Flores

It seems a little like Ireland or Switzerland, but this is Flores, one of the Portuguese Azores archipelago's islands, and you'll fall in love with it. Its lush hills rise above gorgeous lagoons and inlets, all of which run directly into the Atlantic Ocean. The Santa Cruz das Flores Arch, the islet of Maria Vaz, and the sea caves of Gruta dos Enxaréus and Gruta do Galo can all be seen while sailing along Flores' coastline. Diving lovers will fall in love with Alagoa Bay, but you'll have to travel to Garaju to see a dusky grouper.

There are seven volcanic craters in Flores that have converted into lakes over time. The scenery is breathtaking, and you may go to Lagoa Funda. An journey to Rocha dos Bordoes, basaltic columns formed by a volcanic explosion that provide a spectacular hilltop scene, is also highly recommended. History buffs will appreciate Santa Cruz das Flores, where they can visit the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceiço and take a stroll around the Praça do Marquês do Pombal.

A trip to Flores would be incomplete without a stop at the Morro Alto Nature Reserve, which offers some of the greatest views of the entire island. The region is accessible by the Pico dos Sete Pes, which also features a lovely waterfall. The two neighbouring lakes of Negra and Comprida, located in the highlands at an altitude of around 600 meters, will also thrill nature enthusiasts. The former, which is known for its depth, is connected to the latter by a cascade that runs into Lake Comprida.

Location: Azores Platform