Pico Alto – Santa Maria Island

Located on Santa Maria Island, in the parish of Santa Bárbara, municipality of Vila do Porto, Azores archipelago, Pico Alto is considered the highest point of the island, and its viewpoints are excellent for admiring the beauty of the entire island.

Depending on the day’s visibility, you can also spot the beautiful neighboring island of São Miguel.

Pico Alto stands 590 meters high, and from its summit, you can enjoy a fantastic 360º view of Santa Maria Island. Depending on the wind’s humidity, clouds may form around the peak, which can obstruct the view.

Photo by Carlos Cruz

For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the weather conditions beforehand to make the most of your trip and the scenery. However, the clouds also create a unique and wonderful atmosphere.

The nature of Santa Maria Island is stunning when viewed from Pico Alto. You’ll breathe fresh air, observe the lush vegetation next to an arid coastline with flat relief, and enjoy the surrounding blue sea. It’s a truly relaxing moment for the soul.

Don’t miss the chance to hike up to Pico Alto and take fantastic photos of this beautiful Azorean landscape.

See also: Poço da Pedreira – Santa Maria Island

Photo by Carlos Cruz

History of Pico Alto

Pico Alto is of volcanic origin, covered in a magnificent layer of vegetation, including laurel forest with some endemic species. Vila do Porto is the only place in the Azores where the soil contains sedimentary formations, leading to the discovery of various mollusk fossils, as well as larger species.

Although much of Santa Maria Island’s territory has been explored throughout its history, it is still possible to find some native species in the Pico Alto area, such as heather, broom, laurel, and juniper.

An important historical feature of the region is the “Casamatas of Pico Alto,” built between 1956 and 1957 during the Cold War, after the Warsaw Pact of 1955. These bunkers were constructed to house a radar station managed by the Portuguese Air Force. Today, they are decommissioned and in poor condition, serving only for radio transmissions.

Photo by Carlos Cruz

Attractions and Hiking Trail

The main attraction is to hike the trail to Pico Alto, walking through the lush flora of Santa Maria, passing pastures with cows, in a protected area. Along the way, you’ll come across several viewpoints offering different perspectives of the island’s landscapes. Don’t forget your camera!

Photo by Dreizung

The trail begins at the Pico Alto parking area. Then, there’s a staircase near a military building that leads you to the highest point on Santa Maria Island, where every detail is worth it.

Another option is to head north from the starting point, following a forested area. You’ll find large trees like Cryptomeria, which cover much of Pico Alto, as well as other endemic vegetation such as folhado and uva-da-serra.

There are many trails available on the island, so put on some comfortable shoes and enjoy the walk! It’s a unique experience!

1989 Air Disaster

Along the trails, you’ll find a monument built in memory of the tragic air disaster that occurred in 1989 on Pico Alto, claiming the lives of 144 passengers and crew members. The crash happened at an altitude of 546 meters while the aircraft was maneuvering for approach to the runway.

Photo by Carlos Cruz

Location on the Map

Pico Alto Video

Enjoy your stay on Santa Maria Island and explore Pico Alto!