Geological formation and landscape
A spectacular vertical basalt formation, one of Flores' most iconic landscapes.
FLORES
Rocha dos Bordões
A spectacular vertical basalt formation, one of Flores' most iconic landscapes.
Decide whether Rocha dos Bordões fits today
Photo informationPhoto: Fbatistaphoto · License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Source and licenseSource
Time needed30 min
Access~10 min from Fajã Grande
PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
The history, identity and landscape of the place
Rocha dos Bordões is not simply a large rock formation. It is a Natural Monument and geosite on the southwest side of Flores, where a trachybasaltic lava flow cooled into striking vertical columns. The protected area covers about 10 hectares and reaches a maximum altitude of 493 metres. Rocha dos Bordões. In the Azores, weather and local conditions can change quickly, so the best choice depends on both what you want to do and the context of the moment.
The columns are roughly 20 metres high and are estimated to be around 570,000 years old. Their regular vertical structure is the result of columnar or prismatic jointing during the cooling of the lava. Seen from the road or nearby viewpoints, the formation looks almost constructed, which is exactly why the local name refers to stone staffs. This guide does not try to build an itinerary for you.
It first gives you the keys to understand Rocha dos Bordões: what the place tells you, what you are actually going to see, and the details that can change the experience. A spectacular vertical basalt formation, one of Flores' most iconic landscapes.
ON SITE
What you will really discover
Time and access
It first gives you the keys to understand Rocha dos Bordões: what the place tells you, what you are actually going to see, and the details that can change the experience.
Conditions for the visit
In the Azores, weather and local conditions can change quickly, so the best choice depends on both what you want to do and the context of the moment.
Basalt columns of Flores
It is a Natural Monument and geosite on the southwest side of Flores, where a trachybasaltic lava flow cooled into striking vertical columns.
CHOOSE HOW TO VISIT
Choose how to visit: Rocha dos Bordões
This page brings together DHT editorial guidance about Rocha dos Bordões. In the Azores, weather and local conditions can change quickly, so the best choice depends on both what you want to do and the context of the moment.
It is a Natural Monument made of large vertical basalt columns created by the cooling of an ancient lava flow. The columns are about 20 metres high and roughly 570,000 years old. What can you combine with Rocha dos Bordões? It fits naturally into a west or southwest Flores day, particularly with Mosteiro, Lajedo, Fajã Grande and the island’s waterfall landscapes.
MARIA™
Plan your trip with Maria™
Plan your trip with Maria™Rocha dos Bordões can be integrated into your trip with Maria™, taking the overall pace of your stay into account.
MIGUEL™
Decide on site with Miguel™
Decide on site with Miguel™Miguel™ can compare this place with available conditions, the time you have and other options on the island.
WHEN CONDITIONS MATTER
When conditions matter
Rocha dos Bordões is not simply a large rock formation. It is a Natural Monument and geosite on the southwest side of Flores, where a trachybasaltic lava flow cooled into striking vertical columns. The protected area covers about 10 hectares and reaches a maximum altitude of 493 metres. Does weather matter at Rocha dos Bordões? Very much. Cloud and rain can reduce visibility and make the surrounding rocks slippery. Clear weather gives a much better sense of the formation and landscape.