6. Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint

The Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint is the highest point on Terceira and part of a large nature reserve, at an altitude of 1,021 meters (3,350 feet). From this viewpoint you'll have a very wide panoramic view of the island's interior, with the green slopes of the mountain range, the ocean in the background, and on clear days, even the islands of São Jorge and Pico.

This area is one of the island's main cloud condensation zones, which explains the rapid weather changes in this area. If when you arrive there are clouds and you can't see the views, we recommend waiting a few minutes, as it is very likely to clear up.

Getting to the Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint is straightforward by car and there is plenty of parking space. It is a quick and highly recommended stop if you want to get a sweeping perspective of the island from above.

If you'd like to learn a little more, the Serra de Santa Bárbara Interpretation Center is located very close by, where you can find out more about the formation and nature of this area.

The viewpoint is also just a few minutes away from must-see spots such as Furnas do Enxofre, Algar do Carvão, and Gruta do Natal, making it easy to visit everything in the same day. Halfway between these spots and the viewpoint you'll also find Patas Lagoon, another pleasant stop in the interior of Terceira.

​