Nature - Angra do Heroísmo - 2005 © Oficina Virtual de Turismo
Angra do Heroísmo enjoys a privileged
location: its historic centre is set along one of the two beautiful bays that
flank the peninsular crater of Monte Brasil. Monte Brasil is a Reserva
Florestal de Recreio (leisure forest reserve), and is the home to a
considerable number of specimens of laurisilva, the prehistoric type of
vegetation that is characteristic of the flora of the Archipelagos that make up
Macaronesia.
There are still several other protected areas in Angra do Heroísmo, such as
Serra de Santa Bárbara and Pico Alto. From the summit of the latter, the
highest point in Terceira island, there is a view of fantastic landscapes, and
it is also possible to walk along the different footpaths to observe the
endemic plant species that proliferate in its magnificent craters. The
footpaths also lead to another equally admirable aspect of Angra do Heroísmo’s
natural wealth: vulcanological phenomena. Outstanding is Algar do Carvão, a
volcanic chimney containing geological formations of incomparable beauty.
There are still other different protected areas, like the Ilhéu das Cabras,
where a number of endemic species of birds live.
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