Flores Airport (FLW) - Aeroporto das Flores - is located on the western coast of Flores island, approximately 2–3km from Santa Cruz das Flores, the island’s administrative centre and main settlement. Flores is the westernmost island of the Azores and one of the remotest; flights operate primarily via Ponta Delgada or Faial with Azores Airlines / SATA Air Açores. Getting here takes planning - most travellers hop through Faial (Horta Airport, HOR) or São Miguel (Ponta Delgada, PDL).
Taxi From Flores Airport
The airport is very small and the taxi fleet on the island is extremely limited. During busy summer months, it is strongly recommended to arrange pick-up with your hotel or guesthouse before you land.
| Destination | Approximate Cost (2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz das Flores (centre) | €5–10 | 5 min |
| Lajes das Flores (south coast) | €12–18 | 15 min |
| Fajã Grande (west coast) | €20–30 | 25–30 min |
| Fajã de Lopo Vaz | €18–25 | 20–25 min |
Flores has a handful of licensed taxis; arrivals on afternoon flights when multiple SATA connections land at once can temporarily exhaust available taxis. If you do not have accommodation pick-up arranged, ask the airport desk for assistance - the airport staff know the local taxi situation well.
Private Airport Transfers
Pre-booked private transfers offer peace of mind on an island where public transport is minimal. Some local tour operators and guesthouse owners offer transfer services for guests.
- Cost: approximately €10–20 to Santa Cruz das Flores as of 2026; higher to the southern and western parishes
- Booking: Compare Flores airport transfer options
- Best for: visitors staying outside Santa Cruz, or arriving on late evening flights
Communicating with your accommodation in advance is the most reliable approach on Flores - most guesthouse owners are happy to arrange pick-up and can advise on the best transport for your stay.
Car Hire on Flores
Car hire is available on Flores island and is highly recommended for any stay longer than a single night in Santa Cruz. The island’s waterfalls, lakes (Lagoa Funda, Lagoa Rasa), fajãs (coastal shelf settlements), and viewpoints are spread across a mountainous interior with no public transport connections.
- Cost: from approximately €35–55/day as of 2026; summer rates are higher
- Book as far in advance as possible: the total car fleet on Flores is very small - last-minute bookings regularly find nothing available
- Pick-up: some companies can deliver to the airport; confirm when booking
- Local providers: Lusitania Rent-a-Car is one of the operators on the island; check availability early
Compare Flores island car hire rates
Getting Around Flores
Once you have transport, Flores reveals one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Azores:
- Poco da Alagoinha (waterfall viewpoint): 15 minutes from Santa Cruz
- Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa (twin crater lakes): 20 minutes
- Fajã Grande (westernmost village in Portugal, near sea stacks): 25 minutes
- Rocha dos Bordões (basalt column geological formation): 15 minutes
- Lajes das Flores (main southern town): 15 minutes south
- Miradouro da Cão (sweeping island panorama): 20 minutes
The island is only 143 km² but the mountain roads are narrow and winding - allow more time than the distances suggest, and be cautious in misty conditions (Flores receives the most rainfall of all the Azores islands).
Ferry from Flores
A ferry service connects Flores to Corvo island (the smallest of the Azores), operated by Atlânticoline. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes. Flores also has occasional ferry connections to the central group islands (Faial, São Jorge, Pico), but these are infrequent and subject to weather conditions - the western Azores can experience rough seas. Check the Atlânticoline schedule carefully before planning ferry travel from Flores.
Which Option Is Right For You?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Staying only in Santa Cruz | Taxi or accommodation pick-up |
| Exploring the full island | Car hire |
| Day trip to Corvo | Ferry from Flores port |
| Tight budget, central base | Walk or taxi within Santa Cruz |
Plan Your Trip
🏨 Search hotels in Flores Azores on Booking.com
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