Santa Cruz is the largest town on Flores with the best tourist facilities. Here you will also find the Flores FLW airport.
The town is home to two supermarkets, a post office, offices, and perhaps the only classic hotels of the whole island. Santa Cruz das Flores is a beautifully landscaped town with pleasant little parks and thanks to the airport, the only entry point to the island, you will definitely visit it at least twice during your stay.
Prices and availability of accommodation on Flores
Sights and attractions
The central landmark of Santa Cruz das Flores is the beautiful 18th-century Nossa Senhora da Conceição church, which is free to enter at any time.
The northern part of the town entices bathing in the sea when the weather is nice, which is quite a unique pastime on the island of Flores due to the complete absence of beaches.
The sea here creates natural pools of calm water in the cliffs formed by dried lava, with artificial access through concrete stairs and walls.
Access to these pools is free 24/7.
On the southern edge of town, visit a nicely landscaped park with several outdoor grills and running water perfect for picnicking. There are beautiful views not only of the city, but also of the wild coastline and the runway of the local airport, which is literally just a few dozen metres away.
The town lives its own quiet life and despite being the centre of all the action on the island, there's a sleepy calm and tranquillity about it.
Where to shop?
Santa Cruz das Flores is the island's main shopping town. Tourists are likely to be interested in the grocery stores and supermarkets.
- Hélio's supermarket - in the centre of the village, see map
- Weekdays 9:00-19:00
- Saturday 9:00-18:00
- Sundays and holidays closed
- Floratlântico Supermarket - at the north end of town near the airport, see map
- Weekdays and Saturday 9:00-19:00
- Sundays and public holidays 14:00-18:00
- Minimarket Luis Gregorio - near the airport and natural pools, see map
- Weekdays and Saturday 9:00-18:00
- Sundays and holidays closed
You can also find a post office in the town centre (9am-12:30pm, 2pm-5:30pm) or a souvenir shop where you can buy things like postcards, roughly at this location.
Of course there are several restaurants, the most popular being the fish restaurants near the harbour.
Tips for accommodation
Santa Cruz das Flores is ideal if you are looking for places with facilities, shops and restaurants.
Classic hotels
Apartments in the centre
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Flores.
