Hiking Levada da Nova can be a little confusing, as there are multiple starting points, and even as far as a 20 minute drive away. I accidentally sent my friend who was meeting us for this hike to another location!

How to get to Levada da Nova Trailhead

The Levada da Nova trailhead is located in the small town of Lombada, in the municipality of Ponta do Sol. You can get there by car or by public bus.

1. By car: There’s a small parking area close to the church in Lombada where you can leave your car. We chose to park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vt8Zf1acvRnUfqou9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy, and if you are facing up the hill, the trail starts on the left hand side. Below is a screenshot with the red arrow pointing to the start point. On maps it looks like it doesn’t exist, but it does. Again, it’s all very confusing! Hiring a car in Madeira is a must – it makes life way easier to get around.
   
2. By bus: Take the public bus route 90 from Funchal to Lombada. The bus stop is located near the church in Lombada. You can check the public bus schedules online or at the bus station in Funchal.

What to bring:

• Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip: The trail can be slippery in some sections, especially after rain. You could do this trail in a pair of trainers (sneakers) if you don’t have hiking shoes. I do recommend taking hiking boots with you to Madeira though, you will definitely need them on some hikes!
• Water: There is no drinking water available along the trail, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Hat and sun cream: There are a few shady spots along the way, however most of the trail is not covered. You definitely need a hat and sun cream.
• Rain coat: The weather in Madeira is so unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket with you on most days.
• Snacks: Bring some snacks with you, especially if you’re planning on doing the loop trail. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.
• Camera: I am biased because I’m a photographer, but I would always bring a camera, or at least your phone to snap some pictures along the way. It’s a beautiful trail.
• Headlamp: If you have a headlamp I would recommend bringing it for the tunnel. It is very dark and you absolutely need a light. Your phone torch will do if you don’t have a headlamp, however, they are way more powerful than your phone. I bought one in Decathlon in Funchal for 15 euros. It was worth it as I used it on multiple occasions on different hiking trails in Madeira.

Hiking Levada da Nova Trail Madeira – Difficulty and Duration

The Levada da Nova trail is considered to be an easy to moderate hike. The total distance of the trail is about 9 km (5.6 miles) if you do the loop trail, which includes both Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho. The elevation gain is about 150 meters (492 feet). The hike can be completed in 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take breaks and photos.

Best time to go

The best time to hike Levada da Nova is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, Madeira Island enjoys a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, so you can hike this trail any time of year. Just be aware that it can get hot and sunny in the summer, and there may be more rain in the winter.

Mornings tend to be the busiest times of the day among hikers in Madeira. If you want to encounter less people on any trail, I recommend hiking in the early afternoon.

Things to know before you go:

• The trail can be slippery in some sections, so be sure to wear shoes with good grip.
• There is a tunnel along the trail that is about 200 meters (656 feet) long. If you are claustrophobic, you may want to skip this section of the trail. You can take a detour around the tunnel by following the vereda (small path) that goes uphill.
• There are no toilets along the trail, so be sure to use the restroom before you start your hike.

The post Hiking Levada da Nova Trail Madeira appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

It offers stunning views, dramatic landscapes, and a memorable trekking experience.

Trail Details

• Distance: Around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) one way. 13km return.
• Duration: Typically takes 3 to 4 hours each way, depending on your fitness level and pace.
• Elevation Gain: Around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet).
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with some steep and exposed sections.

Getting There

The typical direction to walk this hike is from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. I highly recommend doing it in this direction otherwise you’ll spend most of the hike trying to squeeze past people coming the opposite way.

There is a parking area near the summit but be warned, by 9am it is completely full, as is the road leading up to the parking.

Watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro is quite possibly the most popular thing to do on the island, so if you don’t arrive early, you will not find a space to leave your car.

Hiring a car in Madeira is a must in my opinion, it will make your trip way more convenient!

Please note: There is a carpark at the very top, but you can only park here for a maximum of 1 hour. This is great if you simply want to watch the sunrise (or sunset) from the viewpoint and then leave. If you plan to do the hike however, you will need to park in the lower car parks. There is a sign that says cars will be towed should they overstay the time, although I’m not really sure how they’d measure that (there’s no ticket system in place).

Hiking from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Transport Options:

If you don’t have a car (I 100% recommend you get one for Madeira!) then you can opt to take a taxi, or there are also transfer shuttles available.

TIP! If you prefer to just do the hike one way (I totally get it!) you can pre-arrange a shuttle to pick you up at Pico Ruivo carpark and drive you back to your car at Pico Arieiro (around 1 hour drive, costs approx €60 per person – but the one I have linked below seems to be cheaper!). I believe there is even the option to be picked up in Funchal and dropped back there which could be way easier!

It is definitely on the pricier side, but will save you around 4 hours of hiking. We did consider paying for just 1 person to be driven back, which, if you’re in a group will definitely save you money. However, it would be a 2 hour wait by the time your friend is dropped off, and drives back to get you. Equally, you could be saving €120-180 by doing it this way, so it’s something to consider.

The Hike

1. Start at Pico do Arieiro: The trail begins near the radar dome at Pico do Arieiro (1,818 meters).
2. Follow the Path: The path is well-marked and includes several tunnels, steep ascents, and descents. There are stairs and railings at some sections for safety.
3. Key places to see:

• Ninho da Manta (Buzzard’s Nest): A great viewpoint early in the hike.
• Encumeada Alta: Another stunning viewpoint along the way.

