Flores is the westernmost inhabited island in Europe. Although the island is geologically located on the North American tectonic plate, it is generally considered to be a European landmass due to the fact that it is part of the European archipelago of the Azores.

Although the westernmost point of Europe itself is not breathtaking, it lies in the most beautiful western part of the island and is very accessible, so at least for geography enthusiasts a visit to this place is not to be missed.

For the record, the westernmost point of continental Europe, Cabo da Roca, is also in Portugal.

How to get to the Cape?

The westernmost point of Europe's most westerly inhabited island can be found right in the municipality of Fajã Grande.

The headland is made up of hardened lava rock and has a road with a footpath around it. It's a somewhat tortuous journey through the lava field to the very end of the mainland, but the distance is very short: you only walk about 200 metres from the road.

Unfortunately, there is no memorial plaque or information board at which you can take a photo.

Monchique Islet

The truly westernmost piece of European rock - in this case, it's not even possible to talk about the word "island" - lies another 900 metres or so from the shores of Flores, and is a natural formation called Monchique Islet.

This islet measures about 15 metres in height, 20 metres in length and 10 metres in width and is easily visible from the coast around Fajã Grande.

Monchique Islet

Cruise to Monchique Islet

If you'd like to be as close as possible to the real westernmost piece of Europe, there are cruises to Monchique Islet that sail around the island of Flores, usually departing from Santa Cruz on the other side of the island.

These cruises usually last around 3 hours and cost around 50 eur.

You can book a cruise with an agency such as Floresbysea.pt. It is not possible to disembark at Monchique Islet, the boats only go just past it.

There are no regular short cruises from Faja Grande only at the moment.