Fodor's Expert Review Monte Brasil

This extinct volcano on the far west side of Angra, which can be seen from all over town, is now a deer-filled nature reserve with many trails winding throughout the area. Whether you drive or walk from town, you’ll first come across the Fortaleza de São João Baptista, a late-16th-century fort that’s still in use by the Portuguese army. You can only enter the fort itself by taking a free tour, which runs nearly every hour and is led by a soldier stationed there. Farther up the mountain, the best lookouts to stop at are Pico das Cruzinhas, Pico do Zimbreiro, and Pico do Facho, the highest point on Monte Brasil. There are picnic tables where you can rest, as well as a children’s play area.