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The Monte Brasil peninsula is located in the city of Angra do Heroísmo, on the south coast of Terceira Island, in the Azores. It is the largest tuff cone in the Azores, and is flanked by two bays: Angra, to the east, and Fanal, to the west. Its crater is surrounded by four elevations: Picos das Cruzinhas, do Facho, da Vigia da Baleia and do Zimbreiro. It is therefore an excellent viewpoint over the city of Angra do Heroísmo, the entire southern part of Terceira and the neighboring islands.
A variety of leisure activities can be enjoyed here, such as hiking, cycling and visiting various points such as the Fortress of São João Baptista, Pico das Cruzinhas and the Chapel of Santo António. In short, there is so much to do there that I decided to write this guide about Monte Brasil: everything you need to know about one of the best places in Terceira island 🙂
No time to read a long article? Here’s a summary
- How to explore Monte Brasil: riding an electric bike, by foot (by doing the hiking trail PRC04 TER) or riding a car.
- Best things to do in Monte Brasil: do a picnic, enjoys the views, feed the animals that live there, enjoy the playgrounds at Parque do Relvão, inspect the Anti-Aircraft Battery from WW2, take fantastic photos at the viewpoints :)
The history of Monte Brasil
It was during the Philippine dynasty (1580 – 1640), when Portugal was – unfortunately – dominated by the Spanish kings, that the history of Monte Brasil truly began. At that time, one of the largest Atlantic fortifications of the time was built: the Fortress of São João Baptista, one of the largest built by Spain in the entire world. It was this fort that, together with the Fort of São Sebastião (today occupied by the hotel Pousada de Portugal), defended the city and port of Angra do Heroísmo from attacks by pirates and corsairs, who tried to seize the riches brought by the ships of the India Route.
Despite its military context, it has a recreational atmosphere provided by the mild climate, the dense vegetation and the different viewpoints it offers over the city and the sea.
How to explore Monte Brasil
There are basically three ways of exploring Monte Brasil:
- riding an electric bike, which for me is the coolest way :)
- by foot, by doing the hiking trail PRC04 TER.
- riding a car.
I did all three options so that I could write this article (the things I do for you!), so let’s explore each option, shall we?
Option 1: Riding an electric bike in Monte Brasil
I was a little skeptical about booking this e-bike tour in Monte Brasil (mainly because I’m not used to riding a bike) but, in fact, it was a very well spent 2 hours :)
The day started with my guide picking me up at my hotel in Angra do Heroísmo (note: pick-up is not available for accommodations outside the city). Groups can have up to 6 people, but that day there were only 4 of us, so the guide explained to us how the bikes worked and explained all the safety rules.
From there we went to Monte Brasil and I can tell you that it makes a difference whether you travel around the peninsula alone or with a local guide, who has more knowledge not only about the history of the city but also about the local fauna and flora.
I personally really enjoyed traveling around Monte Basil on an e-bike with a local guide!
Price: €39 / person.
Duration: 1h30 / 2h00.
Opening times: 2pm and 5pm.
Naturally, this is the most expensive way to explore Monte Brasil, so if you are on a budget, read the other options: hiking the trail or visiting Monte Brasil by car.
Option 2: Doing the hiking trail PRC04 TER
I really enjoyed hiking in Monte Brasil, and so I included it on my list of the best hikes in Terceira island.
The trail starts at the Parque Municipal do Relvão, a huge lawn, full of playgrounds and with a very large car park right next to it. It is where you should park your car; if you are getting to Monte Brasil by taxi and you want to do this trail, you should ask the driver to exit at Parque do Relvão.
Entering the park, you’ll start a not very difficult climb and, as you go up, you’ll be graced with fantastic views over the city of Angra do Heroísmo and its bay. It’s really beautiful!
The trail continues along the shortcut on the right that goes up to a picnic area, where you can have a picnic. Then you’ll continue through heather and incense woods, until you reach Pico das Cruzinhas, where there are old anti-aircraft artillery pieces from the Second World War. The view from Pico das Cruzinhas is nothing special, but head to the “Monument to King Dom Afonso VI”, because the view from there is well worth it. Finally, a somewhat steep (but not difficult) descent to Parque do Relvão.
