Monte Brasil

This circular route traverses the Monte Brasil, a geossite born from an ancient extinct volcano that formed in the sea and was later joined to the area where Angra do Heroísmo now stands, a city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is here that you will find the Fortress of São João Baptista, built in the late 16th century and considered one of the largest fortresses that Spain constructed anywhere in the world.

The trail starts near Relvão park. Head upwards towards the fortress and, after passing through the archway, turn left. You will find the chapel of Santo António, dating from 1615, and from there continue ahead with open views over the southeastern part of the island, the bay and the city of Angra do Heroísmo itself. The path continues along a shortcut to the right, climbing up to a picnic area and passing by the Pico of Facho, where a Semaphore Station is located.

From this point, the trail circles the caldera, in a section where endemic heather of the Açores (Erica azorica) dominates, and passes by the ruins of Forte da Quebrada, which was part of the defensive complex of the Fortress of São João Baptista. Back on the main path, vegetation gradually gives way to incense trees (Pittosporum undulatum). Then make a detour to the left to reach the whale watching post and an old post from the Second World War.

Return along the same shortcut and head towards the Pico of Cruzinhas, within the Recreational Forest Reserve of Monte Brasil. It is one of the best places to contemplate Angra do Heroísmo and also features some bird aviaries and other animals, old anti-aircraft artillery pieces from the Second World War and the monument to the V Centenary of the Settlement of Terceira Island (1432-1932). From here, the path descends and passes the Fortress again until reaching Relvão park, where the route ends.