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.
Where is Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara
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 and 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.
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 This Viewpoint
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, Serra de Santa Bárbara is also the highest point on Terceira Island, which is considered 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
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. Additionally, it is related to 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
To complement your visit to the Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara, we have left you with some prominent 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).
Plan Your Visit to Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint
Best Time to Visit
Due to its location, the Azores’ archipelago enjoys mild temperatures all year round. However, periods of rain are more frequent during the winter months. 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
Setting off from the city of Angra do Heroísmo towards the parish of Santa Bárbara, you must travel around 14.1 kilometers. You have many options for getting to your destination. You can choose to travel by car, motorbike, taxi, public transport, 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.
Alternatively, you can cycle along the M50, although it will take you (on average) 1 hour and 7 minutes to reach your destination.
Where to Eat
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
To make your life easier, we’ve filtered the search by:
Nearby Attractions
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest on Terceira Island: Algar do Carvão | Biscoitos | Furnas do Enxofre | Gruta do Natal | Jardim Duque da Terceira | Lagoa das Patas | Miradouro Serra do Cume | Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara | Monte Brasil | Ponta das Contendas | Praia da Vitória
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) 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, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Azorean Travel Essentials
Essential Information for Your Azores Trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps 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 — they provide the most reliable predictions.
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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 Serra de Santa Bárbara, the highest point on Terceira, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Forest Reserve.
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.
FAQs
This scenic viewpoint is 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.
Serra de Santa Bárbara is the highest peak on Terceira, rising 1,021 meters above sea level. It is within a protected natural reserve, home to unique flora and incredible vistas.
From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and São Jorge and Pico. It is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and landscape photographers.
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.
