GRAND ROUTE OF FLORES – THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
The Grand Route of Flores is definitely not just another hike but a wild, full-on adventure through one of the most remote islands in Europe. Imagine crazy cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic, jungle trails, waterfalls literally everywhere, and an island so untouched you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life postcard.
This multi-day trek (2 to 4 days) covers almost the entire island, taking you from coastal villages to volcanic ridges, across deep forests and dramatic ocean viewpoints. Officially, the trek is divided into two long stages: Santa Cruz to Ponta Delgada (21 km) and Ponta Delgada to Lajedo (26 km). However, if you truly want to enjoy the beauty of this incredible island, I highly recommend breaking it into 3 or even 4 days. Rushing through such a serene place like Flores would be a mistake. With insane coastal cliffs, endless waterfalls, and some of the best wild camping spots in the Azores, this is a place that makes you want to slow down, stay longer, and lose yourself in its beauty.
If you’re after a truly off-the-grid hiking experience, in a place where grocery stores get deliveries every two weeks and the population barely hits 3,500, then this is it. Just you, the trail and pure nature 😊
GRAND ROUTE OF FLORES – FACTS
Distance: around 52 km (32 mi)
Elevation gain: 3200 m (9000 ft)
Time needed: By default, this route is split into two sections but if I decided to split it into 3, because there was additional really cool hike starting from Faja Grande, so if you want to see everything what this island has to offer, I recommend splitting it into 3 days instead.
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard. There aren´t many technical sections although some parts can be steep, and overall this trek requires a solid fitness to cover 15-20km with a lot of elevation daily with a bit heavier pack.
Trail Type: Point-to-point
GRAND ROUTE OF FLORES – ESSENTIAL INFO
Best time for this trek: June to September offers the most stable weather, but you should expect some rain any time of year. Spring and autumn can be beautiful but wetter.
Gear needed: Enough layers to stay warm and camping gear if planning on using campsites. Read this guide to help you plan clothing part. The essentials are:
✔ a waterproof gore-tex or pertex shield jacket is non-negotiable
✔ shoes with good grip – Hoka Mafate 4 are my favourite
✔ tent, sleeping mat and a light sleeping bag
✔ basic kitchen utensils
✔ light pack for your gear (35L should be ok)
Navigation: The trail is mostly well-marked, but having offline maps on Strava or your watch is recommended. Ensure you download the route on Strava before setting off, as mobile service can be spotty in certain areas. You can save my Strava routes easily by following this guide.
Transport: There are no regular buses connecting the start and finish! To get back, you’ll need to pre-book a taxi from Lajedo to Santa Cruz, and I strongly recommend doing this WEEKS in advance. Unless you fancy a 20 km walk or testing your luck with hitchhiking like I did 😅. Last time I checked, this was the only option to pre-book, so make sure you do it in advance!you want is to be
WHERE TO CAMP ON THE GRAND ROUTE OF FLORES?
One of the best things about this are amazing campsites along the way and they’re completely free, well-maintained, and in some of the most epic locations ever:
🏕 Parque de Campismo e Lazer de Santa Cruz das Flores – the first stop on my Flores adventure. This campsite is located right next to the airport and natural pools. I stayed here for two nights—one after arriving and another before my final departure from Flores. It has all the amenities you need, is well-maintained and guarded, and sits beautifully by the ocean.
🏕 Alagoa Camping (optional) – a secluded oceanfront campsite with a waterfall flowing into the sea. I didn’t stay here, but next time I’d love to, just for the experience of waking up here. Best for breaking Day 1 into two or simply to stay there and chill.
🏕 Ponta Delgada Camping (Day 1 End) – Super scenic campsite with the view on the cliffs, great facilities with hot showers and a snack bar (even has veggie burgers!). A solid stop if you’re splitting the trek into three days.
🏕 Fajã Grande Camping (Day 2 & 3) – Campsite with the best location when it comes to amenities. Right at the ocean, close to waterfalls everywhere, a snack bar attached, and a grocery store + restaurants nearby. I loved it so much I stayed here for two nights.Between sunrise swims, endless waterfalls, and cheap beers at the snack bar, I just couldn’t leave.
🏠 Gueshouses: You can also stay in guesthouses in Ponta Delgada, Fajã Grande, or Lajedo BUT you have to book at least a few months in advance. This is a tiny island and options are extremely limited.