And lastly, you’ll reach Pico Ruivo. The final ascent to Pico Ruivo (1,862 meters) is steep but manageable. The views from the top are spectacular.

If you then opt for walking back, you’ll do it all again but in reverse.

What to Bring

• Clothing: Wear layers, as the weather can change rapidly. It’s also cold at the top with the wind, especially in the early morning and evenings. A waterproof jacket is advisable.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
• Water and Snacks: There are no facilities along the trail, so bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
• Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential for tunnels and early/late hiking.
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Map/GPS: While the trail is well-marked, it’s good to have a map or GPS device.

Hiking from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Best Time to Hike

• Early Morning: Start early to avoid the midday heat and the crowds. The trail is less crowded, and the lighting for photography is excellent.
• Avoid Peak Times: Weekends and holidays can be busier. Aim for weekdays if possible. Having said that, I don’t think there will ever be a time that there won’t be a lot of people on this hike.
  
  Surprisingly, we found sunsets to be way quieter than sunrise here.

Things to Be Aware Of

• Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go. Conditions can change rapidly, and fog or rain can make the trail more difficult.
• Fitness Level: This is a challenging hike, so be prepared for strenuous sections.
• Safety: Stay on the marked trail, especially in foggy conditions. Some sections are exposed with steep drops.

By planning ahead, you’ll have an unforgettable experience hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, enjoying some of the best views Madeira has to offer!

The post Hiking from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

Madeira is a pretty big island and most destinations are remote so I would highly recommend hiring a car. This company work in both the Azores and Madeira and have a great reputation.

#1 Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

Quite possibly the most popular thing to do in Madeira is watch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro. It is a great place to watch the sun come up, surrounded by peaks and clouds that come to life with hues of pink and gold. From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the island, including rugged mountains, deep valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean.

There is a mirador, but if you wish to escape the masses, you should start the trail towards Pico do Ruivo and find a quieter spot. Please note you will not be alone!

If you plan to watch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, you need to arrive early! It’s now May (time of writing) and the sunrise is at 07:10AM. We arrived to the parking at 06:15AM and it was already full. We, alongside many other cars parked down the road. You MUST arrive early to get a spot. On our way back, it was 09:10 and the entire road was full of parked cars.

You should choose to either come for sunrise, or wait until late afternoon / sunset.

#2 Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of Madeira’s most iconic trails, offering breathtaking scenery and a rewarding challenge. The hike typically takes around 4 to 6 hours one way, depending on your pace and trail conditions. It’s recommended to start early in the day to avoid the heat and allow plenty of time to enjoy the journey.

The trail is well-marked but can be steep and rugged in places, with sections of uneven terrain and occasional stairs carved into the mountainside. Here is a detailed blog post about the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

#3 Visit Levada da Nova

The Levada da Nova hike is a 6.5-kilometer round trip journey through Madeira’s verdant landscapes, following one of the historic irrigation channels. The hike takes around 2 to 3 hours, and is mostly a flat trail. Along the way you’ll walk through amidst lush forests and mountain views with glimpses of waterfalls, tunnels, and bridges.

I recommend wearing sturdy shoes, sun cream, and take enough water and snacks with you.

Best things to do in Madeira

#4 Go to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

The natural volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz are definitely worth a visit. The pools are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, and have many different shades of blue. There are 2 parts to the pools, the area that is free (but aren’t lifeguarded and the sea can be very dangerous) or, the paid area for a small fee.

This side includes changing rooms, toilets, and concrete for you to sit on (as opposed to sharp rocks).

#5 Hike to 25 Fontes Falls & Risco Waterfall

The hike to the 25 Fontes Falls and Risco Waterfall, spanning approximately 9 kilometers round trip and taking 3 to 4 hours, leads through lush forests and along levadas to two stunning waterfalls. The hike down consists of a slight decline, lasting approximately 40 minutes, with a few stairs scattered throughout.

You might be thinking the exact same thing I was as I hiked to the bottom (Oh, the way back up is not going to be fun!).

Luckily, there is a shuttle bus that runs to and from the Rabacal cafe. It costs €5 one way and runs every 15-20 minutes. The last shuttle leaves the cafe back to the top at 6pm.

It’s not very common to have a shuttle service at a hike, but I was so glad this existed! We paid the money and got a lift back up.

Bring sturdy hiking gear, plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and your swimsuit incase you fancy braving the freezing cold water!

Please note: The shuttle service is available in both directions. This means even those with a lower level of fitness can enjoy these waterfalls. You do however need to walk down (and back up) a significant amount of stairs to reach the falls from the drop off spot.

#6 Fanal Forest

Fanal Forest is nestled in Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest and is one of my favourite places in Madeira. It boasts ancient trees and ethereal beauty, with enchanting fog-filled landscapes and diverse flora. It is best visited in the cooler months, but if you’re visiting in the summer months, choose to go early morning or at sunset when it’s a cooler temperature.

Dress in layers, Madeira is known for its microclimates and this is one of the coldest places on the island. I was at the beach sunbathing before coming here and I had to wrap up in a jumper and a coat! The difference is crazy.

Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, and bring water, a raincoat and a camera for this mystical and serene experience!

