Terceira is well known for its viewpoints and stunning views, with numerous undiscovered places of undeniable cultural and patrimonial value, and endless options of natural landscapes that will dazzle you with their beauty.

This itinerary begins in Facho Viewpoint, a privileged location for observing the Graben das Lajes, one of the main tectonic structures of the island, characterized by a staircase-shaped relief, fault escarpments and flattened landings, where Vila das Lajes and the city of Praia da Vitória are located. Here we can recall the strong and destructive earthquakes of the years 1614 and 1841, which devastated the city of Praia da Vitória, testimonies of the seismic activities associated with this structure and its extensions into the sea.

Heading on to Serra do Cume Viewpoint, we take a stop to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views on the island. From here, we can observe the extensive plain that resulted from the surrounding eruptive centers, and which is dominated today by the green of the pastures and the typical "cerrados", terrains divided by walls made with volcanic stones. In this plain, within the “patchwork” that characterizes this landscape, about a dozen small volcanic cones can also be observed. Enjoy the view overlooking some of the most striking geosites of the island: the Ilhéu das Cabras, the slopes of the Guilherme Moniz Volcano , Pico Alto and Graben das Lajes.

The next point of visit is the Machado Fagundes Vulcanoespeleologic Museum, a space that houses a collection gathered for decades by the Speleological Association “Os Montanheiros”, composed of materials from different structures, resulting from the volcanic genesis of the islands; a 3D representation of six out of nine islands of the Azores; a collection of clays from Terceira; fossils; an extensive set of photographs of the landscape of the islands; and the representation of the existing protected areas in the archipelago. This is a space adapted to all ages with a “cabinet of curiosities” concept!

We suggest ending with a picnic or a walk through Monte Brasil, the largest tuff cone in the Azores, whose crater is surrounded by four elevations: Pico das Cruzinhas, Pico do Facho, Pico da Vigia da Baleia and Pico do Zimbroeiro. It has great viewpoints to the city of Angra do Heroísmo, the entire southern coast of Terceira and the neighboring islands. This is an ideal place to take a walk, with family or in a group setting, enjoying its nature and magnificent views. With luck, you may find a few animal species, such as exotic parrots or deer.