Serra do Facho Viewpoint: the View Over Angra’s Bay
“Facho” was the old name for a signal fire lit between high points of the island — and it’s from that old custom that Serra do Facho takes its name, today one of the most sought-after viewpoints in southern Terceira.
A name born from fire signals
In the past, fachos (signal fires) were lit on high points of the island to communicate between distant parishes or warn of arriving ships — a custom that gave this hill, in southern Terceira, its name.
A view over Angra’s bay
From the viewpoint, the view stretches over the island’s south coast and the bay of Angra do Heroísmo, making it one of the highest easily accessible points in this part of Terceira.
A destination for free flight
Thanks to its altitude and favourable wind conditions, Serra do Facho is also a popular spot among paragliding and hang-gliding pilots, who take advantage of thermal currents to launch over the surrounding landscape.
Planning your visit
- Location: southern Terceira, near Porto Judeu.
- Access: by car, along a road leading to the viewpoint.
- Entry: free, with no fixed opening hours.
Best time to visit
Clear days with moderate wind offer the best visibility over Angra’s bay — and the best conditions for free-flight pilots.
Nearby highlights
On the island’s north coast is Calheta dos Biscoitos, one of Terceira’s most popular bathing spots.
Featured image — Photo: Jules Verne Times Two / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