#7 Visit Santana Traditional Houses

Discover the charming village of Santana, known for its distinctive triangular-shaped houses with thatched roofs. These houses showcase the island’s rural heritage with some dating back centuries. They offer a captivating glimpse into traditional Madeiran life, with many houses converted into museums, craft shops, and accommodations.

Surrounding the houses are picturesque walking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Best things to do in Madeira

Here are a list of activities to do in Madeira that you might like.

#8 Enjoy Seixal beach

Seixal Beach, located on Madeira’s north coast, is a dramatic black sand beach, surrounded by lush green cliffs. This paired with the ocean create a striking contrast and unlike many of Madeira’s beaches, Seixal offers a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere.

It is however becoming more popular, especially among content creators at sunrise (guilty!). This beach is a beautiful spot to watch the sun come up over the ocean, casting a beautiful light over the cliffs. No matter what time of day you come, a visit to Seixal beach is worth it.

#9 Hike Levada do Calderão verde

Calderão Verde is best visited during the cooler months for optimal waterfall flow, however is still beautiful in the summer. The hike along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde offers scenic views and relatively easy terrain suitable for all hikers. Amidst the ancient trees and rich biodiversity of the forest, you’ll find a tranquil atmosphere. Remember to bring water, snacks, and a camera to capture the beauty of this picturesque destination, and dress appropriately for variable mountain weather.

Caldeirão Verde is a 12km hike and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete.

#10 Take the cable car to Achadas da Cruz

Achadas da Cruz is a breathtaking area with coastal cliffs and a scenic cable car ride down to the pebble beach below. The cable runs from 09:00 until 18:00, however the last car down is 16:30. This is to ensure they can get all of the people back up before closing time.

Make sure you arrive early! We got there at 3pm and we waited an hour in line to go down. We were also one of the last people to be allowed on and those behind us were told to come back tomorrow.

The cable car costs just €5 return. There are no dogs allowed so if you are travelling with your furry pup, you’ll have to go down and back up on foot. There are many beautiful photos taken from this place with the sunset light, but those people have clearly then had to hike 2 hours back to the top of the steep cliffside! Kudos to them.

Anyway, once you arrive in achadas da cruz, you can unwind on the beach, explore the rocky shoreline, or indulge in refreshments at the onsite cafe. Just make sure you’re back at the cable car around 17:45 to not miss the last one.

#11 Tobogganing in Monte

Tobogganing in Monte, located just outside of Funchal, is a thrilling and iconic experience unique to Madeira. The tradition dates back to the early 19th century when wicker toboggans were used as a mode of transportation for wealthy locals.

Today, we can partake in this exhilarating ride, which involves sitting in a large wicker basket mounted on wooden runners and being guided down the steep streets by two carreiros (drivers) dressed in traditional white clothing and straw hats.

The journey takes you along a winding, narrow road (where there are also cars!) overlooking the city of Funchal below and is completed in around 10 minutes on a total course of 2 km.

There are 2 ways to go Toboganning in Monte:

1. You drive yourself there (or take a taxi). There is very limited parking, but if you go early morning (it opens at 9am) then you should be fine. Park on the hill on the way down to the starting point, around this point:
   
   Tickets cost:
   1pax = €27,50
   2pax = €35
   3pax = €52,50
   
   TIP! If you are a group of 3, it works out to be the cheapest option! Please also note that when doing it this way, you will need to pay for a taxi back up the hill (or walk a very sweaty hike back up to the top). The taxi’s tried to charge us €20 (INSANE!) so we ordered a bolt (most of the taxis are also bolts), and it arrived within 1 minute and cost around €6!
   
2. The second option if you don’t have a car, or prefer to go on a tour, is to book an experience. This one is extremely well priced, includes a a hotel pickup and drop off, a tour of the nearby valley, wine tasting, the toboggan experience, sampling of some local cake and it also picks you up at the bottom of the hill after the sleigh ride, saving you the cost of the taxi! I’d definitely recommend if you don’t fancy doing it on your own terms.

#12 Whale and dolphin watching tour

Madeira is a great place to see whales and dolphins so if this is something you’re interested in, you could be in for a treat. With knowledgeable guides and a commitment to responsible tourism, these tours offer the chance to observe whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat while ensuring their welfare and conservation. This is something I truly value! I like that this tour has a biologist on board so you can learn about the dolphins and whales while trying to spot them 🙂

Best things to do in Madeira – Bonus:

Driving is Madeira is no joke! The roads are so steep and narrow, and every time we got in the car we were stressed. My friend Ellie and I decided to book a jeep tour for the day and it was one of the best days we had. We were driven around in the back of a jeep by a local tour guide and got to visit Seixal beach, Porto Moniz Swimming Pools, Fanal Forest and also do some off-roading through the thick jungle. It was a lot of fun and I’d definitely recommend, especially for the price!

This is the tour that we did.

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Visiting the Algarve? You’re in for a treat.

I have said this many times before on my Instagram, the Algarve has one of the best coastlines in Europe. The contrast between the bright orange cliffs and the turquoise waters make it a really unique place to go. 

There are so many good spots to see when visiting the Algarve so I’ll break it down as best as I can. 

** There are 100’s of beaches and caves to explore that you could spend months on the coast. In this blog post you’ll find the places I have personally been to and loved, but there’s no harm in doing more research 😀 ** 

P.S. If you are hanging around Portugal for a while, you should consider heading over the The Azores Islands! They are hands down one of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever visited!

