Tourism

Convento de São Boaventura

The Flores Museum was created in 1977 by Regional Legislative Decree No. 25/77/A, under the name of the Ethnography House of Flores Island. This designation was maintained until 1991, when it was renamed Flores Museum by Regional Legislative Decree No. 4/91/A. Its founder and first director was João António Gomes Vieira, a native of Flores, who was primarily responsible for conceiving the collections the Museum currently holds. These collections cover themes such as weaving, dairy products, agriculture, livestock, fishing, whaling, navigation, and sacred art. In 1986, it incorporated the Casa Pimentel de Mesquita, where an exhibition dedicated to linen and and wool spinning technology was installed, in addition to furniture from the 18th to 20th centuries. This house museum operated until 2008, when it began to house the Municipal Library. From 1993, the Museum’s headquarters became the old Convent of São Boaventura, where it remains to this day. In addition to this, the Flores Museum also has the Boqueirão Whaling Factory as an annex.

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.

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.

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

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 do Monte

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 do Livramento

The Church of Nossa Senhora do Livramento, also known as the Church of the Blessed Souls of Caveira, combines tradition, religious identity, and genuine Azorean architecture. Its construction at the end of the 19th century, with the help of emigrants, marks a symbol of belonging and faith in the community. The patron saint’s festival is one of the most emotional moments in the local calendar.