Pico Alto

At 586.84 meters above sea level, Pico Alto is the highest point on Santa Maria and one of the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire island.

This massif is part of a north-south mountain range that marks the transition between the eastern part of the island, which is more mountainous and humid, and the western part, which is flatter and has less vegetation. Its formation is associated with a phase of intense fissural volcanic activity that occurred about 5 million years ago, which decisively shaped the current relief.

This protected area, covering 121 hectares, is home to one of the most representative areas of the island’s Laurel forest. Several emblematic species of native flora are found here, such as the Azorean Laurel (Laurus azorica), the Azorean Holly (Ilex azorica), the Azorean Blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum), the Azorean Picconia (Picconia azorica), the Azorean Viburnum (Viburnum treleasei), and the Azorean Heather (Erica azorica), which give the site a high ecological and landscape value.

Pico Alto is also a true biodiversity hotspot, especially regarding invertebrate fauna. Several arthropod species exclusive to Santa Maria, particularly in this mountainous area, occur here, such as Athous pomboi, Donus multifidus, Tarphius pomboi, and Tarphius serranoi, underscoring the site’s importance for conserving endemism.

The birdlife is equally rich, including species such as the Azores Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs moreletti), the Azores Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea patriciae), the Robin (Erithacus rubecula), the Azores Blackbird (Turdus merula azorensis), the Azores Blackbird (Serinus canaria), the Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla atlantis) and the emblematic Santa Maria Goldcrest (Regulus regulus sanctaemariae), an endemic subspecies found exclusively on this island.

Pico Alto is easily explored via the Pico Alto (PRC02 SMA) walking trail and the Grande Rota de Santa Maria (GR01 SMA) long-distance trail, which lead to several natural viewpoints. From these points, it is possible to see emblematic protected areas, such as the Barreiro da Faneca Protected Landscape Area, the Ilhéu da Vila Nature Reserve, and the Pedreira do Campo, Figueiral e Prainha Natural Monument, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the island’s geological, ecological, and landscape richness.