 

Back to the Algarve..

Here is a map to help you get your bearings.

Let’s start left to right.

** TIP! Parking on the Algarve is free during the winter months (October-May/June)

First up is one of my favourite places on the Algarve as it is a photographers paradise.

+ Praia da Barriga

If you like to take photos, you’ll understand why this place is so special once you arrive. There are multiple layers of dramatic cliffs which usually have a thin blanket of cloud floating around the bottom of them.

 Make sure to go at low tide to be able to access all of the beach.

 TIP! You will need to drive down a dirt road for around 10-15 minutes. There is limited parking at the beach.

 Pair your trip to this beach with a quick stop at the famous lighthouse.

 

+ Farol do Cabo de Sao Vicente

This lighthouse is the most southwestern point of Portugal and of mainland Europe. It’s a great place to watch the sunset as it faces West. The views from the lighthouse over the coast are beautiful and I love how the cliffs are different at this part of the Algarve.

I would recommend planning around 20 minutes max to visit this place as there isn’t much to do other than admire the views. I would pair it with a trip to Praia da Barriga, and a stop in Sagres.

+ Ponta da Piedade

One of my favourite viewpoints on the Algarve is Ponta da piedade. 

You will have most probably seen many drone shots on Instagram from this spot.

Being only a 3 minute drive from Lagos, it’s definitely worth a pit stop.

There are a set of stairs heading all the way down to the water at the bottom, where you can jump on a small fishing boat and go on a tour.

It is prohibited to swim here.

 

+ Praia do Camilo

Between Ponta da Piedade and Lagos is the famous beach known as Praia do Camilo. This beach is pretty small so it’s best to go early to grab yourself a spot.

The stairway down to the beach has become a popular instagram spot, especially during sunrise. 

The sun comes up in front of this beach causing beautiful shadows to form on the stairs. 

This photo was taken in February.

Bear in mind that the location of the sun will move throughout the year.

If you like photography, make sure you add a sunrise mission to Praia do Camilo to your list.

 

 

+ Praia dos Estudantes

A few minutes walk away from the town of Lagos, you will find the very popular Praia dos Estudantes beach. 

At low tide you can pass through a small passageway to reach a secluded beach.

Here you will find the famous bridge that makes this beach unique.

It is very small and in summer will most likely be overcrowded.

Parking at this beach isn’t free, and costs around 0.50 for 45 minutes.

The parking area is small, so if you can’t find a spot, head to one of the many parking lots in Lagos and make your way here on foot.

 

+ Lagos

Lagos is a town on the Algarve with a really cool vibes. There are tons of outdoor cafes, live music, shops and digital nomads everywhere.

I think Lagos is a great place to stay if you like to be sociable and fancy meeting some like-minded people. Even if you don’t end up booking your accommodation here, you should definitely pay a visit to Lagos.

From here you can take a boat tour and explore the nearby caves from the water which is a great experience.

+ Praia dos Tres Irmãos

This beach was one of my favourite places to watch the sunrise. The reflections on the sand, the shadows created by the morning light, everything about this beach is beautiful during the early hours.

To get to the best part, park your car and head left. You will need to climb up some rocks, and walk through a cave to get to the other side. Try to choose a day with low tide! 

+ João de Arens beach

This beach took me by surprise. It’s hands down one of the most beautiful places on the Algarve in my eyes! The viewpoint from the top is incredible😍 

There is a stretch of sand underneath the arch and the waves come in from both sides, meeting together at high tide.

It’s a pretty easy climb down to the beach to the left of this spot. If you go at low tide, you’ll be able to walk through the cave to the small stretch of sand that you can see here. You can also get inside the cave to the right.

P.S. This is a nudist beach.

+ Ferragudo

A quaint fishing village close to Portimão that has kept its traditional charm. There is the main square, Praça Rainha Dona Leonor which is lined with cafes.

It is the perfect spot for a bite to eat while you watch the fisherman unload their boats.

There is one street in Ferragudo that is filled with colourful houses and flowers. It’s the perfect ‘photo spot’.

I had to wonder around to find it and couldn’t tell how you to get there if I tried. The town isn’t very big so I’m sure you’ll find it.

One thing I remember is that I had to walk up a few hills to get there 😛

+ Benagil Caves

There are both caves and a beach to visit here. I’m sure you will have seen that this cave is heavily visited by tourists. I believe the first boat load arrive around 9am so if you’re able to hire a kayak for sunrise, you have a better chance of seeing this cave without it being full of people.

A lot of people do have the same plan, so don’t expect to have it to yourself.

The caves are only accessible via water. You can either rent a kayak for around €15 for 1 hour or book onto a boat tour.

I went with Tridente Boat Tours and had a really good time! 

Visiting the Algarve: Best Places to Go

+ Praia da Marinha

Yup. It’s my favourite beach on the Algarve.

I don’t know what it is about this place that is so special but I love it.

To the right of the beach you will find the arch that forms a natural love heart shape (see below).

To the left you will find a cliff top to climb up which is one of the best places to watch the sunset.

Then there’s the beach with lots of solo-standing rock formations.

Praia da Marinha is a must-visit!

 

+ Praia da Pau

To the left of Praia da Marinha, there is a small beach called Praia da Pau. The colour of the water against the cliffs is breathtaking.

