Lajes Das Flores combines a basalt landscape by the sea with a circular trail and a distinctive historic townscape. Local attractions and connections offer different points of interest.
Basalt Landscape by the Sea
The lava delta of Lajes das Flores consists of basalt flows that have reached the sea. It forms a rocky headland extending between the Farol da Ponta das Lajes lighthouse and the port of Porto das Lajes. This brings the geological formation into direct connection with two prominent landmarks of the town.
The Costa Sul e Sudoeste area, which includes the lava delta, is designated a Special Area of Conservation within the Natura 2000 network and is also a geosite in the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Azores. Visitors who want to explore landforms as well as local history during their stay will find a distinct focus here.
The Fajã de Lopo Vaz Circular Trail
The Fajã de Lopo Vaz circular trail PRC04FLO is 3.4 kilometres long and takes two hours to walk. It starts and ends at the Miradouro da Fajã de Lopo Vaz viewpoint. This time estimate helps you plan the trail as a separate outing during the day.
It is also important to distinguish between the access route description and the circular trail: the access route description starts at the Lajes das Flores town hall, while the trail itself starts and ends at the viewpoint. This keeps the stated access starting point clearly distinct from the two endpoints of the circular trail.
Church and Historic Townscape
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário is the parish church of Lajes das Flores. It was built between 1763 and 1783 on the site of the former Ermida do Espírito Santo. Its façade was covered with azulejos in the 19th century, and the interior is richly decorated with woodcarvings. Its construction history thus spans the church building of the 18th century and a later alteration to the façade.
From Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, you can enjoy views of the port and part of Lajes das Flores. The church also serves as a starting point for exploring the Impérios of Lajes das Flores. The townscape also features basalt ashlar houses and a bridge dating from 1743 over the Ribeira dos Morros.
Another historical landmark is the Farol da Ponta das Lajes lighthouse, which began operating on 10 October 1910. Its tower is 16 metres high and stands 99 metres above sea level. The church, bridge and lighthouse each offer a different point of interest: a religious building and its furnishings, a dated structure over a river, and a lighthouse with a documented date it began operating.
Bus and Seasonal Ferry Connections
Public transport route Circuito 2 connects Lajes das Flores with Fazenda, Lomba, Caveira, R. Cruz and Santa Cruz. Circuito 3 connects Fajã, Fajãzinha, Mosteiro, Lajedo and Lajes das Flores. If you plan your outings by bus, check the route and times against the current timetable before travelling.
From July to August, seasonal ferry connections run from the port of Lajes das Flores via Horta to the other islands; the services carry passengers and vehicles. Check the seasonal timetables for your chosen travel dates before setting off. This allows you to consider bus connections between the named places and the seasonal ferry service as separate parts of your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Fajãzinha, Santa Cruz Das Flores.
Return to the main travel overview: Flores.
