Getting There and Around

Flights

Flores Airport (FLW), in Santa Cruz das Flores, is served by SATA Air Açores, with regular connections to other islands in the Azores. Depending on the season and timetable, direct flights operate between Flores and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), Horta (Faial) and Terceira.

For most international visitors, Ponta Delgada is the main gateway to the Azores, with flights from mainland Portugal as well as selected European and North American cities. Connections from Lisbon via Horta or Terceira can also be convenient, depending on the timetable. SATA coordinates its inter-island schedules with Azores Airlines connections, but schedules vary considerably by season.

We recommend checking current connections and booking directly through Azores Airlines / SATA Air Açores before travelling.

By Sea

Passenger ferries between Flores and Corvo are operated by Atlânticoline. Services are seasonal and weather-dependent, and cancellations can occur at short notice, particularly in rough Atlantic conditions. Atlânticoline

Flores is not connected to the Central Group by a regular year-round passenger ferry service, so travelling between Flores and islands such as Faial, Pico or Terceira is normally much easier by air.

Current ferry schedules and tickets are available from Atlânticoline.

Rental Cars

A rental car is the easiest way to explore Flores independently. The island is small, but many viewpoints, lakes, waterfalls and hiking areas are difficult to reach by public transport.

The two rental companies currently represented at Flores Airport are:

Both have desks at the airport. SIXT bookings for Flores are handled locally through Ilha Verde. floresairport.pt

There are also several smaller local rental companies on the island. During the summer months we strongly recommend reserving your car well in advance, as the number of vehicles on Flores is limited.

By Car to Casas das Flores

Casas das Flores is located at:

Rua Peixoto Pimentel 32
9960-433 Lajes das Flores

From Flores Airport in Santa Cruz, follow the main road south towards Lajes das Flores. The drive normally takes around 20–25 minutes.

Casas das Flores is located next to Restaurante Casa do Rei, which is a useful landmark when arriving. The accommodation and restaurant are in the same immediate area.

Taxi

Taxis are available at Flores Airport and can take you directly to Casas das Flores in Lajes. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

As taxi availability can be limited, particularly for early or late flights, we recommend arranging a transfer in advance whenever possible.

Buses

Public buses on Flores are operated by UTC – União de Transportes dos Carvalhos. Line 2 connects Santa Cruz with Lajes das Flores, while other routes serve Ponta Delgada, Fajã Grande and villages around the island. utc.pt/horario-flores

Services are limited compared with mainland public transport, and some routes operate only on weekdays or on selected days. Timetables can also change between the school year and holiday periods, so please check the latest timetable before relying on the bus for an airport connection.

For Casas das Flores, travel to Lajes das Flores and continue on foot or by taxi to Rua Peixoto Pimentel.

Getting Around Flores

Flores is only about 17 km long, but the roads wind through mountainous terrain, so journeys often take longer than the distances suggest.

A complete drive around the island, including stops at viewpoints and villages, can easily fill most of a day. Do not limit yourself to the coastal roads: some of Flores’ most impressive scenery is inland, including its crater lakes, highland landscapes and waterfalls.

Roads are generally good, although some are narrow and steep. Fog, rain and strong winds can develop quickly at higher elevations.

What to Take

Flores has a mild oceanic climate throughout the year, but the weather is famously changeable. Sunshine, fog, wind and rain can all occur on the same day.

Bring:

  • a light waterproof jacket
  • good walking or hiking shoes
  • layers that can easily be added or removed
  • sun protection
  • a small backpack for walks
  • swimwear, even outside the main summer season

Temperatures are generally mild, but the interior of the island can feel considerably cooler than the coast, especially in wind and fog.

Rain is possible throughout the year and is, of course, one of the reasons Flores is so extraordinarily green.

Tourist Information

The official Flores Tourist Information Office is located in Santa Cruz das Flores:

Posto de Turismo – Flores
Rua Dr. Armas da Silveira
9970-331 Santa Cruz das Flores
Tel. +351 292 592 369
Email: pt.flo@azores.gov.pt Visit Portugal

Maps and information are also available online through Visit Azores.

Supermarkets and Supplies

There are several supermarkets and smaller grocery shops in Lajes das Flores, within a short drive or walk from Casas das Flores.

For specialised foods, baby products, dietary items or medication, we recommend bringing anything essential with you, as the choice on a small island is naturally more limited than on São Miguel or mainland Portugal.

A Note About Supplies on Flores

The old notice stating that the harbour would be rebuilt by winter 2023/24 is no longer correct.

The Port of Lajes das Flores is still affected by the damage caused by Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019 and Storm Efrain in 2022. The Regional Government was still taking special measures in 2026 to maintain regular freight supplies to Flores while reconstruction continues. Diário da República

This does not mean that the island is generally short of everyday supplies. However, because Flores is remote and dependent on sea and air transport, occasional shortages of specific products can occur. Guests with essential medical, dietary or specialised requirements should therefore bring sufficient supplies with them.

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