 

+ Praia da Albandeira

Praia de Albandeira is a beautiful, secluded beach in Algarve. It is known for its stunning arch that extends out into the water. The arch was formed as a result of erosion from the wind and waves.

 

+ Falesia Beach

Falesia beach is an 8km long beach boasting distinctive orange cliffs against the white sand and clear blue water.

It is different to the typical beaches on the Algarve that you see with caves and free standing rock formations. This beach is flat and a great place to spend the day with your friends or family.

There are usually many fisherman with their rods placed on the beach.

 

+ Ilha da Tavira

Take a boat from Tavira centre for €2.50 return. Alternatively, you can park here: Aparcamiento Público Praia do Barril
https://goo.gl/maps/QhfjCQ37R8dgnqeH9 and walk adjacent to the tram track all the way to the beach. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes. There are ankers on the beach known as the fishing graveyard. Each ancor represents a boat that is no longer in service.

 

+ Tavira

Known as the most beautiful town in the Algarve, Tavira is worth a visit. From live outdoor music, to outdoor terraces, local markets, a river running through the middle of the town, it has it all. There are many buildings with the traditional tiles and lots of the streets are cobblestone.

 

+ Cacela Velha

Cacela Velha is a popular spot to watch the sunset as the sea comes up and leaves beautiful patterns on the sand which light up with colours.

In the winter, the sun also falls into the sea, so you can appreciate the sunset in full swing.

There is a small church here with a lookout point over the beach below.

It is usually full of people admiring the sun go down.

 

Contact me

If you find this blog post helpful or you have any questions, leave a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram!

Find me on Instagram!

 

The post Visiting The Algarve: Best Places to Go appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

If you’ve read my blog Visiting Azores: What You Need to Know you’ll have seen that my number #1 tip is book your accommodation and car in advance!

Flores is a very small island with approximately 4000 inhabitants. For most of the year, they don’t see any tourists and so they are not equipped for the tourism during the summer months.

Accommodation is rarely available, the campsites are full, there are no cars and even the restaurants are fully booked.

If you are looking for a car, you can check out Azores Car Rentals.

Where to Stay

If have the option to stay in Santa Cruz, I highly recommend doing so. There are a handful of restaurants in the area, the natural swimming pools are great for swimming in, and the boat to Corvo island also leaves from there.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Santa Cruz, Flores – give Pedro a call. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met and will be sure to look after you! His property is called Santa Cruz Villas and this is his phone number +351 965 292 921

If he doesn’t have any availability, he knows pretty much everyone in Santa Cruz so he’ll be able to ask around for you.

If you’re struggling to find accommodation, there are a few campsites around the area that have toilets and showers. The campsite at Alagoa is on the East side of the island, around a 1 hour walk from Santa Cruz. This is a beautiful spot, which overlooks the bay below and if you like waking up for the sunrise, you’re in for a treat.

Ultimate Guide to Flores Island Azores

Where to Eat

There are a number of good restaurants in Flores. I have chosen a few that are in different parts of the island to give you a varied selection. As it’s a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean there is a lot of available fresh fish. One of the best places to eat fish is a restaurant called O Moreao.

Papadiamandis, Faja Grande.

Local. Live music. Good vibes. Outdoor terrace seating.

Restaurante Por-do-sol, Lajes das Flores

Beautiful sunset spot near the ocean. Outdoor dining in the garden. The ribs are really tasty and this is also a good place to try the local yemen (similar to a sweet potato).

O Moreao, Santa Cruz

Fresh seafood. Fish restaurant. There is a wide variety of fish and the owner is extremely knowledge and fun! She started singing in the middle of the restaurant when we were there.

Restaurante Sereia, Santa Cruz

The best steak on the island. Honestly, I tried 3 different steaks and this one was by far the best! The french fries are also homemade and are delicious.

Ultimate Guide to Flores Island Azores

Best places to See in Flores

Flores island has to be one of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever visited – you are in for an absolute treat!

My favourite place on the island, which I’m sure you’ve already seen a picture of is…

#1 Poco Da Ribeira do Ferreiro

This place is actually the reason why I came to the Azores islands! I saw a picture of this wall of waterfalls, with the lake below creating the most perfect reflections and knew I had to come.

I tell you something, it’s even more spectacular in real life!

It is a 15 minute walk from the carpark to get to this spot. Make sure you wear trainers as the way there is slippy!

#2 Cascata do Poco do Bacalhau

Apparently in winter this waterfall is inaccessible as the amount of rain water increases making it too powerful to swim in.

However, during the summer months, it’s a beautiful natural swimming hole!

As you walk up towards the waterfall you will see a shimmering rainbow and will be completely memerized by its beauty.

The water temperature is great, but be careful getting in as it can be a bit slippy. If you have water shoes, they’d come in handy.

#3 Miradouro de Craveiro Lopes

This was hands down my favourite viewpoint on the island. As I walked towards the edge I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotions. I was truly gobsmacked at the views beneath me.

The best part is that this viewpoint is on the west of the island, so you can watch the sunset from here. If you catch yourself a good one, you’ll see the cliffs light up during the golden hour and it’s truly magical.

I cannot recommend this place enough.

#4 Miradouro da Baia de Alem

Another great place to enjoy golden hour and the sunset is at Miradouro da Baia de Alem.

