The Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara, also known as the Miradouro do Reservatório de Água de Santa Bárbara, is one of the most emblematic viewpoints in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo.
This unmissable spot on Terceira is one of the highest points on the island. It offers a breathtaking view of the unique cloud forest of the Azores, and you can enjoy the tranquility and serenity of this viewpoint.
To learn more about the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara, we’ll tell you where this spot is, how to get there, the best time to enjoy the view, and what’s around — so you get the most complete experience possible.
Where is Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara Located?
Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara is located in the heart of the Maciço da Serra de Santa Bárbara Nature Reserve, near Lagoa Negra and Lagoinha Peak. It is located in the parish of Santa Bárbara, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira, Azores.
At an altitude of approximately 1,021 meters from the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara, you can see much of the Terceira Natural Park, as well as the natural landscape of the Azorean cloud forest.
Did you know
The cloud forest of the Azores is one of the rarest and most valuable plant formations, dominated by the Azorean endemic cedar (Juniperus brevifolia).
In addition, from this spot, you can contemplate much of the splendor and grandeur of this island — below, we mention other points of interest that you can see from this viewpoint.
This viewpoint has good access and a car park where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
What to See at Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara?
The Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara is one of the highest points on Terceira Island, so from here, you can contemplate a breathtaking view of the beauty of nature and the surrounding environment.
From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of:
- Surrounding rural village;
- Green slopes of the Serra de Santa Bárbara;
- Sea of the vast Atlantic Ocean;
- Other islands in the central group — on days with good weather conditions.
Explore Serra de Santa Bárbara
Serra de Santa Bárbara, located in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, is a natural jewel in the far west of Terceira Island in the Azores. The remains of an inactive volcano make up this spot, which stands out as the largest on the island. It rises majestically at 1,021 meters above sea level.
Did you know
Besides its imposing altitude, which gives Serra de Santa Bárbara the title of the highest point, the island also considers this place the largest area of cloud condensation.
This unique feature makes the Serra de Santa Bárbara crucial in forming its watershed. This contributes to feeding the water table and supplies water to the western part of the island, standing out as a vital source for the region’s environmental sustainability.
With an extensive area of 1,100 hectares, the Serra de Santa Bárbara is classified as a Natural Forest Reserve. It is also part of the ZEC — Serra Santa Bárbara e Pico Alto PTTER0017 and the Natura 2000 Network.
This recognition highlights not only the scenic beauty but also the ecological importance of the Serra de Santa Bárbara, inviting the more adventurous to discover its natural secrets and environmental wealth.
Visit the Serra de Santa Bárbara Interpretation Centre (CISSB)
The main objective of the Serra de Santa Bárbara Interpretation Centre (CISSB) is to provide a starting point for understanding the natural heritage of the Terceira Natural Park.
Here, you can learn about Terceira Island’s formation process and geomorphological evolution and its relationship with areas of high biodiversity and geodiversity interest. The Interpretation Centre also provides information to support your visit and discovery of the Natural Park.
At the CISSB, you’ll also have the opportunity to travel back in time to understand the influence of man’s interaction with the environment. Over the centuries, there has been an emphasis on using natural areas that are now part of the park.
Other Points of Interest Near Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara
To complement your visit to the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara, we have left you with some main points of interest located less than 10 kilometers from this fantastic place.
- Lagoa Negra (0.44 km);
- Pico da Lagoinha (2.47 km);
- Lagoa das Patas (2.99 km);
- Church of Doze Ribeiras (3.95 km);
- Lagoa do Negro (4.43 km);
- Cinco Ribeiras Fort (6.07 km);
- Miradouro da Mata Serreta (6.31 km);
- Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado (6.46 km).
Best Time to Visit Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara?
Due to its location, the Azores archipelago enjoys mild temperatures all year round. During the winter months, however, periods of rain are more frequent.
For this reason, the best time to visit Terceira Island is usually between May and September, when the days are sunny and more inviting for nature walks.
However, it’s important to note that cloudy skies are a constant feature of the archipelago regardless of the season.
In this sense, depending on the weather conditions, you may sometimes find it difficult to contemplate the true splendor of the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara.
How to Get to Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara?
Setting off from the city of Angra do Heroísmo towards the parish of Santa Bárbara, you must travel around 14.1 kilometers to reach the beautiful Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara.
You have many options for getting to your destination: you can select to travel by car/motorbike, taxi, public transport (bus), or bicycle. Following the EN6-2A and EN1-1A, the journey takes approximately:
- Car, motorbike, or taxi: 22 minutes;
- Bus: 1 hour and 10 minutes — although the journey by bus only takes 29 minutes, you should expect to walk for another 41 minutes.
Alternatively, you can cycle along the M50, although it will take you (on average) 1 hour and 7 minutes to reach your destination.
What to Do After Visiting the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara?
The Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara is a paradisiacal spot you should include in your itinerary, but Angra do Heroísmo offers much more to explore. Here, you can easily find your next ideal destination.
To help you in this selection process, we’ve highlighted other tourist attractions that would be excellent choices for our readers, regardless of their tastes.
Explore the Christmas Cave
The Christmas Cave (“Gruta do Natal” in Portuguese) is located near the Picos Gordos and is part of the Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros Natural Forest Reserve. Tourists will find this cave well-prepared, as it offers the best conditions.
Despite the marks of human presence, this cave consists of a complementary geological structure — different types of lava, staphylites, and side counters — and a grotto. Outside the cave, there are several high-altitude pastures and cryptomeria forests.
