Porto das Lajes, Flores, Azores

Porto das Lajes, Flores, Azores

The island of Flores is the western most of the Archipelago of Azores and of Europe. It is 17 km long and 12.5 km wide for a total area of 143 sq. km. The Azores must be one of the few places where more foreign visitors arrive by yacht than by air.

Life for many of the approximate 5,000 islanders has changed little over the years. Many still make a living from farming in the rich volcanic soil and from raising stock. Whitewashed cottages cluster in meadows among the rolling hillsides ending in steep cliffs. The name Flores (flowers) comes from the thousands of flowers that line the roadsides. Red and yellow canna lillies, blue agapanthus, orange montbretia, blue hydrangea and pink climbing roses.

We are anchored in the harbor at Porto das Lajes located on the SE corner of the island. The village is built on the side of the cliff and its many small lanes provide lots of exploring and one climbs up and up and up. Each house has its own garden and chickens with an occasional cow, pig or goat, and oh, lots of cats. The house, garden and grounds are all kept scrupulously neat and tidy.

Next stop, Horta on the SE corner of the island of Faial.