What you'll do

My first visit to Flores was just for a single night, and in those 24 hours, I managed to see a lot, but the pace of my trip was, to put it mildly, intense.

If you're planning to spend only one night on Flores, you’ll need to move at a similar pace to cover as many key spots as possible. I wouldn’t recommend including hiking or relaxing vacation activities like swimming in natural pools, sunbathing, or dining at restaurants. With just one day, your priority should be to see the island's main highlights.

You'll likely arrive by plane in the afternoon in Santa Cruz, the island's capital. After picking up a rental car, head straight to explore the western part of the island. I recommend watching the sunset at Miradouro do Portal, then spending the night in Fajã Grande at one of the accommodations suggested in the itinerary.

The next morning, head east to catch the sunrise and visit a few more attractions. If you have some time left before your departure, consider taking a dip in the natural pools of Santa Cruz just before your flight.

Keep in mind that you can arrive at the airport as little as 30 to 40 minutes before takeoff.