Flores Island

Flores is a small island paradise in the middle of the Atlantic. The name means flowers in Portuguese because of the profusion of flowers everywhere. The landscape consists of steep hills and valleys, high cliffs, numerous waterfalls, lagoons, and meadows.  The population of about 4000 lives in two larger communities, Santa Cruz and Lajes, and in small picturesque villages throughout the island. The beautiful landscape and slow pace provide a refreshing escape from the hectic pace of life in most large cities.  

I visited the island with my brother, who is in some of the photos below, and I hope to go back soon for an extended stay.  Also, in the last photo is (someone I met there) an American from California who went to Flores to discover his ancestral roots found the old homestead (just a pile of stones, literally), then proceeded to work through almost ten years of red tape to acquire the deed to the land, and finally with the help of the few remaining skilled stonemasons, restored the house to its original condition. He now spends six months every year in Flores.