The Christmas Cave is an extensive magical lava tunnel, approximately 697 meters long. This unique underground experience will leave you speechless with the bizarre shapes and colors that characterize the atmosphere of this place so well.
Originally known as the Black Gallery, explorers later renamed this cave the Horse Cave after they found the remains of a horse bone.
Explore Monte Brasil
Monte Brasil is located on the Azores archipelago’s south coast of Terceira Island. This masterpiece of nature is located in the parish of Sé, in the city and municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, and is another of the island’s unique corners.
A volcanic cone formed the natural monument through an underwater basaltic eruption. In other words, it formed in the sea and created a sheltered island — the origin of the city of Angra do Heroísmo.
Here, you can enjoy the view from various viewpoints with unique landscapes over the species of trees and shrubs. In addition, you can explore the submerged and semi-submerged caves, which have a high biodiversity of marine fauna.
Visit the Pico das Cruzinhas Viewpoint
The Pico das Cruzinhas Viewpoint, located at the top of Pico das Cruzinhas (or crosses), is the lowest of the four peaks of Monte Brasil and is part of the Monte Brasil Recreational Forest Reserve.
This viewpoint is about 168 meters high and has great scenic and historical value for the region and the island. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire south coast of the island, including the following locations:
- Ilhéu das Cabras;
- Porto Judeu;
- Ribeirinha and Serra da Ribeirinha;
- Angra do Heroísmo Historical Center, Angra do Heroísmo Bay and Marina;
- Serra do Morião;
- São Mateus da Calheta and Porto de São Mateus da Calheta;
- Serra de Santa Bárbara;
- Baía do Fanal and Baía de Villa Maria;
- Porto de Pipas;
- São Jorge Island and Pico Island — under favorable weather conditions.
From this point, you can also see the three volcanic systems responsible for the formation of Terceira.
Visit Lagoa das Patas
Lagoa das Patas, also known as Lagoa da Falca, is located in the Lagoa das Patas Recreational Forest Reserve in the parish of Doze Ribeiras, in Terceira. Fed by a stream from the Serra de Santa Bárbara, cryptomeria forests surround this lagoon.
Azaleas, hydrangeas, and other shrubs and trees surround the whole lagoon. A small cryptomeria forest creates a leisure park, allowing users to enjoy the space comfortably.
The Lagoa das Patas Recreational Forest Reserve is an ideal place to spend some leisure time. Scattered picnic areas surround the cryptomeria forest that encloses the lagoon.
Explore Algar do Carvão
Algar do Carvão is an 80-metre-deep volcanic chimney with a crystal-clear lake inside. Admire the most beautiful opal stalactites and stalagmites.
This site is a must-visit due to its international relevance and scientific and tourist interest. To access this underground wonder, you’ll have to go down the 338 stairs and through the tunnel into Algar do Carvão.
Once inside Algar do Carvão, nothing feels like our world; it’s like walking on another planet. Impressive stalactites and evidence of the eruption gave rise to the cave.
Look inside the cave. You will find magnificent whitish walls with red veins. The rocks are rich in iron and silica minerals, and there are also some layers of basalt.
Where To Eat Near Angra do Heroísmo
If you need somewhere to eat near Angra do Heroísmo, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Angra do Heroísmo
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so using some apps is helpful before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru to plan your days. They provide the most reliable predictions.
How to Get to Terceira Island
Terceira Island is easily accessible and has numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to Lajes Airport available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place. For more details on how to get to the Azores, look at our guide. Once you find the perfect flight, book it! You’ll reach one of the world’s most beautiful island groups in a few hours.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of Terceira
The island of Terceira offers many cultural events throughout the year. The full list of events is on the cultural agenda!
Video of Miradouro de Santa Bárbara (Terceira Island, Azores)
FAQs
What is the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara?
The Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara is a scenic viewpoint located at the highest point of Terceira Island. It offers stunning island views and nearby islets, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Why is Serra de Santa Bárbara special?
Serra de Santa Bárbara is the highest peak on Terceira Island, rising 1,021 meters above sea level. It is within a protected natural reserve, home to unique flora and incredible vistas.
What can I see from the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara?
From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the island’s rural fields, forests, and distant islets, such as São Jorge and Pico. It’s an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and landscape photography.
Is the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara accessible?
Yes, the viewpoint is easily accessible via a paved road, making it suitable for all visitors. The surrounding area features a network of hiking trails that allow you to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Conclusion
The Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara is one of the most famous viewpoints on Terceira Island in the Azorean archipelago. Its views over the cloud forest of the Azores and the stunning municipality of Angra do Heroísmo make it a must-see for anyone visiting the island.
This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views at the top of an imposing volcanic ridge. Discover the grandeur of the Serra de Santa Bárbara, which stands out as the highest point on Terceira Island, and immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of the Natural Forest Reserve. A unique experience that captures the essence of Azorean nature and invites you to serenely contemplate the region’s scenic splendor.
There are plenty of activities and places to visit near this spot that will occupy you all day. Therefore, we strongly advise you to carefully plan your itinerary, ensuring that this viewpoint is on your list at a time of day that will enable you to capture the best photographs.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Perguntas e Respostas sobre a História dos Açores. 2.ª Edição, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. e Rodrigues, J. (2019). Dos Vulcões dos Açores. (4.ª Edição). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada
