Tourism

Environmental Interpretation Center of Boqueirão

The Environmental Interpretation Center of Boqueirão was designed within the tanks where whale oil, melted at the Boqueirão Whaling Factory, used to be stored. It is a space dedicated to promoting knowledge about the island’s most environmentally significant locations, with a special focus on marine environments. Here, you can learn about resident and migratory birds, intertidal and water column organisms, cetaceans, and hydrothermal vents. It is a prime location for disseminating scientific knowledge, enriching the experience of those visiting the Natural Park. This Center was included in the Guide to Architecture – South and Islands of Portugal, published in 2011; and in the project "Iberian Architectural Heritage Exhibition – LaMIPA," within the scope of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale 2013 – Close, Closer. It has also been referenced and published on various specialized websites and magazines.

Parque de Campismo e Lazer das Piscinas do Altio

Situa-se a poucos metros das piscinas naturais do Altio, com uma magnífica vista sobre o mar, com fácil acesso à zona balnear. Na sua zona envolvente estão bares, snack bares e um supermercado.

Piscinas naturais de Santa Cruz das Flores

The Natural Pools of Santa Cruz das Flores are a set of volcanic pools located in the town of Santa Cruz, on Flores Island, in the Azores. They are a highly sought-after spot for swimming, especially during the bathing season, and offer easy access via stairs, with parking available. The view of Corvo Island and the possibility of observing marine life with the help of a snorkel and mask make the experience even more special.

Fábrica da Baleia

The Fábrica da Baleia do Boqueirão (Boqueirão Whaling Factory) is located at the northeastern tip of the town of Santa Cruz das Flores. The building’s placement was determined by its purpose, as a sperm whale processing point on the island, situated directly above the port of Boqueirão, at an altitude of about 27 meters. It is a building that stands out in the urban landscape due to its volume and the size of its chimney. It is part of a factory complex that includes the dismantling platform and the slipway, both located on the northern side of the building, consisting of four rectangular bodies, perpendicular to each other, and a cylindrical chimney, totaling an area of about 1850 m2. Built between 1941 and 1944 by the whaling company Reis & Flores, with Francisco Marcelino dos Reis and José Jacinto Mendonça Flores as majority partners, it operated until 1984. Purchased by the Municipal Council of Santa Cruz das Flores shortly after, it served the municipality until 1992 as a material warehouse, locksmith, mechanics, and painting workshop, with the exception of the east wing of the building. This wing, composed of two large rooms and the pump house, contiguous to these, was ceded by the Municipal Council to the Museum of Art and Popular Tradition of the island, for a later installation of the Sea Arts Section. In that year, recovery work on the machinery began, which would last about a year. Despite the first attempt at conservation for museological purposes, the factory remained abandoned for more than 10 years, having received in 1999 the classification of Property of Public Interest (Resolution nº67/99, of April 29). In 2006, a new project for the musealization of the Factory began, which includes the recovery of the machinery and the rehabilitation of the building, with a second floor being added to the west wing and a roof covering an adjacent area, which was originally open-air. The maintenance of the original roof, the masonry walls, and the original concrete structures, as well as the size of the machinery installed here, immediately transport the visitor’s imagination to the days of work in the factory and to the times when whaling was part of the island’s daily life. The inauguration of the museum took place in 2015, under the tutelage of the company Ilhas de Valor S.A, being since 2022 an annex of the Flores Museum. Here the visitor learns about the history of whaling on the island and the entire process of hunting and transforming the sperm whale.

Zona Balnear do Boqueirão

The main attraction of this bathing area lies in its natural pools. These volcanic formations create saltwater coves, naturally protected from stronger currents, making them ideal for swimming. The water, often translucent, invites observation of local marine life, including the presence of small schools of fish. These spaces are known for their pleasant temperature and the ample space they offer, providing leisure moments for all ages.

Farol da Ponta do Albernaz

The Farol da Ponta do Albernaz was built at the northwestern tip of Flores Island, atop a high cliff and positioned to face the direction from which most maritime traffic in its waters originated. Initially, it was designed as part of the General Lighting and Buoyage Plan for the neighboring Ponta Delgada, but in 1902 this plan was rejected, and the adaptation of the old lighthouse according to new technologies was then proposed. The new lighthouse was then determined to be installed at Ponta do Albarnaz, about 3 kilometers from the village. The position was strategic, on a high cliff on the west coast, thus allowing the signal to be sighted from the coast of Corvo Island and along the entire northwestern coast of Flores Island. The decision to build the lighthouse was not peaceful, and in 1922, an amicable agreement was reached for the lighthouse’s installation at Ponta do Albernaz. Construction of the lighthouse and its access roads then began, as there was no existing access to the parish of Ponta Delgada or to Ponta do Albernaz. The lighthouse began its operations in January 1925. In 2005, it was still the only lighthouse in Portugal not connected to the electricity grid.

Miradouro da Costa Norte

Poça das Salemas

The Salemas Pool is easily accessible by stairs and is located on Avenida dos Baleeiros. This pool is also a maritime geological formation and has a solarium area. In this pool, it is possible to find a great diversity of marine species, favoring the practice of snorkeling.

Museu e Auditório Municipal

The Santa Cruz das Flores Cultural Center - Municipal Auditorium is a cozy venue in Santa Cruz das Flores, Portugal. With modern architecture and an auditorium seating 125, it’s perfect for films, plays, and musical shows. There’s also space for permanent exhibitions, temporary art galleries, and a cool café to relax. Visitors love the atmosphere and the acoustics are perfect for listening to great music. Overall, it’s a great place to enjoy culture in this charming town.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição is the parish church of the town of Santa Cruz das Flores. Its construction began in 1859, making it one of the most imposing churches in the archipelago. With two bell towers, the facade is adorned with profuse stonework and large windows. Inside, note the valuable decoration of the chancel.

Miradouro da Pedrinha

An elevated area with a view over the valley of Lajes das Flores. You can observe the village of Lajes, the surrounding green mountains, pasture lands, and in the background, you can see the dike known as Rocha dos Frades. This type of structure forms when magma fills a fault and solidifies deep underground. In the case of the Frades dike, the surrounding material has been eroded, leaving it exposed amidst green pastures.

Parque de campismo e lazer de Ponta Delgada

The Ponta Delgada Campsite and Leisure Park, located in the town of Ponta Delgada, in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, is a charming place for those looking to camp comfortably and in contact with nature.

Miradouro da Baía de Além

The Miradouro da Baía de Além offers visitors one of the most stunning panoramic views of Flores Island, stretching out to meet the Atlantic Ocean. This attraction, located in the town of Santa Cruz das Flores, provides a shimmering scene in daylight, where the diversity of colors forms a unique spectacle. The viewpoint is an ideal place to relax and contemplate the sea view, while enjoying the ocean breeze and a variety of traditional dishes typical of this region. Additionally, it also has access to nearby parking and is just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. This tourist attraction is the right choice for those who want to admire one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, with ocean views and clear skies. Are you ready for an unforgettable visit? Come to Miradouro da Baía de Além and discover the beauty of this paradisiacal island.

Miradouro Pico do Meio Dia

If you’re looking for a stunning panoramic view with an indescribable backdrop, then the Miradouro Pico do Meio Dia, in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, has everything to satisfy your desires. Located at the Ermida de S. João Baptista, Ponta Delgada, Flores Island, this spectacular viewpoint boasts a breathtaking view of the sea. It’s easily accessible by car, and you can enjoy a peaceful stroll while taking in the beauties of this incredible natural attraction. Fall in love with the colors of the sky during sunrise or sunset, and with the warm tones of the forest. This unique scenery will let your imagination soar in new ways. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a memorable experience at Miradouro Pico do Meio Dia, in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores.