly a 20-minute walk at a slow pace. The tour is designed to be manageable for most physically able travelers.

What languages are the guides speaking?
The tour is led by guides speaking both English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

If you’re after a calm, scenic journey through Flores with friendly guides and plenty of natural beauty, this tour offers a balanced and memorable way to experience the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: