From the plane we saw verdant rolling hills neatly cut into little squares by black rock walls, crystaline waters and a dark colored landmass seemingly floating off the coast of the island. We would soon learn these were active vulcanoes, vulcanic rock walls and Monte Brasil, or the quintessential elements that make Terceira what it is today. Read on to find out exactly what to do, see and eat.
Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is located about 1,500 kilometers west of mainland Portugal. This collection of nine volcanic islands is celebrated as one of the world’s most sustainable destinations, thanks to its commitment to preserving natural beauty by limiting the number of visitors, investing in renewable energy initiatives, and a strong focus on farm-to-table gastronomic experiences.
This and the simply spectacular images I had seen on social media were the main driving force for our 10-day trip to the Azores where we explored Terceira, Pico, Faial, and São Miguel. I purposely traveled in the offseason, October to be precise, and boy was it the best decision ever!
Prices were 1/3 of what you pay in high season, hiking trails were void of microphone-wearing tour guides, t-shirts were donned, and odd tanlines were collected as souvenirs. Read on to find the very best things to do in Terceira and start planning your getaway.
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Is Terceira Worth Visiting
I would be remiss if I did not mention the Azores are not for everyone. Personally, I absolutely loved whizzing around Terceira island and exploring the Jurassic Park-like scenery from mist-shrouded volcano tops, to lush covered rolling hills dotted with skittish cattle, rugged coastline with the sapphire-colored sea crashing against black vulcanic rocks, pastel-hued little villages and endless supplies of (white) Pico wine and São Jorge cheese.
Terceira is not for travelers looking to indulge in all-inclusive resort-type holidays or holiday-goers who love nestling down on a beach with a good book, lathered in sunscreen, doing their very best to ignore their crowd of rowdy kids. That is not to say there are no beaches of kid-friendly. On the contrary, beaches and kid-friendly adventures are on offer, just a smidge more outdoorsy than let’s say your average holiday in Sicily.
While it might have become a lot more popular over the last few years – with direct flights now being offered from a variety of cities in the US and Europe it was only a matter of time – it still feels incredibly authentic. This is probably partially due to the cap on amount of beds available on the island which was issued y the government in a bid to ensure tourism does not negatively affect both the fragile ecosystem and the natural resources on the island.
But perhaps it also has to do with the type of tourists that flock to the islands. Typically we saw walkers and nature seekers clad in bright rainproof watercoats (I proudly wear a canary yellow one myself) and solid hiking boots. Most intent on experiencing the various activities in Terceira, with deep respect for both nature and local culture.
10 Wonderful Things to Do in Terceira Azores
1. Explore Angra do Heroísmo
Angra do Heroísmo is the historical heart of Terceira and the capital of the island. Established in the 15th century, the city flourished as a key port for transatlantic trade, connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The city’s Renaissance-inspired urban layout, with its grid-like streets, was revolutionary when implemented in the 15th century. Much like cities found on Tenerife, this model was the blueprint for colonial cities in South America.
All of the above has ensured the city a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List, dating back all the way to 1983. Although small, there is a fair amount of things to see, do, and eat in the bolthole capital city. Here are a few of my favorite spots.
Practical Tip | We used Angra do Heroísmo as a base to explore the rest of Terceira. As the island is small, you can pretty much get anywhere from the city in 25 min. For our stay, we opted for The shipyard which had the most fabulous breakfast spread and on-site parking.
WHAT TO DO IN ANGRA DO HEROISMO
Visit Sé Cathedral: Discover Terceira’s largest church! Built in the late 16th century with a rather sober façade, which stands in stark contrast to the interior containing Azulejos (yep, the famous blue tiles from Portugal), richly gilded altars; detailed wooden carvings, and a stunning painted wooden ceiling that depicts intricate biblical scenes. The cathedral also houses an 18th-century pipe organ, one of the most significant in Portugal.
Check out the Museu de Angra do Heroísmo: Dive into the island’s rich history at this museum housed in a former monastery.
Relax at Jardim Duque da Terceira: Wander through this tranquil botanical garden in the city center.
Walk Rua Direita: Stroll through the city’s vibrant main street, pop into the locally run shops, grab a coffee at one of the many cafes, and do not forget to look up and take in all the colorful façades.
Find Vasco da Gama: I was surprised to find a statue of the Spanish explorer Vasco da Gama at the port of Angra do Heroísmo. Turns out in 1499, Vasco da Gama’s fleet stopped at Terceira Island on its return from India due to his brother Paulo’s grave illness. After Paulo’s passing, he was buried at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia, now part of the Museum of Angra do Heroísmo, where Vasco stayed for up to three months grieving.
VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN ANGRA DO HEROISMO
Taberna do Teatro: Farm-to-table in a very cozy setting. Located in the heart of the city, this locally run tavern works with a sharing concept. Using small plates (like tapas) allowing you to try a range of dishes that offer an innovative take on the traditional Azorean cuisine.
QB Restaurant: Located slightly outside of the historical center, you might need a car to get here. We had by far the very best dinner on the island in this restaurant. Located on a fully renovated historical farm, they serve fine dining-style Azorean cuisine. Make sure to call in advance if you are a vegetarian!
Tasca das Tias: The most romantic setting of all the restaurants we visited in Terceira, although arguably with the smallest amount of vegetarian-friendly options. Still very much worth it to try some typical Azorean cuisine!
2. Sunrise at Miradouro da Serra do Cume
My favorite spot on the Terceira to catch sunrise is without a doubt Miradouro da Serra do Cume. Located in the eastern part of the island atop the remnants of an old volcanic eruption, just a short drive from Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. Once used by the Allies in WWII to keep an eye on the island, and officially inaugurated as a viewpoint with observation deck in 2008.
On one side lies the famous “patchwork quilt” of Terceira, rolling pastures carpeted in the typical lush green grass and bordered by stone walls, stretching to the horizon. On a clear day, you can catch glimpses of the Pico Dona Joana, a dormant volcano much beloved by drone photographers.
Drive or walk to the other side and you get an equally picture-perfect view of rolling green hills cascading into the rugged coastline of Praia da Vitória Bay and the American Air Base in Lajes. The sun comes up on this side of the viewpoint.
PRACTICAL | The Miradouro is located at 542 above sea level and susceptible to every type of element. Meaning chances are high that you might encounter a thick layer of fog, howling wind, and/ or rain pelting down for dear life. We had to go twice to get a good shot as the fog-shrouded the viewpoint the very first time.
PARKING | The Miradouro has a small amount of parking, we never encountered many people here during sunrise but admittedly we traveled in off-season (October). I would expect it to get more crowded between June and September so be sure to get there on time.
3. Walk down a volcanic crater: Algar do Carvão
Without a doubt one of the coolest things to do in Terceira. This volcanic chimney was formed roughly 2,000 years ago during a powerful eruption. Unlike typical craters, the magma in this vent drained away, leaving a hollow cavity into which visitors descend. After traipsing down 388 steps, we found a surreal underground world of stalactites, moss-covered walls, and a tiny, crystalline clear lake formed by rainwater.
WORD OF CAUTION | This crater is one of the highlights of Terceira and as such sees a lot of tourists. We went in the off-season (October) and it was still brimming with people. Aim to go at the opening or closing time to enjoy this truly epic location, without the risk of getting elbowed by your snap-happy fellow visitors.
WHAT TO WEAR | The steps hewn into the side of the chimney tend to be slippery, so wear proper footwear. In addition, the top of the chimney is open to the elements, and with the abundant rainfall in the Azores you are likely to get wet, so bring a waterproof jacket with you just in case.
TOUR OPTIONS | If you are looking to combine the Algar do Carvão and the Gruta Natales you could optionally take a half-day guided tour. The tour also includes Lagoa Das Patas and the Furnas do Enxofre. Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
ADDRESS | Porto Judeu 9700-000 Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira
FEES | €10 – To be paid by card or cash at the entrance
OPENING HOURS | Daily 08:00 am to 5:00 pm
TIME SPENT | One hour
4. Hike Furnas do Enxofre – Terceira PRC10 TER (Hiking Trail)
This hiking trail starts and ends at the parking of the Algar do Carvão. It connects the vulcanic crater to the sulfur fumaroles known as Furnas do Enxofre. My first reaction to reading about this hike was “Fuma what now?”. One quick Google search later revealed the definition of fumaroles to be ” an opening in or near a volcano, through which hot sulfurous gases emerge.”.
The more you know! To be fair the fumaroles in question where not the most awe-inspiring place to see in Terceira. I might even dare to say they were somewhere in the bottom 10. The hike though, now that was well worth it. The fauna and flora we saw along the way were wildly different from any other place we explored on Terceira.
STARTING POINT | With your back to the parking of the Algar do Carvão, head down the dirt road. The first street on the right is where your hike starts. Check out the GPX trail on Alltrails.
WHAT TO WEAR | You will need a pair of good hiking shoes for the hike. The trail is not hard, but there is a lot of softer underground and if it rains it tends to get muddy.
5. Explore the villages on the Eastern Coast
The second day of our Terceira itinerary was dedicated to exploring the little villages dotted around the eastern side of the island. We happened to be visiting over a weekend so were lucky enough to witness some quintessential village scenes: Gentlemen trying their luck with cards, a wedding, a town barbecue, etc.
What struck me is that this is oftentimes not a side of the Azores that gets thrust into the spotlight. Many a writer, much more eloquent, than yours truly has gushed about the epic landscapes, the fragrant mineral wines, and even the abundance of cattle. Yet somehow, the smaller villages and their colorful impérios (community-run chapels dedicated to the Holy Spirit) have remained a closely guarded secret.
SAO SEBASTIANO | This tiny little village is home to the oldest church on the island. The Church of St. Sebastião was erected by the very first settlers on the island. It burned down and was rebuilt in the 18th century.
PORTO JUDEU | Check out the various viewpoints: Miradouro Cruz do Canario, Miradouro Maria Augusta de Castro, and Miradouro da Ponta dos Coelhos. Walk to the colorful chapel (above left) or take a dip in the Piscina Natural do Refugo (in Summer the pools have rescue guards however when we went in October there were no guards to be seen.
PORTO MARTINS | Take a dip in the water at Baia das Canas or stroll around the little village.
DRIVING TIP | We started our drive on the ENI-1A road but quick found ourselves venturing to the EN1-2A road which runs closer to the coastline. It makes for a much more scenic drive.
6. Swim in natural pools in Biscoitos
If there is one thing the Azores are known for it is their incredible natural pools. It goes without saying then that a dip into the pools at Biscoitos is an absolute must-do in Terceira. Located on the northern coast of the island, these pools are made up of black basalt formations and filled with heated azure Atlantic waters – Yep you read that right, the water gets up to 21°C!
Sadly we visited in the wake of hurricane season and the waters were nowhere near calm enough for us to jump in. With larger-than-life waves crashing over the basalt formations, it felt prudent to sit this one out. Before you head into the water, make sure to check local weather conditions and heed any posted warnings before heading in as the water can get very rough.
FARES | Free
WHAT TO BRING | Pack essentials like swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and water shoes to navigate the rocky terrain safely. FACILITIES |Recognized annually with the Blue Flag, the Biscoitos Natural Swimming Pools are supervised and safe. We saw an outside shower but nowhere to get changed, so you might want to do this in the car.
PARKING | A large parking is available just before the natural pools themselves.
7. Do a wine tasting at Materramenta
One does not visit the Azores without planning a wine tasting. Irrespective of the islands you are scheduled to visit, there will be at least one vineyard you might want to book a tasting or at the very least pop into. For Terceira, we decided to visit the Materramenta vineyard near Biscoitos.
Established in 2016, this family-run vineyard is dedicated to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Azores. We had a guided tour that (briefly) delved into the traditional winemaking processes, from grape cultivation to bottling and of course wine tasting.
GOOD TO KNOW | Azorean wines are distinctive due to the island’s volcanic soil, salty sea breezes, and unique grape varieties like Verdelho and Arinto dos Açores. These factors create vibrant, mineral-rich wines with crisp acidity and a hint of salinity.
PRACTICAL | This is a very small winery therefore simply “popping by” is not an option. Make sure to book a wine tasting in advance before you go. A visit the the vineyards starts at €15 pp while a wine tasting costs anywhere from €35 to €55.
BOOK ACCOMMODATION | The vineyard runs a cozy boutique BnB with 2 rooms. Not a bad idea if you opt to book the €55 wine tasting if you are doing a road trip around Terceira. Check out prices online.
8. Explore the Western coastline (in a buggy)
On our third day in Terceira, we decided to explore the western side of the island. While it seems much has been written about the other three corners of the island (North, East, and South) it feels like the West is more off-beaten-path. Relegated to the realm of “if you have time to spare” which in practice means it is practically void of other tourists.
We decided to put on our adventurous boots for the day and booked a 3-hour long buggy tour. This part of the island can be explored without the tour of course in which case make sure to include Lagoa das Patas, Riacho, Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara and the Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado in your adventure.
The advantage of the buggy tour is that we got to see parts of the island that were not accessible to normal cars (see pictures above). Cruising through the Reserva Florestal Parcial da Serra de S. Barbara e dos Misterios Negros felt like we were on a completely different island compared to the sights we saw on the eastern coast.
TOUR OPTION | Book the buggy tour we took
START & END | Angra do Heroísmo – Pick up at the hotel
PRICE | Starting €80 p.p.
9. Hike Monte Brasil – Terceira PRC04 TER (Hiking Trail)
The Monte Brasil peninsula is located off Angra do Heroísmo and is one of the best spots on the island to catch sunset. The trail takes you through the lush forested slopes of Monte Brasil, a volcanic peninsula. The hike is rated moderate, suitable for those with a basic fitness level, though some steep sections might challenge beginners.
As you ascend, you’ll encounter viewpoints like Pico das Cruzinhas, offering panoramic vistas of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and the surrounding Atlantic. The trail also passes historical remnants, including cannons and fortifications from centuries past.
Unfortunately, it was terrible weather when we planned to do the hike so we were unable to do it. If you managed to hike, let me know in the comments as it is rated as one of the top things to do in Terceira for hiking lovers.
PRACTICAL | Park your car in the Parque Municipal do Relvão where a large (free) parking is available.
DISTANCE | 7,4 km (4,6 mi)
TRAIL | Circular – Check the trail on Alltrails
10. Delve into the cultural evolution of the island of Terceira at Quinta do Martelo
Quinta do Martelo serves as a living testament to Terceira’s history and traditions. This beautifully restored property dates back centuries and preserves the architecture, lifestyle, and culture of the island’s agricultural past. Expect to find traditional Azorean stone houses, antique furnishings, and authentic tools that showcase the island’s rural heritage. We even stumbled upon a barber shop on our way back to the parking!
Quinta do Martelo is also renowned for its restaurant, which takes the concept of farm-to-table dining to heart. And this is the very reason why we decided to stop here, and boy talk about the best idea ever. The menu focuses on Azorean cuisine prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients, including vegetables grown on the property!
The restaurant itself is housed in one of the property’s main buildings. The ground floor doubles up as an old store while the first floor is a traditional house. We were in fact seated in what was once a bedroom.
Starting off with a few traditional Azorean nibbles (pictured above), my travel partner tried the signature dish Alcatra (a slow-cooked beef stew) while I had a delicious salad. We ended with possibly the best orange cake I have ever eaten. The grounds are interesting to stroll around, but truthfully the restaurant is the real highlight. Make sure to book well in advance!