Practical information about Monte Brasil Hiking Trail
- Distance to cover: 7,4 km.
- Average duration: 2h30.
- Type of trail: circular.
- Trailhead: Car park near Parque Municipal do Relvão.
- Car park: yes, a big one.
Option 3: Riding a car
This is the quickest option but also the most limited, because you won’t have access to the most beautiful parts of trail PRC04 TER, namely the view from the Vigía da Baleia viewpoint.
In fact, if you drive up Monte Brasil, you’ll only be driving along the main road, which makes two loops at the top. One of the loops gives access to the Pico das Cruzinhas viewpoint and the road is immaculate up to there. However, if you drive up to the Pico do Facho viewpoint, you’ll notice that the road isn’t in good condition, so your car will be bumpy and completely covered in dust. It’s not very pleasant!
If you drive, you’ll also have access to the Alto da Caldeira viewpoint – I personally don’t think it’s very interesting.
In addition, you’ll also be able to enjoy some of the picnic areas, as well as access to parking lots, bathrooms and a children’s playground.
I personally only recommend exploring Monte Brasil by car if you’re traveling with people with reduced mobility.
If you have decided to rent a car, make sure to read my article about Driving in the Azores: Life saving tips. You can also simply rent a car on AutoEurope, the best car price aggregator at the moment.
Best things to do in Monte Brasil
Have a picnic
Monte Brasil is one of the best places on Terceira island to have a picnic, because it is really well equipped for it. In several areas (some of them accessible by car) you will find circular tables with concrete chairs, as well as barbecue areas and bathrooms. If you have a picnic at Monte Brasil, don’t forget to take your rubbish with you!
Enjoy the children’s playground at Parque do Relvão
I LOVED Parque do Relvão! Basically, it is a huge garden built on one of the slopes of Monte Brasil. It is filled with several playgrounds, which is great if you are travelling with children. But even if you are not, it is really worth spreading out a blanket at Parque do Relvão and enjoying the sunset. The only shame is that there is no café there: otherwise I would never leave there! ;)
Do the hiking trail PRC04 TER
As I have already explained before, the PRC04 TER trail is really worth doing. It is a pleasant trail and not very difficult technically, even for those who do not exercise regularly.
Inspect the Anti-Aircraft Battery from the Second World War
If you go up to Pico das Cruzinhas (if you follow the trail you will pass by, but you can also go by car) you will see the anti-aircraft battery of Monte Brasil, built during the Second World War to protect the city of Angra do Heroísmo from possible air attacks by the Germans, which never happened.
The cannons were sheltered in trenches that have a very interesting rainwater drainage system, so don’t forget to visit this well-preserved open-air museum!
Take photos at the Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas
One of the best viewpoints in Terceira is located on Monte Brasil, and is called Pico das Cruzinhas. It is located exactly where the anti-aircraft batteries from the Second World War and the cat colony are located (see next points). It is also an area where chickens, roosters, peacocks and deer roam freely.
In addition, there is also a car park, a small playground, toilets and a picnic area.
Pro tip: the view is MUCH more beautiful from the “Monument to King Dom Afonso VI”, a statue of a Portuguese king, which is just a few metres away from Pico das Cruzinhas.
Feed the cats at Monte Brasil
There is a colony of cats at Monte Brasil, right next to the Pico das Cruzinhas viewpoint, which is the cutest thing in the world. It is always sad to come across abandoned animals, but these cats are cared for and well fed in a natural, wild environment. They have wooden houses and a lady goes there to feed them.
As always, I recommend caution because they are not domestic animals (in fact, I doubt they are vaccinated animals), but I personally love enjoying their company whenever I go to Monte Brasil :)
Are there bathrooms in Monte Brasil?
Yes! One of the things that surprised me the most about Monte Brasil is how well equipped it is. Along the way, I counted at least 4 public bathrooms, and all of them had a cubicle for people in wheelchairs. The bathrooms seemed quite clean to me, but I still recommend that you always take a roll of toilet paper, just in case ;)