MY EXPERIENCE TREKKING THE GRAND ROUTE OF FLORES: A SPONTANEOUS JOURNEY ACROSS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND IN THE AZORES
Funny enough, I almost didn’t make it to Flores. After spending time in Sao Miguel, Pico and Terceira I was on the verge of heading back home. Despite having Flores and Corvo on my mind for a while, I had no clue how ridiculously limited accommodation and car rentals were – we’re talking months, if not years (!) in advance. When I realised this, I figured it was nearly impossible to make it work last minute. But something inside me wasn’t ready to let it go just yet..
Since my spontaneous side wasn’t having it, I came up with a plan. I’d grab a tent, ditch my unnecessary stuff at the hotel I’d booked in Ponta Delgada for my final night before flying home, and just figure it out. A few moments later, I walked into Decathlon, bought a €20 tent and some basic camping gear, and decided I was going to make it happen, no matter what. No car, no accommodations booked.
And that’s how this journey started: completely unplanned, fully self-sufficient and absolutely unforgettable. This certainly was not just a trek. it was a raw adventure across one of the wildest and most remote islands in the Azores.
GRAND ROUTE OF FLORES: 3-DAYS BREAKDOWN
This crazy adventure can be completed in 2, 3, or 4 days. Depending on your preferences and fitness, it’s best to align your plan accordingly. I decided to split the whole thing into 3 days, mainly because I added some additional hikes in Fajã Grande. Also, I loved the campsite there so much that I decided to stay for 2 nights at the end.
Day 1: Santa Cruz to Ponta Delgada (~23.54 km / 1,295 m gain)
Starts near Santa Cruz Airport – The adventure begins with a steep climb past Monte das Cruzes before reaching the Rua de Fazenda Nature Reserve. Expect lush forests, farmland trails, and epic coastal views.
📍 Read the full breakdown of Day 1 here: Grand Route of Flores day 1
Trail Highlights:
- Miradouro dos Caimbros – Stunning views of Corvo and Costa Nordeste
- Jungle descent to Parque de Campismo e Lazer da Alagoa
- Baía da Alagoa – A hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a swim. You camp here if you aren´t in a rush. Probably the most insane campsite I’ve ever seen
- Final climb to Ponta Delgada, passing flower-lined paths and insane cliffs
Day 2: Ponta Delgada to Fajã Grande (~15 km / 531 m gain)
The most scenic and dramatic day of the hike, following volcanic ridges, steep cliffs, and jaw-dropping coastal paths. Arriving to Fajã Grande felt surreal.
📍 Read the full breakdown of Day 2 here: (link coming soon)
Trail Highlights:
- Ponta do Albernaz Lighthouse – Incredible views of the Atlantic and Ilhéu de Maria Vaz
- Canyon Mouco – A surreal volcanic landscape
- Spectacular descent to Fajã Grande, passing insane staircases, narrow cliff paths, and waterfall-filled valleys
- Cascada do Poço do Bacalhau – The perfect place for a waterfall swim at the end of the day
Day 3: Fajã Grande to Lajedo (14 km / 828 m gain)
The final stretch! This day takes you through forests, rolling highlands, and ancient ruins before finishing at Lajedo.
📍 Read the full breakdown of Day 3 here: (link coming soon)
Trail Highlights:
- Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro – A legendary spot with multiple cascading waterfalls
- Caldeira do Mosteiro ruins – Eerie remains of an abandoned monastery
- Miradouro da Falesia da Rocha Alta – Epic west coast views
- Final descent to Lajedo, where the trail officially ends!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE GRAND ROUTE OF FLORES
After finishing the Grand Route of Flores, I can confidently say this is the coolest and most underrated trek in the Azores. Everyone flocks to São Miguel and Pico, but Flores is where you’ll find true adventure. Those landscapes are so untamed, there aren´t crowds due to challenging accommodations, and a trail that makes you feel like you’re the only person on the island.
If you love raw, off-the-grid hiking, this is the trek you need to do. Just don’t forget to book your return taxi in advance—unless you’re up for an extra 20km of adventure 😉
Want more Azores hiking inspiration? Check out my São Miguel, Pico, and Terceira hiking guides, or if you found this guide helpful, grab me a coffee to support more content like this! 😊
If this guide helped you, share it with a friend who’d love hiking Flores! More epic hikes are coming soon!
Until next time, happy hiking and safe travels!