The colour of the water here is incredible, pair that with the green cliffs and the sun going down and you have yourself a great spot!

There is also a lighthouse nearby that you can check out.

Someone told me that if you go on Wednesday’s the lighthouse keeper will show you around!

I’m not sure how true that is, but if you happen to go on a Wednesday, it may be worth knocking on the door and finding out 😛 (let me know if you do so others can go too!)

#5 Day trip to Corvo island

Corvo is the smallest island in the Azores with only 400 inhabitants. You may have seen a photo of the crater, which is what the island is famous for. However, the downside is that the crater tends to be covered in thick fog for a lot of the time.

From Flores you can actually see the cloud covering the top of the island, and it doesn’t seem to move.

If you get lucky, you’re in for an absolute treat.

We unfortunately didn’t see ANYTHING. It was cold and wet once we arrived at the crater. One thing though, the boat ride there made up for it!

We booked a ticket with Carlos Mendez from Extremocidente boat trips. It was spectacular! I was so happy by the time that we arrived on Corvo that I wasn’t even fussed that it was cloudy.

Carlos takes you around the bottom of the cliffs and through the caves on the North West of Flores.

You see lots of waterfalls falling into the sea which is a unique experience! This part of the island is said to be the most beautiful by all of the locals.

Plus, I’ve been on a lot of boats in my time and this one is SO STURDY. You sit on the seat in a similar way that you would to a horse and so you fly over the waves and it’s incredibly fun but feels so secure.

The boat trip costs 35e return. The way there takes 1 hour and the way home approximately 40 minutes. If however, you get lucky like we did, you’ll stop to see the whales and dolphins!

One thing I LOVED about this trip was that Carlos and his crew really cared about us having the best time. On the way home they spotted water shooting through a whales’ blowhole in the distance and made a 10 minute detour out to sea.

We spent around 20 minutes admiring the whales and then made our way back to the harbour. This added on time to our trip, but they didn’t care.

#6 Alagoa

One of my favourite places to see in Flores was Alagoa.

Here you will find a pebble stoned beach, crystal clear water and a small waterfall that meets the ocean.

There are 3 rocks (standing rock, sitting rock & laying rock 😂) & they are very popular among the birds.

In fact, this area is deemed a bird sanctuary and so is protected 🥰

P.S. If you are struggling to find a place to stay on the island, Alagoa has a campsite! Can you imagine waking up to this view every morning? 

#7 Santa Cruz Natural Swimming Pools

The natural swimming pools in Santa Cruz are the perfect spot to spend the afternoon. There is concrete down there which makes it more comfortable to sit at, however I don’t love that they’ve done that. Anyway, it’s a great place for swim and the locals love it too.

The colour of the water is crazy and there are lots of fish to see.

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If you found this Ultimate Guide to Flores Island Azores blog post helpful I’d love to know! Leave me a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram 🙂

The post Ultimate Guide to Flores Island Azores appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

If you have seen my blog post Visiting the Azores: what you need to know post you’ll know that accommodation and cars are sparse in the Azores. You really do need to try book in advance, and I mean, months! We had so much trouble finding places to stay and ended up on a number of waiting lists for cars. It was chaos.

Book in advance! If you are looking for a car hire company, Azores Rental Cars are worth checking out.

#1 Miradouro Da Boca do Inferno

This was one of my favourite view points on the islands. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a volcanic crater, covered in greenery and filled with water before but I hadn’t and WOW!

Behind the crater you can see a glimpse of one side of Sete Cidades lake.

The road that you can see circling the crater is actually used in a popular car race on the island.

How to get to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

To get to Mirador da Boca do Inferno, type in ‘Lagoa do Canario’ into Google maps and leave your car at that location. This area is usually very busy so you may have to park on the road.

Opposite the car park, you’ll see a closed gate to stop cars driving down the road. Walk past the gate, keep straight for 100m then turn left. Keep following this path until you reach the crater – you can’t miss it. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes.

#2 Lagoa do Fogo

Another one of the best places to visit in São Miguel in Lagoa do Fogo. The downside is that this lake is mostly in the fog(o). Sorry, that was a joke among our group lol!

Seriously though, the lake is usually covered by a layer of thick fog and a lot of the time you can’t see anything. I checked the webcam for 3 days straight and I genuinely thought someone had turned the camera off 😛

You have to get lucky with this one, but if you do, it’s absolutely worth the trip!

You can see the lake from the top, and also make your way down to the bottom for a swim. The trek down takes around 20 minutes and the water temperature is perfect!

On the way back up you’ll need around 35 minutes as it’s pretty steep and hard on the legs!

#3 Salto Do Cabrito

This has to be one of coolest waterfalls I’ve ever been to. It’s definitely not the biggest, or the most powerful but the colours of the rocks surrounding the fall make this place pretty unique. Not only that, but it’s the warmest waterfall I’ve swam in!

It turns out that there are a number of hot springs in the area and I believe the water ends up here at this natural swimming hole.

Best places to visit in São Miguel

#4 Hot Waterfall of Ribeira

This is a hidden gem in São Miguel 😍 You wouldn’t know this place exists unless you do the research.

It’s in the most random place I think I’ve ever found a waterfall. You have to park on the side of the road, and walk through a tunnel to find this spot.

Make sure you walk on the side of the road heading towards the traffic and use your phone torch so that the cars can see you.

The orange colour at the bottom of the fall is caused by iron.

