If you ever find yourself on Terceira Island, especially near Angra do Heroísmo, there’s one place I keep thinking about long after my trip ended. Monte Brasil looks like a dramatic green peninsula from afar, but once you step onto the trails, you realize something unexpected. You are not alone out there. The cats live here too, and honestly, they behave like they own the entire hillside.
I went in February 2025 and I still remember the first few minutes. One cat appeared from behind a rock, then another from the bushes, and suddenly the place felt less like a viewpoint and more like a tiny feline kingdom overlooking the Atlantic.
Meeting the Residents of Monte Brasil
Monte Brasil on Terceira Island in the Azores is home to a well-known cat colony, with dozens of free-roaming cats living among the green hills and historic paths above Angra do Heroísmo. The cats are everywhere, but it never feels overwhelming. Some lie on sun-warmed stones like they’ve claimed their favorite spots for years. Others walk straight up to you with that familiar confidence cats have, tails raised as if they already decided you’re safe.
One moment that stayed with me was watching an older local woman doing her usual round near the shelters. She placed food carefully in specific places, clearly part of an established routine. There are signs asking visitors not to feed the cats, and seeing someone who obviously belongs to their daily care made the difference clear. This isn’t an accidental group of strays. People look after them.
Along the path you’ll notice small wooden shelters where cats rest or hide from the wind. I ended up standing there longer than planned, just observing how different each one behaved. Some walked right up for attention, others kept their distance and watched everything from a few steps away, completely aware of what was happening around them.
More Than Just a Cat Colony
Even if you removed every cat from Monte Brasil, the place would still feel unforgettable. The trails curve through thick greenery, old fort walls appear when you least expect them, and the ocean shows up again and again between the trees.
I also didn’t expect to see peacocks wandering around like local celebrities. Roosters and hens scratched around the grass while visitors walked past, and the whole scene felt oddly peaceful rather than chaotic.
Late afternoon was my favorite time. The light shifted, the air cooled, and everything slowed down. It felt less like a tourist stop and more like a quiet corner of the island where people come to breathe for a while.
Walking There vs Driving
I visited Monte Brasil twice because once wasn’t enough. The first time I drove, which took about ten minutes from Angra do Heroísmo. Easy, quick, no effort required.
The second visit was on foot, and that walk changed the whole mood of the place for me. It took almost an hour, winding past old military buildings and cliffside views that kept pulling me toward the ocean. My legs were definitely tired by the end, but arriving slowly made the experience richer. If you like exploring instead of just arriving somewhere, the hike is worth every step.
How the Cats Are Cared For
You’ll notice information boards explaining that this is a managed colony. Volunteers look after the cats, making sure they are neutered, vaccinated, and monitored. That balance makes a huge difference. The animals live freely, but there is structure behind the scenes keeping the population healthy and stable.
Seeing that kind of responsibility made the visit feel better. It wasn’t just a random group of abandoned animals. It was a community effort that respected both the cats and the environment.
The Part Nobody Tells You Before You Go
I didn’t even know Monte Brasil had a cat colony until I arrived on Terceira. One evening I was scrolling through local recommendations and found a short mention online. That tiny detail ended up becoming one of my favorite memories from the island.
Maybe that’s why it stayed with me so strongly. It felt discovered rather than planned.
If you love cats, nature, or places that feel a little different from the typical tourist checklist, put Monte Brasil on your list. Walk slowly, watch the hillside carefully, and let the experience unfold at its own pace. The cats will find you sooner or later.
