Beth and Philippe Le Manach take a boat ride to a pirate's cave; Flores Island, Portugal

Beth Philippe Le Manach are a Franco-American couple on their first trip to Portugal, and Flores Island takes them into the heart of Portuguese culture. This removed, isolated island of incredible natural beauty is an infinite pool of discovery, from breathtaking waterfalls to the rocky beach buried underneath. They discover the islands inland full of beautiful hydrangeas, magical villages and historical churches and they head out to sea to re-trace the route to the old pirate's cave hideaway.

• The Azores consist of nine separate islands.
  
• Flores is the furthest from the mainland. It's 9 miles long and 6.7 miles wide.
  
• You'll need to rent a car to get around the island.
  
• Santa Cruz is the capital of Flores, and Lajes is the second largest village on the island.
  
• It's a 5-minute drive to the nearest village, Faja Grande.
  
• The village of Aldeia da Cuada is the best place to stay on Flores.
  
• There are over 300 waterfalls on Flores Island.
  
• Look for bargains on the pottery, tiles and local crafts.
  
• Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao was built in the 19^th century.
  
• Flores was a hideout for pirates because of its position between Europe, Africa and the Americas, and whaling was a traditional part of the Azorean life until 1984.
  
• The Emigrants Festival is Flores' biggest celebration and takes place in mid-July.
  
• Temperatures can be cool even in the summer.
  
• Flights from U.S. run from Boston to San Miguel
  
• Weather on the island is unpredictable and may cause flight cancellation.

Resources

Portuguese National Tourist Office
590 Fifth Avenue, 4^th Floor, New York, New York 10036-4704
800-PORTUGAL
www.portugalinsite.pt

Azores Express/Sata International
800-762-9995
www.sata.pt

Solar do Castelo
Rua das Cozinhas, 2 (ao Castelo), 1100-181 Lisbon, Portugal
Ph: 011-351-218-870-909
solar.castelo@heritage.pt, www.heritage.pt/en/solardocastelo.htm
There are 14 rooms to choose from ranging in price from $200-$500 a night.

Aldeia da Cuada
9960-070 Cuada, Azores, Portugal
Ph: 011-351-292-590-040, 011-292-592-856
aldeiacuada@mail.telepac.pt, www.aldeiadacuada.com
There are 14 cottages to choose from, renting for $60-$85 per night.

The Flores Museum
Saint Boaventura Convent, Largo da Misericordia, 9970 Santa Cruz Das Flores
Ph: 011-351-292-592159
The Flores Museum is housed in a 17^th century Church of Sao Boaventura.

Diva Catarina Bettencourt and Silva Malaeiros
Ph: 011-351-292-542-963, 011-351-964-220-645
elisiario@noninet.pt
A boat trip to pirate's cave costs $25 per person.