Fortes de São Sebastião follows Terceira’s south-eastern coast through a landscape where former defensive structures stand among bays, pasture and cliffs. The walk begins between Forte da Greta and Forte de Santa Catarina das Mós near Ponta das Contendas, then continues towards Baía da Mina. Pico dos Cernos provides an elevated position before a spur that gives access to Forte do Bom Jesus.
The route proceeds through woodland and fields with views over the São Sebastião shoreline. Near Forte do Pesqueiro dos Meninos, it gradually leaves the coast and approaches the village. A reconstructed watermill, the chapels of Nossa Senhora da Graça and Sant’Ana and traditional houses lead to the central square. The sequence of forts recalls the defence of a coastline exposed to landings, while rural and religious elements show the continuity of local life beyond its military role.
Entering São Sebastião changes the scale once more: the open cliff line gives way to streets, chapels and the central square. This ending connects the isolated coastal fortifications with the settlement they helped protect and with paths used in everyday community life, completing the route’s movement from military lookout to inhabited place.