Tourism

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 Ponta da Caveira

Miradouro Arcos Ribeira da Cruz

Come visit the imposing Miradouro Arcos Ribeira da Cruz, located on the beautiful Flores Island, in the municipality of Lajes das Flores, for a moment of contemplation of nature and surprising panoramic views. At its top, the sculpted arches of waters merging into the ocean frame a horizon worth remembering. To your right, the sea unfolds, deepening into infinity, and to your left, a golden sandy beach. The possibility of arriving by car makes your visit easier. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy one of the most stunning places on the island. This is the perfect experience to invigorate mind and body and green your soul.

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.

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.

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.

Miradouro do Ilhéu Furado

The Miradouro do Ilhéu Furado is located on the northern tip of Flores Island, in the Ponta Ruiva region (Santa Cruz das Flores, Azores). It’s a place of great natural beauty, with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean and the emblematic Ilhéu Furado — a rock formation perforated by the sea, which gives the viewpoint its name. Accessible by car to a small parking area, the viewpoint requires a brief walk along an easy trail to the top, from where you get a panoramic view of stunning landscapes: high cliffs, Ilhéu de Álvaro Rodrigues, other neighboring islets, and on clear days, even Corvo Island in the distance. This place is ideal for moments of contemplation and relaxation: the calm environment, the sound of the waves, and the sea breeze create a peaceful atmosphere — perfect for a break during your visit to the island. The experience typically lasts about 20 minutes, depending on the visitor’s pace.

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.

Miradouro Pico da Casinha

Visit the Miradouro Pico da Casinha on Flores Island! Enjoy the panoramic view it offers, taking in the serene sea and the green mountains. This beautiful viewpoint is easily accessible by car and is located in Santa Cruz das Flores, on the ER2-2. You’ll enjoy a unique spot to admire the ocean, revel in the tranquility and fresh air, far from the chaos of cities. You won’t want to miss this magnificent experience! Your trip will be more complete by visiting Flores Island and admiring the Miradouro Pico da Casinha. Give yourself this opportunity and come visit!

Parque de Campismo e Merendas da Alagoa

Campsite with sanitary facilities, barbecue area, benches, and close to Alagoa bay.

Igreja de São Pedro

Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora do Pilar

On the tower there is a marble plaque with the following inscription: "CHURCH OF NOSSA SENHORA DO PILAR / GOLDEN JUBILEE COMMEMORATION / 1953 - 2003". Around 1715 - according to Father António Cordeiro, about thirty neighbors requested permission from the Bishop of Angra, D. Frei Clemente Vieira, for the disannexation, asking for a parish priest who would continuously assist them; for this, they offered to erect at their own expense a church dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Pilar; the donatary captain, D. Martinho Mascarenhas, 6th Count of Santa Cruz, conveyed his agreement to the bishop, offering to build and adorn the chancel of the new temple and to donate the image of Nossa Senhora do Pilar; 1690 - the dean of the See, meanwhile vacant due to the bishop’s death, decided to issue the necessary charter; July 9, 1693 - elevation of the locality of Cedros to a parish, its first parish priest being Father Domingos Furtado de Mendonça, with an annual income of 24$000, two parts in wheat and one in money, paid at the expense of the Commendation of the Islands of Flores and Corvo, then belonging to the Count of Santa Cruz; 1693 - conclusion of the church, with the donatary captain count contributing to the chancel; 1719 - enlargement of the church; two plaques were found during the demolition of the church, one bearing the coat of arms of D. Martinho Mascarenhas and the other a cross topped with the dates 1693 and 1719; 1822 - rebuilding of the church; 1868 - a report by the civil governor of the Horta district, António José Vieira Santa Rita, considered it in poor condition, with vestments and ornaments very deteriorated, and without a cemetery, so burials were made in the churchyard; September 1945 - demolition of the old church, due to lack of solidity, with religious service transferred to the neighboring Casa do Espírito Santo; January 22, 1950 - laying of the first stone for the construction of the church at the initiative of the vicar, Father José Maria Alvares; July 18, 1953 - inauguration of the church, with the blessing presided over by Father João de Fraga Vieira, vicar of Lomba; after mass, the Blessed Sacrament was transferred from the Casa do Divino Espírito Santo to the new temple

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.

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 do Monte