Monte da Guia Special Area of Conservation, Nature reserve in Horta, Portugal
Monte da Guia is a nature reserve in Horta with a distinctive double caldera formation and native plant species. The elevated terrain provides views across Porto Pim Bay and the Atlantic, with both a paved route and hiking paths traversing the landscape.
The area gained protected status in 1998 under European Union directives to safeguard its natural habitats and wildlife. A 17th-century fortress and the remains of a former industrial site mark centuries of human activity in this strategically important location.
The reserve holds deep roots in local maritime traditions and served as a center for watching and harvesting the sea. You can sense this heritage when walking through the area and observing how the landscape connects the community to the ocean.
You can reach the reserve via an asphalted road passing by the fortress or follow hiking trails to the crater rim. Wear suitable footwear since the terrain and paths can vary depending on weather conditions.
The site contains a private breeding station that raises fish species for aquariums worldwide and rehabilitates injured sea turtles. This hidden facility contributes significantly to marine animal conservation while remaining largely unknown to most visitors exploring the landscape.
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