Rocha dos Bordões
Witness the awe-inspiring basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões, a monumental geological wonder on Flores Island, Azores.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & fewer clouds
Rocha dos Bordões
Best Time
Best light & fewer clouds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the awe-inspiring basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões, a monumental geological wonder on Flores Island, Azores.
"Monumental nature sculptural formations that take your breath away!"
Check the Weather First
Clouds can hide the view! Check forecasts for clear skies before making the journey. :cloud:
Roadside Viewing Only
No hiking trails here. Enjoy the view from designated pull-offs along the road. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Basalt Columns
Roadside viewpoint
Towering vertical basalt columns, some up to 20 meters high, create a surreal, otherworldly landscape.
Natural Sculptures
Roadside viewpoint
These monumental formations are a testament to nature's artistry, shaped by ancient volcanic lava flows.
Lush Surroundings
Roadside viewpoint
Vibrant, verdant nature envelops the basalt columns, creating a fairytale-like setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessibility & Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Weather First
Clouds can hide the view! Check forecasts for clear skies before making the journey. :cloud:
Roadside Viewing Only
No hiking trails here. Enjoy the view from designated pull-offs along the road. :car:
Bring Your Camera!
The unique basalt columns are incredibly photogenic. Capture them from different angles. :camerawithflash:
Remote Location
It's a long drive to get here, so plan your route and allow ample travel time. :round_pushpin:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First
Clouds can hide the view! Check forecasts for clear skies before making the journey. :cloud:
Roadside Viewing Only
No hiking trails here. Enjoy the view from designated pull-offs along the road. :car:
Bring Your Camera!
The unique basalt columns are incredibly photogenic. Capture them from different angles. :camerawithflash:
Remote Location
It's a long drive to get here, so plan your route and allow ample travel time. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the monumental and unique basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões, calling it a breathtaking natural sculpture. While the remote location and roadside viewing are noted, the sheer geological wonder makes it a highly recommended stop for its impressive natural artistry.
"Rocha dos Bordões is a unique geological formal that easily takes your breath away and has you wanting to see it from every angle possible. It's an amazing feature of nature. Not to be missed!"
Aldonio Ferreira
"Pretty cool to see. A lot further away than you would think."
X. V.
"Monumental nature sculptural formations"
Tune Kantharoup
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rocha dos Bordões is located on the southwest side of Flores Island, along the road between the parishes of Mosteiro and Lajedo. It's best accessed by car, with pull-offs available for viewing. The drive itself can be scenic but is quite remote.
While visible from the road, direct access for hiking is limited. The primary viewing is from roadside viewpoints. Be prepared for a journey to reach this more secluded spot.
Flights are the primary way to reach Flores Island, typically connecting through Lisbon or Porto. Once on the island, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring its various attractions, including Rocha dos Bordões.
Public transport on Flores Island is limited. Renting a car is the most practical and recommended way to visit Rocha dos Bordões and other remote locations.
The travel time depends heavily on your starting point on Flores Island. It's a significant drive from the main towns, so factor in at least an hour or more, depending on road conditions and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rocha dos Bordões is a natural geological formation and is freely accessible from the roadside. There are no entrance fees.
As a natural outdoor attraction, Rocha dos Bordões does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit it at any time, though daylight hours are best for viewing.
There is no dedicated visitor center at Rocha dos Bordões. Information is primarily gathered from roadside signage and online resources.
While technically possible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the inability to fully appreciate the geological formations in the dark.
The main restriction is that viewing is from the roadside. Please respect the natural environment and do not attempt to climb on the formations.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Avoid midday sun if possible for more dramatic shots. 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the basalt columns and the surrounding landscape. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current local drone laws and regulations for Flores Island before flying. Always prioritize safety and respect for the environment.
Experiment with different perspectives from the roadside pull-offs. Shooting from a lower angle can emphasize the height of the columns, while a wider shot captures the entire scene.
Viewing is primarily from the road. While you can get relatively close from the designated viewpoints, climbing on the formations is discouraged for safety and preservation.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is admiring and photographing the impressive basalt columns. It's a place for quiet contemplation of nature's power and beauty.
Unfortunately, there are no dedicated hiking trails directly to or around the basalt columns. Viewing is from the roadside.
Rocha dos Bordões features prismatic basalt columns formed by the slow cooling of volcanic lava flows approximately 570,000 years ago. This is a type of columnar jointing.
Yes, there are roadside pull-offs that serve as informal viewpoints, allowing visitors to stop and admire the formations.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, even though there's no hiking. Layers are advisable as weather can change quickly on Flores Island.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Emphasize the 'giant's causeway' aspect to make it relatable for kids. While there are no play areas, the sheer scale of the basalt columns can spark imagination. Ensure children stay safely within designated viewing areas and do not attempt to climb on the rocks.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan your route to include multiple viewpoints and natural attractions. Rocha dos Bordões is a key stop, but don't miss other roadside wonders. Be prepared for narrow roads and occasional fog, which adds to the mystique. Allow ample time for spontaneous stops to capture the stunning scenery.
📸 Photographers
+1Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the formations and the surrounding environment. Consider a tripod for sharper images in varying light conditions. Experiment with different angles from the roadside pull-offs to find the most compelling shots. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to capture aerial views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Rocha dos Bordões
This type of geological feature, known as disjunção prismática or colunar, is found in various volcanic regions worldwide. The sheer scale and regularity of the columns at Rocha dos Bordões make it a particularly striking example. Visitors often marvel at how nature can create such ordered and monumental structures. The surrounding lush greenery further enhances the visual impact, contrasting the dark, geometric basalt with vibrant natural hues.
+1While there are no hiking trails directly into the formations, the roadside viewpoints offer excellent perspectives. Travelers often note the unique beauty and the feeling of standing before a natural sculpture. It’s a powerful reminder of the island's volcanic past and the ongoing geological processes that shape our planet.
Experiencing Flores Island's Natural Beauty
Visitors often describe Flores as feeling like a fairytale, with its abundant waterfalls cascading down cliffs and its verdant hillsides. The weather on Flores can be unpredictable, with frequent mist and rain, which, while sometimes obscuring views, also contributes to its lushness and mystical atmosphere. Travelers who embrace the island's natural rhythm often find the most rewarding experiences.
When visiting Rocha dos Bordões, consider dedicating time to explore other highlights of Flores, such as the Poço da Alagoinha (also known as Lagoa dos Patos), the Fajã Grande waterfalls, and the various viewpoints offering panoramic ocean vistas. The journey to these locations often involves winding roads through stunning scenery, making the entire trip an adventure in itself.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit