The primary goal of the Montanheiros Association is the cataloging, exploration, study, and conservation of volcanic caves in the Azores, as well as the enhancement, promotion, and management of natural resources that hold tourism potential, scientific interest, or require conservation. Additionally, the association maintains various other initiatives, primarily related to the protection and appreciation of the environment and natural heritage.
The fact that it operates a Volcanospeleological Museum, manages two volcanic caves for tourism purposes—Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal—and annually promotes a program of nature walks and outdoor sporting events highlights the association’s dedication to showcasing the significant natural treasures of these islands to all who are interested.
As a regional Non-Governmental Organization for the Environment (NGO), registered with the Institute of the Environment under registration number 62/R and with its status defined by Law No. 35/98, of July 18, Os Montanheiros has the right to representation in advisory bodies of regional and local public administration. Currently, it is a social partner with a seat on the following: the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS), the Executive Committee of the Group for the Study of the Speleological Heritage of the Azores (GESPEA), the Monitoring Committee for the Regional Water Plan, the Monitoring Committee for Pedestrian Trails (CAPP), the Joint Coordination Committee for the Tourism Management Plan of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (POTRAA), the Monitoring Committee for the Sectoral Plan for the Natura Network, and various other commissions linked to regional administration.
By becoming a member of the Montanheiros Association, you will be contributing to the achievement of these objectives.
Join us!
To become a member, simply visit or contact the Montanheiros headquarters on Terceira Island or the branch offices on Pico and São Jorge Islands, depending on your place of residence. You will need to fill out a membership form and submit/send it along with a photo.
The anual membership fee is 12,00€.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM: Inscrição de sócio – Ficha.pdf
REGULATION: Regulamento Interno dos Montanheiros – Atualizacao 2024
PAYMENT METHODS:
– TERCEIRA ISLAND –
- Cash
- Money transfer – IBAN PT50 0059 0001 1028 8300 05469 (enter membership number)
– PICO ISLAND –
- Cash
- Money transfer – IBAN PT50 0018 00080624671302080 (enter membership number)
– S.JORGE ISLAND –
- Cash only
REGULATION
- The Membership Card is non-transferable. Only Members in possession of their card will be entitled to the benefits outlined in this document.
Members will only be entitled to these benefits after 2 months of registration, upon presentation of the card and proof of regularized membership fees.
Members cannot use these benefits for personal commercial purposes, particularly in relation to the matters presented below in sections 1.b and 2.c.
MEMBER BENEFITS
1. Cave visits
a) Members are entitled to free visits to the volcanic caves Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, managed by the association, during the normal opening hours to the public, upon presentation of their membership card.
b) Members are allowed to bring one guest.
2.Purchase of Edited Products (books, CDs, and other similar publications) by the association:
a) Members are entitled to discounts of up to 30%, depending on the specific product.
b) Purchases must be made at the association’s headquarters or branches. Discounts do not apply to purchases made at the Visitor Centers of the caves.
c) Each member can purchase up to a maximum of 3 units of each product.
3.Courses and Training Sessions
a) Members are entitled to DISCOUNTS, as previously defined, when registering for courses and training sessions organized by the association.
b) In most cases, members will also receive priority in registration.
4. Other Benefits
a) Free registration fee and a 25% discount on monthly fees for Plus and Plus in Forma at the “Fit Plus” gym at the Terceira Mar Hotel (on Terceira Island).
Contacts
MONTANHEIROS HEADQUARTERS
TERCEIRA ISLAND
Rua da Rocha, n.º8
9700-169 Angra do Heroísmo
Phone / Cell phone: 295 212 992 / 961 362 215
Email: montanheiros@montanheiros.com
Opening Schedule – Monday to Friday: 08:00h às 12:00h – 13h00 às 16h00
MONTANHEIROS
PICO ISLAND
Rua Conselheiro Terra Pinheiro 9950-329 MadalenaE-mail: nucleodopico@montanheiros.com
MONTANHEIROS
S.JORGE ISLAND
Edifício da Casa do Povo das Manadas – Estrada Regional – Manadas9800-037 Velas E-mail: montanheirosnucleosaojorge@gmail.com