6. Monte Brasil Nature Reserve

The Monte Brasil Nature Reserve is an extinct volcano connected to the city of Angra do Heroísmo, forming a peninsula with spectacular views of the bay and the city. Inside it stands the Fortress of São João Baptista, built in the late 16th century to protect the island from pirate attacks, surrounded by dense forests and lush vegetation, with both native and tropical species.

Hiking along its slopes is ideal for enjoying both nature and history, as you'll come across ruins, artillery remains, and spectacular viewpoints from where you can take in the city, the Cabras Islets, and on clear days, even the islands of São Jorge and Pico.

If you enjoy hiking, one of Terceira's official trails runs through here — trail PRC04TER, a 7.5 km circular route of moderate difficulty that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Along the way, you'll pass several viewpoints, remains of ancient fortifications, and wooded areas full of birds and endemic plants, while also discovering how this volcano was formed thousands of years ago and how it has shaped the island's geography.

While exploring it on foot or by car is a great option, one approach we highly recommend is doing it with this guided electric bike tour. We love this option because you can comfortably reach spots that would take more effort to access on foot, and thanks to the guide accompanying you, you can uncover historical and natural details you might otherwise miss on your own.

In addition to the fortress and the trails, Monte Brasil is like a natural sanctuary where local flora and fauna are protected. So if you're in Angra do Heroísmo, this is a must-visit spot on the island of Terceira.

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