Azores Itinerary: Things to Do in Terceira Island, Portugal

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Planning your Azores itinerary and wondering what to do in Terceira Island? Read on for the best things to do in Terceira as recommended by a local.

Yes, that’s me! I was born and raised on this beautiful Portuguese island in the middle of the Atlantic, where I lived for more than 20 years.

In this article I’m sharing all my favorite spots and things to do, see, and eat, as well as everything you need to know to start planning your visit.

So without further ado, here’s my Terceira, Azores travel guide.

 

Why visit Terceira Island

Terceira was the third island of the Azorean archipelago to be discovered by the Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, hence its name, which means third.

It is the third biggest island of the Azores and the second most populated, after São Miguel.

Terceira is known for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural and architectural heritage, as well as for its party and laid-back atmosphere.

Although Azores’ recognition and tourism have been growing in recent years, Terceira Island remains a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic.

It is the perfect destination for those looking for sustainability and authenticity, away from the tourist track.

All good reasons to include it in your Portugal itinerary.

 

Hot to get to Terceira

There are daily flights from the mainland (Lisbon and Porto) to Terceira Island.

Boston, Oakland, Toronto, Madrid, and Amsterdam have also direct flights to Terceira.

 

How to get around Terceira Island

Terceira’s public transport network is not very efficient or prepared for tourism.

I recommend renting a car if you want to explore Terceira independently and at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can join a group or private tour around the island:

 

 

Things to do in Terceira Island:

#1 Explore Angra do Heroísmo

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Angra do Heroísmo is Terceira’s capital city and one of its main attractions.

Wander through the cobbled streets of the historic city center and admire the elegant white facades with colorful windows and crafted balconies.

Climb to the Cathedral’s tower and enjoy the views of the city.

Then head to Angra’s picture-perfect bay and stroll along its marina or relax on the nearby sandy beach.

Other places worth visiting are the Alto da Memória monument and Angra’s public garden, Misericórdia Church, Capitães Generais Palace and the museum of Angra.

If you’d like to learn more about the island’s and city’s history, I recommend joining a walking tour with a local guide.

 

#2 Enjoy the views from Monte Brasil

Monte Brasil is an extinct volcano overlooking Angra do Heroísmo from the south.

Just a short walking distance from the city center, it offers nice views of Angra and the island.

It’s also a great place for hiking or to relax and have a picnic.

And don’t forget to have a look at the Castle of São João Baptista, the biggest fortress built by the Spanish people outside Spain and a must-see.

 

#3 Visit São Mateus fishermen’s village

São Mateus is a picturesque fishermen’s community west of Angra do Heroísmo.

Dozens of small fishing boats are moored in this small bay, while in the busy port a small museum tells the story of the island’s whalers.

There’s also a couple of restaurants where you can enjoy some of the best fish and seafood on the island.

 

#4 Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Porto Martins

Porto Martins is a charming rural village famous for its wine and olives.

Located on the east coast of the island, it’s also known for its natural pool and crystal-clear waters.

Swimming here is one of the mandatory things to do in the Azores during the summer months.

 

#5 Relax on the black sand beaches of Praia da Vitória

In the city of Praia da Vitória, you can find the only sandy beaches in Terceira.

These black sand beaches enclose the beautiful bay of Praia da Vitória, on the east coast of the island.

Its calm waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddling.

 

#6 Climb up to Serra do Facho viewpoint

From Praia da Vitória, find your way up to the viewpoint of Serra do Facho, either by car or foot.

From the top of this small mountain, you can admire stunning views of the bay and the city, all the way to the countryside.

 

#7 Go whale watching

No list of what to do in the Azores is complete without whale watching.

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries.

Home or point of passage to more than 20 cetacean species (a third of the total number of species), the islands offer a unique opportunity to see the biggest animal on the planet – the blue whale – or to swim with dolphins.

Book your whale watching tour with a specialized company here.

 

#8 Admire the spectacular view from Serra do Cume

The Belvedere of Serra do Cume is my absolute favorite of all Terceira’s viewpoints.

It offers the most spectacular view of the island’s patchwork of fields and volcanic stone walls.

 

#9 Feel the power of the earth at Furnas do Enxofre

Right in the center of Terceira Island, Furnas do Enxofre is a geothermal site where you can observe another testimony of the island’s volcanic origin.

Follow the visitors’ path to see these Sulphur fumaroles, as well as the untouched landscape of the interior of the island.

 

#10 Go inside an extinct volcano at Algar do Carvão

Did you know Terceira island is one of the few places on the planet where you can actually go inside a volcano?

Classified as a natural monument, Algar do Carvão is a lava tube from an extinct volcano.

Today this spectacular place is covered by lush vegetation and rare stalactites.

There is also a small lagoon at the bottom, as well as a wider area called Cathedral.

Classical music concerts are sometimes held here, due to the good acoustics of this natural structure.

You can book a guided tour of Furnas do Enxofre and Algar do Carvão here.

 

#11 Do the Mistérios Negros hiking trail

I’ve done the Mistérios Negros hiking trail some years ago and can’t recommend it enough.

Considered one of the most beautiful on the island, this trail takes you through hidden lagoons, lush forests, and stunning viewpoints. Even though I was born and raised here, I couldn’t believe my eyes!

But there are many other hiking trail options to explore the pristine nature of Terceira Island.

You can book a hiking tour with a specialized company here.

 

#12 Swim in Biscoitos’ natural lava pools

The black volcanic stone that you can see in many places around Terceira Island assumes its most beautiful form in Biscoitos, where it created natural swimming pools and gorgeous scenery.

Biscoitos (Portuguese for cookies) is a small village on the northern coast of the island.

Its warmer microclimate makes it ideal for a swim and wine production.

While you’re here, have a peek at the wine museum and enjoy a glass of local Verdelho.

 

#13 Have a picnic in Lagoa das Patas Forest Reserve

Lagoa das Patas Forest Reserve is the perfect place for a picnic in an idyllic setting.

This small lagoon is home to many ducks and ducklings to whom it owes its name meaning Ducks’ Lagoon.

Around the lagoon, the fairytale scenery seems straight out of a Lord of the Rings movie.

 

#14 Climb to the island’s highest point

Reaching 1 021 meters above sea level, Serra de Santa Bárbara is the highest point in Terceira.

From here, you can enjoy wonderful views of almost the entire island and, if you’re lucky, of the neighboring islands of São Jorge and Pico.

 

#15 Taste the local cheese

In the rural village of Cinco Ribeiras, lies one of the island’s most delicious spots: Queijo Vaquinha local cheese factory and degustation shop.

I don’t know of many better ways to end a day of exploring than tasting some (or a lot of) cheese, accompanied by local wine or craft beer.

 

#16 Party with the locals

Terceira is Azores’ amusement park, as locals like to call it.

The island is home to the archipelago’s biggest popular festivities, the Sanjoaninas, a 10-day festival dedicated to São João that takes place every year in June, in Angra do Heroísmo.

In August, Praia da Vitória hosts its own summer festival, a week-long event including musical concerts, exhibitions, parades, and an international gastronomy fair.

During Carnival, the entire island is the stage for a unique manifestation of popular theatre, music, and dance.

Unfortunately, bullfighting is also a big tradition in Terceira Island. I personally do not support or recommend it (or any form of animal exploration for human entertainment) due to animal cruelty issues and urge you to do your research before attending such events.

 

 

Where to eat on Terceira Island

Beira Mar, São Mateus

Located in the fishermen’s village of São Mateus, Beira Mar is one of the best places on the island for fresh fish and seafood.

Make sure to try the grilled Lapas (limpets) here.

Book in advance as it gets busy, especially in the summer months.

 

Quinta do Martelo

Quinta do Martelo is an ethnographic farm offering rural tourism accommodation and an award-winning restaurant.

After learning about Terceira’s rural economy during a visit to the traditional farm, taste some of the best typical Azorean cuisine, including the famous Alcatra.

 

Beira Mar

In Angra do Heroísmo historic center, Beira Mar serves good food in an elegant atmosphere.

But what makes this place so special is the stunning view of Angra’s bay from its terrace.

Soupa do Mar, a fish soup served in a loaf of bread, is a must-try.

 

Casa do Jardim

Casa do Jardim is an organic restaurant offering delicious vegetarian food, as well as gourmet products and handicrafts.

Hidden in Angra do Heroísmo public garden, it’s the perfect place for an invigorating meal or relaxing pause.

 

A Barrica

For the best Azorean flavors with a modern twist, head to A Barrica.

This small restaurant in the center of Angra do Heroísmo offers daily lunch menus and dinner a la carte.

I had the tuna beef and it was delicious.

Highly recommended!

 

O Forno

You can’t visit the island of Terceira without trying a Dona Amélia, a local cake created for the Portuguese queen D. Amélia upon her visit to Terceira.

And the best ones are to be found at O Forno, a bakery and café in Angra do Heroísmo that specializes in the typical pastry of the island.

 

O Pescador

Located in the city of Praia da Vitória, O Pescador is a restaurant of reference in Terceira island, especially for fish lovers.

Among its specialties are the fish cataplana (a seafood dish prepared in a copper pan) and the steak with S. Jorge cheese sauce

 

Where to stay in Terceira

Hotel Cruzeiro

Hotel Cruzeiro is the newest and most exquisite 4-star hotel in Angra do Heroísmo.

With a privileged location right in the UNESCO city center, Hotel Cruzeiro converted a historic building into a design hotel inspired in the island’s nature.

All rooms are decorated with images of Terceira’s landscape and have a unique atmosphere.

Hotel Cruzeiro has also a delicious breakfast buffet, friendly and professional staff, as well as a restaurant and a bar.

What’s more, it offers great value for money.

Click here for more info and booking.

 

There you have it. All the best things to do in Terceira, Azores, to experience the island like a local and make the best of your time in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

 

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More travel tips

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.

They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.

You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.

 

Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.

 

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

 

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

 

Car Rentals

Booking.com has a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

 

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Have you been to Terceira Island? What would you add to this list of what to do in Terceira, Azores? Share in the comments section below!

 

Read more:

• Portugal off the beaten path: 2 weeks in Portugal itinerary by a local
• 3 days in Lisbon: The Ultimate Lisbon itinerary by a Local
• Top 10 Things to Do in Tavira, Portugal

 

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