Discover Altares: Volcanic Landscape and Local History

Nature and culture shape travel in Altares in different ways: hiking trails cross a volcanically formed landscape, while monuments and customs offer historical connections. This distinction is useful when planning: at Mistérios Negros, landscape features and the route take center stage; at Pico Matias Simão, geology and its former use for whale watching add another dimension.

Hiking Trails and Volcanic Landforms

The Mistérios Negros circular route PRC01 TER begins beside Lagoa do Negro and the visitor center for Gruta do Natal. Gruta do Natal is an extensive lava tube with a total length of 697 m. Along the route are three small lakes known as Lagoinhas do Vale Fundo. The black trachytic domes of Mistérios Negros also form part of the landscape: they were created by the volcanic eruption of 1761 and have sparse vegetation.

Mistérios Negros passes through Altares, Biscoitos, São Bartolomeu and Posto Santo. The Grande Rota do Oeste GR01 TER is a long-distance route through Raminho, Altares and São Bartolomeu. For planning, this makes it easy to compare the different areas covered, while the lakes and domes bring the natural features of Mistérios Negros into focus.

Pico Matias Simão: Geology and History

Pico Matias Simão is the remnant of a cinder cone, heavily eroded by the sea. The hill has a viewpoint with a cross and was formerly used for whale watching. Its geological formation and former use offer different points of interest: the volcanic remnant shapes the landscape, while whale watching is part of its history. Another historical landmark is the Cruzeiro da Independência. It was inaugurated on December 8, 1940, at the highest point of Pico Matias Simão in the parish of Altares.

Cultural History and Customs

The Núcleo Museológico dos Altares preserves the cultural and natural heritage of the parish of Altares. Public visits are scheduled Tuesday through Sunday, between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Check the opening hours again before your visit. This lets you coordinate a museum visit with the other cultural aspects of your trip without assuming a particular itinerary.

Religious customs include the Irmandade do Divino Espírito Santo e da Santíssima Trindade dos Altares. It holds coronations from Domingo da Pascoela to Domingo da Trindade. During the brotherhood’s celebrations, a procession proceeds on Sunday from the emperor’s house to the parish church. This is followed by a festive Mass, the coronation, and the distribution of bread and wine to those present. If you would like to plan around a specific feast day, check the dates for the relevant year.

Altares offers both nature trails with distinctive landscape features and tangible expressions of local history and customs. You can decide which of these themes to prioritize on your trip by considering the route features, Pico Matias Simão and the cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Agualva, Terra Cha, S. Bras, Fontinhas, Quatro Ribeiras, Serreta, Fonte Do Bastardo, Angra Do Heroísmo

Go to the broader travel overview: Terceira.