#5 Sete Cidades Lake

Sete Cidades is a twin lake situated inside the crater of a dormant volcano, one is a green lake and the other is blue.

The crazy thing is that the water can pass through the bridge from one side to the other so I found it strange how the colours are still completely different. After doing some research I found that it’s simply the way that the lights reflect off each of them.

The legend states that the lakes were formed from the tears of a green eyed princess’ and a blue eyed shepherd who shared a forbidden love.

There are various hikes that you can do around this lake. Park at the bottom and off you go 🙂

#6 Natural Thermal Baths

There are a number of thermal baths on São Miguel. Some are more natural than others in the sense that they haven’t had as many man-made alternations done to them. We went to Poca da Dona Beija and it was a cool place, however I believe there are better ones available.

I personally wanted to visit these baths: Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha

but we were meeting friends and so we went to Poca da Dona Beija ones instead. It cost €6 entry fee which gives you 1.5 hours in the pools. There are various pools to choose from that differ in water temperature. The coldest one is 28 degrees and the hottest is 35.

The thermal baths are rich in iron and so make sure you wear something that you don’t mind getting ruined. I recommend tying up your hair and rinsing your swimsuit post swim to get rid of any orange colour.

TIP! Definitely do not wear WHITE!

#7 Ponta da Ferraria

This is arguably one of the most unique experiences I’ve had. It’s a natural hot spring IN THE OCEAN.

This specific area has hot water in it, and at low tide is around 35 degrees. As the water start to rise and the cold ocean water begins to enter the pool, the temperature begins to lower. If you want to enjoy this natural phenomenon in its element, make sure you go at low tide.

You can find the tide times here.

#8 Parque Terra Nostra

This place is a little touristy, however it’s worth a visit. It’s a huge botanical garden in the centre of Furnas with numerous thermal baths scattered around. This place is extremely well kept.

There is a large selection of plants and flowers, water fountains, trees and baths.

It’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, soaking up the hot water and wandering through the peaceful gardens. It’s also a great place to get some good photos!

The thermal baths don’t have the most appealing colour, but you should definitely go for a dip.

The entrance fee to this park is €8 and you can stay as long as you like.

One location that has to be included in this list of the best places to visit in São Miguel is Ilha do Vila Franca.

#9 Ilha do Vila Franca

This tiny island off the coast of Sao Miguel called Ilha do Vila Franca is worth an afternoon trip. The boat costs €8 return and takes a short 10 minutes.

The boat leaves to the island on the hour and returns at 10 past the hour.

The first boat is at 10am and the last boat back is at 6pm.

Once you arrive, you can choose how long to stay. The only thing you can do here is swim, but it’s definitely a cool place to do so!

At low tide, you can sit on the beach that you can see here in this photo. At high tide, it disappears!

There is a very colourful marine life inside this island, so if you have a pair of goggles or a mask, definitely take it with you.

#10 Cha Gorreana Tea Plantation

Chá Gorreana tea plantation; formed in 1883 and is currently the only functioning tea plantation in Europe.

The venue opens from 8.00-18.00 and here you can see the machinery used to process the tea and also try some free samples. You can walk around the grounds after hours which is great if you want to take some photos at sunset with the golden light.

The tea plantation is on the north side of the island, close to many other attractions & cool viewpoints so you can make a day trip out of it. 

Best places to visit in São Miguel

#11 Caldeira Das Furnas

This place is one of the main things to see on São Miguel island. As you drive past it you’ll see tons of steam coming from the ground. This is an area with volcanic activity and fumaroles that spout boiling water and medicinal mud.

The most prominent thing about these springs is the smell due to the high level of sulpher in the water. It smells like rotten eggs.

#12 Ponta Delgada + Furnas Town

Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel and has many small streets to explore, a large market on a morning and on the weekends and a handful of cool cafes and bars to try.

It takes about 40 minutes to drive to Furnas from the capital city, Ponta Delgada. The best way to visit Furnas is with a rental car.

The town of Furnas is extremely cute and has a very nice vibe. It is a nature-lovers paradise and has several natural parks that are rich with biodiversity. You should spend some time here wandering through the streets, the gardens and also grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint cafes.

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The post 12 Best Places to Visit in São Miguel, Azores appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

Here you can find individual blog posts on both São Miguel Island, and Flores Islands – my two favourites!

#1 Book your accommodation in advance (and I mean months…)

I am one of the most spontaneous travellers out there, booking things the day before, and even the morning of. However, on this trip, my spontaneity really bit me in the bum and caused a lot of chaos.

There is a very limited amount of accommodation available in The Azores. I spoke to many locals who said that it will probably never improve. For 8 months of the year, nobody goes to visit the islands. There is heavy rain, seriously strong winds, and most people don’t leave their houses during this time. Therefore, there is no need for extra tourist infrastructure to be built.

If you are able to plan ahead before visiting The Azores, I HIGHLY recommend it. I honestly spent hours and hours of my time trying to find places to stay. We couldn’t even go to 2 of the islands like we had originally planned because there was no where for us to go. I mean it, no where.

We got lucky when looking for somewhere to stay in Flores, simply because the hotel we called knew a person, who didn’t have their property listed online.

#1B If you’ve left it too late and can’t book ahead…

So, if you’re like me and love to travel freestyle (it’s the best, let’s be honest!) you may have already left things a little late.

