MONTE BRASIL HIKE
Welcome to Monte Brasil hike, where history, nature, and city vibes collide in the best way possible. This isn’t your usual remote mountain hike. It’s an urban adventure packed with panoramic views, historic landmarks, and chill picnic spots. Located in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Monte Brasil is a perfect mix of history, lush greenery, and coastal views. And let’s be real, how often do you get to hike around an ancient volcano in the middle of a city? If you’re looking for a hike that’s super accessible, family-friendly, and doesn’t need hours of planning, Monte Brasil hike should end up on your list.
MONTE BRASIL HIKE FACTS
Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles)
Hike Duration: 2-3 hours (loop)
Elevation Gain: 400 m (1000 ft)
Difficulty: This is a really easy one. A mix of wide forest paths and some gentle inclines. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Gear needed: Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, some water, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), and a light jacket if it’s windy. For more gear tips, check out my hiking gear guide here.
Highlights: Coastal views, historical fortifications, a forest, and the Pico das Cruzinhas viewpoint.
Strava track: MONTE BRASIL HIKE (need a gps file? read my article on downloading from strava)
GETTING TO MONTE BRASIL HIKE
Monte Brasil is located in Angra do Heroísmo, making it one of the most accessible hikes on Terceira Island.
By car: There’s a car park available near Parque Municipal do Relvão, where the trail begins. Check out my how to rent a car in Azores for help with booking.
By foot: If you’re staying in Angra, you can walk to the trailhead, it’s that convenient!
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING MONTE BRASIL
Our adventure started at Parque Municipal do Relvão, a serene green space that sets the tone for this urban-meets-nature hike. From here, the trail led us into a military zone, where the views began to unfold slowly. Coastal panoramas and townscapes quickly stole our attention, and we took a small detour at a fork to check out the first little viewpoint.
As we continued, we came across some unexpected company: Bambi! Yep, there are actual deer hanging out here. After saying hi, we reached Miradouro de Santo António, a perfect spot to stop for a chill or ideally opening a book.
From there, we tackled some stairs leading to Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas, the crown jewel of the trail. The panoramic views of Angra and the coastline were super nice. If you’re a sucker for great views with no effort needed, this is where you’ll want to be.
The trail then led us through picnic spots and even two swings -> perfect for a playful stop with kids… or without. Who’s gonna stop you anyway? Before wrapping up the hike, we took a final moment to enjoy the views from Pico das Cruzinhas, where history and nature blend nicely. Looking out over Angra do Heroísmo, I couldn’t help but imagine what this place must have felt like centuries ago. Monte Brasil wasn’t just a scenic hill! It was a strategic stronghold, with three key fortresses shaping the island’s defenses.
From here, you can spot the Fortress of São Sebastião to the east and Fortress of São João Baptista to the west, both guarding the bay like silent sentinels of the past. Pretty wild to think that these cliffs we were hiking along once played such a crucial role in the island’s survival.
Moments later, we descended towards the whale-watching tower, where the views just kept getting better, before wandering into the forest for the final stretch. The mix of greenery and ocean vibes made it the perfect way to end the hike.
CONCLUSION
Monte Brasil isn’t your typical wild hike, but it’s definitely one you shouldn’t skip while in Terceira. Its blend of history, nature, and laid-back charm makes it a unique adventure that’s more about the experience than just the hike itself. Here, you’ll find panoramic viewpoints, curious deer wandering around, and peaceful picnic spots that invite you to slow down and enjoy life.
I hope this guide helped you plan your hike! If you’re looking for more trails, check out my guides to Terceira’s best hikes here. And if you’re planning to explore beyond Terceira, keep an eye out for my ultimate hiking guide for the Azores coming soon!
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Happy and safe hiking!
