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Flores

The island of Flores (“flowers”) is the most western point of the Azores and of Europe (Fajã Grande is the westernmost village in all of Europe). Flores is about 55 sq miles (143Km2) and has Approximately 4000 inhabitants. This lovely island is divided into two municipalities (concelho), Santa Cruz das Flores in the north, with 1820 inhabitants, and Lajes das Flores in the south.

The Flores Island is said to be one of the most beautiful of the Azores Islands due to its geographical form, its deep valleys and high peeks. In summer time, the island is covered by thousands of hydrangeas, which have large blue or pink flowers.

Morro Alto is the highest peak of the island, reaching an altitude of 914 meters. There are several dead volcanoes; Caldeira Funda das Lajes last erupted in 1200 BC, and Caldeira Comprida in 950 BC. Some of these volcanoes have calderas (caldeiras in Portuguese) in which water has collected to form lakes. There are seven of these lakes on the island. The caldera Lagoa Funda is considered the most beautiful. The Águas Quentes are small hot springs of boiling sulphurous water.

In the Forest park of Fazenda de Santa Cruz, the conditions allow the development of a great amount and variety of exotic species of the five continents. In the municipality of Lajes das Flores, by the sea, Fajãzinha is located, a typical Azorean village with ruins of water mills. There are also the waterfalls of Ribeira Grande, that drop from a height of three hundred meters, and consists of at least 20 waterfalls (!), some of which drop into the Atlantic Ocean.

Flores Highlights

Villages and Culture

  • Santa Cruz, capital of Flores: the city hall, the museum, Igreja de Sao Boaventura, Turist Office, Igreja Matriz da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao.
  • Lajes: Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Rosario, Ermida da Nossa Senhora das Angustias, a beach
  • Fajãzinha: Igreja Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, Imperio do Divino Espírito Santo do Rossio, Moinhos do Cabeco do Outeiro
  • Fazendas das Lajes: Paroquial do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, Casa do Divino Espirito Santo

Nature

  • The caldeiras (hot springs), lakes and watefalls spread over the whole island
  • Miradouro Monte das Cruzes: viewpoint
  • Miradouro Ribeira Cruz: viewpoint
  • Miradouro da Fajazinha: viewpoint
  • Miradouro da Caldeira: viewpoint
  • Rocha dos Bordoes: geological phenomenon of enormous basalt columns
  • Gruta dos Incharéus - enormous cave by the seashore
  • Rock formations on the Frades hill
  • The central mountain range: formed by Morro Alto which has the highest altitude on the island (915 meters), together with Pico da Burrinha, Pico dos Sete Pes and other peaks with lower altitudes. They provide magnificent views over the lakes, valleys, streams and the irregular outline of the coast
  • The hill Madeira Seca offers a spectacular view over the Lajes valley.

© Azoresweb 2006