If you’re visiting Terceira (specifically Angra do Heroísmo), I have to tell you about an AMAZING spot. Monte Brasil isn’t just a gorgeous peninsula with beautiful ocean views—it’s also home to a whole colony of free-roaming cats, and trust me, it’s absolute heaven for anyone obsessed with furry little loafs like I am.
I visited it in February 2025, and this place is special! Dozens of cats just living their best lives—some strutting up for pets, others napping in tiny cat houses, all with their own little personalities. And the setting? Unreal. Picture historic ruins, green hills, and the Atlantic sparkling in the background… with cats casually ruling over it all. If that’s not your idea of paradise, well..keep reading anyway!
A Cat Lover’s Dream
The moment I arrived, cats appeared everywhere – sunbathing on warm rocks, poking their heads through the bushes, even cozied up in those adorable little wooden cat houses dotting the hillside. While some hung back watching with cautious curiosity, plenty of bold ones came right up to greet me, their tails curling around my legs like we were old friends.
My favorite moment came when I noticed an elderly local woman making her rounds, carefully placing food near the shelters. I know there are signs asking visitors not to feed them, but this was clearly different – you could tell she was part of their daily routine, probably the reason these cats looked so healthy and content.
A Peaceful Escape With More Than Just Cats
As much as I loved the cats, Monte Brasil has so much more to offer. This place is like something out of a storybook – winding trails through lush greenery, centuries-old fort ruins whispering history, and those jaw-dropping ocean views at every turn.
What really surprised me was the whole menagerie of animals calling this place home. Between cat naps, I spotted proud roosters strutting their stuff, busy hens scratching in the dirt, and even a few majestic peacocks showing off their feathers like they owned the place.
But here’s the magical part – come late afternoon when that golden Azorean light washes over everything, the whole peninsula takes on this peaceful, almost dreamlike quality. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and you can’t help but take a deep breath and just… be.
Getting There: By Car or On Foot
I visited twice during my stay—once by car (only about 10 minutes from Angra do Heroísmo) and once on foot. The walk took me almost an hour, but it was absolutely worth it. The path winds through lush greenery, past old military structures, and along cliffside views of the Atlantic. If you’re up for a little adventure, I’d definitely recommend the hike! Sure, my legs were complaining by the end, but every step was worth it for those views. If you’ve got decent shoes and a sense of adventure, do yourself a favor and walk it at least once!
A Note On The Cats’ Well-Being
Now, I should mention – while all these cats look wonderfully cared for and content, you’ll spot signs explaining this is actually a managed colony. That means local volunteers make sure they’re all spayed, vaccinated, and getting proper vet care to keep the population healthy.
It’s really the best of both worlds – the cats get to live free in this paradise, but with responsible humans looking out for them behind the scenes. Honestly, it warmed my heart to see such a thoughtful approach to caring for these furry residents while protecting the local ecosystem too!
Final Thoughts: Worth The Visit
Whether you’re a crazy cat person (like me), someone who just appreciates beautiful nature, or simply need a peaceful escape, Monte Brasil’s cat colony absolutely deserves a spot on your Terceira itinerary. There’s something magical about this place – it feels like a well-kept secret, wild yet welcoming, and utterly charming in a way that’s hard to describe.
Funny story – I had no idea this place existed before arriving in Terceira. It wasn’t until I was settled in my apartment, scrolling through ‘things to do’ online, that I stumbled across a brief mention of the colony. That was it – I was hooked! The lack of information online only made discovering it in person more special.