If you have, here’s my advice:

1. Call EVERYONE.
   
   Any contact number you can find online, call it. Everyone knows someone and this really is the case on these islands. A lot of locals can’t afford the Booking.com and AirBnB fees and so they choose to operate on word of mouth.
   
   I made friends with one of the owners of an apartment in Flores and I explained how crazy they were to not put them online. It turns out though, they know everyone and so they still manage to be fully booked throughout the summer.
   
   If you are visiting The Azores and are looking for somewhere to stay in Santa Cruz, Flores – give Pedro a call. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met and will be sure to look after you! His property is called Santa Cruz Villas and this is his phone number +351 965 292 921
   
   P.S. Tell him I said hi!! 🙂

2. Be brave, take the risk and go anyway.

So, our back up plan for Flores was going to be buying a tent from Decathlon and camping wherever we could find. If you have seen pictures of this island you’ll understand our desperation to visit it. As long as you have a tent, you’ll be fine.

Once you arrive you can also talk to the locals down at the port, in a restaurant, etc and you never know, you might get lucky and find a house to stay in.

Visiting The Azores

#2 Book a Car in Advance

If you have a driving licence, you’re going to want to hire a car. There are many things to see on the islands and most of them are spread out in different locations.

If you have the option to book a car in advance (and we’re talking months…) DO IT! Holy moly I can’t even tell you the sh*t we pulled to get a car. Let’s just say it involved some shady stuff.

In all seriousness, there are barely any cars on the island and the numbers have reduced significantly since COVID hit. It’s the same reason why there is hardly any accommodation, there is no-one to use the cars for 8 months of the year!

During COVID 75% of the cars were shipped back to Portugal’s mainland and so now it’s practically impossible to find something.

You can check this company for available hire cars: Azores Rental Cars

#2b If you’ve left things too late.. here’s a few options

Again, talk to people. Call people, talk to locals, heck, talk to everyone you bump into. Somebody will know someone.

Another option is to add your name to a waiting list at the car rental shops.

We did this the day we arrived to Flores and 2 days in to our holiday they called us to tell us that someone had cancelled their car and that we could have it for 4 days. You can’t begin to imagine the smiles on our faces!

If you really can’t find anything, there are buses available and also organised tours. Obviously that is less convenient and may take away your freedom a little, but it’s still possible to see things without a car.

#3 The Inter-island Ferry Routes have changed

Unfortunately due to COVID (shocker) the yellow line ferry route that connected all of the islands has been removed. This line was seriously handy for travellers visiting The Azores because it meant cheap travel to all the islands.

Now, the only ferry routes available connect the middle islands (Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial).

If you want to visit Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Flores, you will need to fly. This is a lot more expensive than the cheap ferry tickets.

Sao Miguel and Flores are both definitely worth a visit so you should bite the bullet and book the plane tickets.

#4 You can only fly to Portugal mainland directly from Sao Miguel and Terceira Islands

When planning your route, think about the fact that you can only get back to the mainland on a direct flight from either Sao Miguel or Terceira. The other islands have flights available but you will need to make a stopover.

We ended our trip in Flores, which, I’m grateful for in a way because it was definitely the most beautiful island out of them all! However, we then had to wait 5 hours in Sao Miguel airport on the way back to Lisbon.

If I were to give you some advice re the route to take…

I’d say fly into Terceira. From here, take advantage of the ferry routes and visit any of the smaller islands that you have your eye on. I’ve heard that Sao Jorge and Pico are worth a visit.

From the smaller islands, you can take a flight to Flores.

From Flores you can fly down to Sao Miguel and then fly back to the mainland from there.

If you want to make a pit-stop in Santa Maria, you will need to fly from Sao Miguel as the ferry has also been removed.

#5 The weather is very unpredictable

Have you ever been to Melbourne in Australia and you look out of your window and it’s a beautiful sunny day, so you put on your shorts. You step outside and a few moments later there’s torrential rain…

Well, Melbourne is worse than The Azores, however, be prepared for the weather to change in a heartbeat.

The mobile weather apps are pretty useless but a local guy told me to download this app which worked way better. It’s based on clouds and wind so it’s more accurate. You can download it from the app store – it’s called WindGuru.

Anyway, my advice is to pack for all weather conditions. We’re not talking extreme winter sports here, but take a jacket and long trousers with you, and definitely take a rain coat!

That being said, you’ll also need sun cream, a hat and your sunglasses ;)!

TIP! There are live webcams in most tourist spots in the Azores so you can check them before you head to a location!

This is awesome as you can tell if a spot is worth visiting or not depending on the weather. Simply type in ‘live webcam [location]’ into Google!

#6 Visiting The Azores: You should always have some cash on you

Unlike Portugal’s mainland (mostly the Algarve) The Azores do actually accept card in a lot of places. However, there were a few times when the ‘card machine was broken’ and we had to pay cash.

There are ATM’s on the island but I always prefer to get it out beforehand just in case the machine were to eat my card and then I didn’t have any way of getting money.

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If you find this blog post helpful or use any of the tips, I’d love to know! Leave me a comment below or send me a message on Instagram 🙂

I’ll be writing a ton of blogs re visiting The Azores in the next few weeks. For now, check out my Canary Island blogs for some inspo on another AMAZING group of islands.

The post Visiting The Azores: What You Need to Know appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.