Fajã Grande – Flores Island

Fajã Grande is a rural parish located in the municipality of Lajes das Flores, on the Flores Island. Together with Fajãzinha, it forms one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Azores, near enormous cliffs where waterfalls and cascades of unparalleled beauty flow down.

With a very small population of just around 200 inhabitants, it is still one of the most populated parishes in the municipality of Lajes das Flores and a popular destination for many island residents in the summer. During this season, bars and restaurants open their doors to welcome vacationers. However, the atmosphere remains one of tranquility and peace.

Fajã Grande is the kind of place where you will feel compelled to admire the lush green landscape and the unique atmosphere of the Azorean coastline.

This beautiful parish is bordered on one side by the massive Rocha da Fajã, which exceeds 600 meters in height at certain points, and on the other by the low, rugged coastline. Fajã Grande is also considered the westernmost point of all Europe, with only the uninhabited islet of Monchique lying to the west.

History of Fajã Grande

The region began to be settled in the early 16th century, and its population grew rapidly. A few decades later, Fajã Grande was already a center for commercial transactions, receiving caravels from India at its port, which found refreshment in its waters, as it was the first land they encountered on their return journey.

The region was also a favored landing spot for pirates and privateers due to its easy access. Fajã Grande continued to prosper over the following centuries, developing the urban structure it has today, which sets it apart from other rural parishes in the Azores.

Characteristics

The location is very quiet and preserved, with several summer houses.

The port, which was once one of the main ones on Flores Island, is now the popular Fajã Grande Swimming Area. To the east, 700 meters away, is access to the beautiful Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau, which is about 90 meters high.

The best view of this locality can be obtained from the Fajãzinha viewpoint. From there, you can see a beautiful landscape, with the village in the foreground, followed by the waterfalls and cascades, the mills, and the stone shelters.

Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau

The Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau is located 700 meters from the port and can be reached via a stone path that leads directly to the water pool formed by the waterfall.

With over 90 meters in height, it is a very abundant waterfall during the rainy seasons and reduces to little more than a thick, abundant mist during the dry season. Its waters flow into a lagoon surrounded by natural and endemic vegetation, which is used as a swimming area.

The entire Fajã Grande is truly a paradise-like and extraordinary setting that deserves to be appreciated up close. Whether for enjoying a barbecue in the swimming area, swimming at the pebble beach, or bathing in the Natural Pools of Salema (photo below) located south of Fajã Grande, in the neighboring municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores, it is an unforgettable and picturesque excursion not to be missed during your stay on Flores Island.

Location on the Map

Video

Also see: Places to visit on Flores Island