Portugal Flores, Faja Grande, Azores Islands

Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the towering cliffs of western Flores, Fajã Grande is easily one of the most beautifully situated villages in the Azores. From above, you can see the traditional white houses with red roofs clustered among green fields, volcanic hills, and the rugged coastline. Its relatively small size and isolated setting give the village a character that feels very different from the larger settlements of São Miguel.

A drone is perfect for showing the setting of Fajã Grande, rather than focusing only on individual buildings. I like flying slightly inland and looking back across the village toward the Atlantic, which lets you combine the red rooftops, patchwork fields, mountains, and ocean in a single frame. Late-afternoon light works especially well on this western side of Flores, while broken clouds can create beautiful pockets of light across the village and surrounding landscape.

Fajã Grande is an excellent place to stay for a few nights while exploring Flores. Despite its remote location, the village has accommodation and places to eat, while many of the island's most impressive natural sights are close by. The famous waterfalls around Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, several hiking trails, and some of Flores' most dramatic coastal scenery are all within easy reach.

It is also one of the best places on the island to slow down: walk through the village, explore the surrounding fields and coastline, and finish the day watching the sunset over the Atlantic. Because Fajã Grande sits on the western side of the island, the sunsets here can be particularly beautiful.