Additional Places to Visit in Terceira Island
VARIOUS MIRADOUROS: The island is absolutely choc-a-bloc with Miradouros (or viewpoints). Miradouro Maria Augusta de Castro, Forte das Cinco Ribeiras, Miradouro da Serra de Santa Barbara and Miradouro do Raminho are great at sunset, Miradouro de Alagoa, Miradouro da Serretinha Feteira, Miradouro da Serra do Cume are prime spots for sunrise.
GRUTA DO NATALE: A 700-meter-long lava tube on Terceira Island, formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Before entering the cave explore the Gruta do Natal Interpretation Centre to get a bit more information about the photo exposition about the social and historical activities that occurred inside this cave. Opening hours vary depending on the season!
CASCATA DAS FRECHAS: Located in the bolthole known as Agualva near Biscoitos on the North side of the Island. A short, circular hike takes you through to the waterfalls known as Cascata das Frechas. It’s a nice little add-on of you have time after your swim in Biscoitos.
WHALE WATCHING TOUR: We did not do a whale-watching tour due to time constraints, but Terceira is a great spot to find a whale-watching tour guide and head out into the sea. Just make sure when booking that your guide is eco-friendly! Check options and book a tour.
Where to Stay in Terceira
We opted to base ourselves out of Angra do Heroismo. The reason for this is twofold. On the one hand, it is close to every major thing to do in Terceira (a 25 min drive), while on the other it is the largest town on the island and thus has the most varied options of accommodations to choose from. Browse the various accommodations in Angra do Heroismo and scroll down my below picks.
WHERE WE STAYED: Shipyards
This upscale boutique hotel is located in Angra do Heroísmo and had one of the best breakfast spreads I have ever seen! The beds were super comfortable and the rooms soundproof. On-site parking available too.
THE OFF THE BEATEN PATH CHOICE: Basalto Negro AL
This guesthouse is slightly outside of town and offers a wonderful sustainable experience. With a large garden, jacuzzi and share area as well as a host of activities on offer.
BOUTIQUE B&B: Azores Book Hotel
This quaint B&B is located 4 minutes from Praia da Silveira. It has spa and wellness facilities, gym, inside and outside pool and teracce. Both bike and car-rental are available on site and can be booked through the 24-hour reception.
Pratical Tips for Visiting Terceira
What to pack for the Azores
The Azores have a generally tepid, oceanic, mild to warm subtropical climate. Leave your heavy clothes at home, temperature wise the islands never drop below 13°C (55°F). What you will want to pack is a good raincoat, hiking boots and many breathable layers of clothing.
Weather in the Azores
Keep an eye on the weather via the Spot Azores Webcams set-up across the various islands for this very purpose. As is oftentimes the case for islands, the weather can be very fickle. We noticed that traditional weather apps did not really work for the Azores and relied on these webcams instead.
Best time to visit Terceira
The driest months of the year are between June and September, this is also the time of year when the flowers tend to come out. That being said, prices triple and the islands are absolutely jam-packed. Personally I would avoid these months at all costs instead opting for shoulder season. We visited in October and were able to walk around in Tshirt!
How to get around Terceira
Public transportation is available, although we heard it tends to take its sweet time i.e. you might end up waiting a few hours at the bus stop for the bus to appear.
RENT A CAR | We ended up renting a car right at the airport. Before you go, make sure to read up on what to expect when renting a car in the Azores. Check pricing and book online.
TOUR | If you do not feel comfortable driving, there are a host of affordable day tour options ranging from €80 to €120 per person for the full day. Have a browse on Viator or GetYourGuide for the best tours.
Terceira Itinerary
We spent three days on Terceira and out itinerary roughly looked like this.
DAY ONE: Arrival from Brussels; afternoon exploring Angra do Heroísmo and hiking Hike Monte Brasil.
DAY TWO: Sunrise Serra do Cume; morning exploring the East Coast; Afternoon head down Algar do Carvã and hike Hike Algar do Carvão – Furnas do Enxofre – Terceira PRC10 TER,
DAY THREE: Morning exploring West Coast in Buggy Tour, afternoon wine tasting in Materramenta and swim in Biscoitos natural pools;
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING PORTUGAL
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Things to do in Terceira – Pin it
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