Travel Guide to the Island of Terceira in the Azores
General
Terceira is an island in the Azores archipelago belonging to Portugal, located in the Atlantic Ocean about a two-and-a-half-hour flight west of Lisbon. Known as the "Lilac Island", it is the second most populous (approx. 57,000 residents) and second most visited by tourists among the Azores islands, and the third largest in area (about 400 sq km) after São Miguel and Pico. It is situated about 145 km from São Miguel and, for many travelers to the Azores, it is their absolute favorite island.
The island is renowned for its topography and impressive natural wonders: dramatic cliffs plunging steeply into the sea, forests (it is the most forested island in the Azores), volcanic caves, and thermal activity. Around every corner of the island, you will encounter peaceful cows grazing leisurely in green pastures—a pastoral sight, especially since milking is also done outdoors in the pastures.
The island is home to the historic capital of the archipelago, the oldest city in the Azores, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Angra do Heroísmo.
Accommodation
It is recommended to stay in the island's largest city, Angra do Heroísmo, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended Accommodations
A 4-star hotel overlooking Fanal Bay. The hotel features an infinity pool and extensive gardens filled with palm trees. Every room has a balcony overlooking the sea. The hotel has a gym, spa, and hammam. The price includes breakfast, parking, and internet.
A 4-star hotel in the western part of the city. Located close to the beach, it features a terrace with a swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a quality restaurant, and a bar. The price includes internet, parking, and a good breakfast. Each room has a balcony. Sea-view rooms offering wonderful vistas are especially recommended.
Located in the town of Porto Judeu in the southeast of the island. Charming cabins with a kitchen and patio. An outdoor pool is shared by all cabins. Free bicycles, internet, and parking.
Transportation
The international airport is located in Lajes in the eastern part of the island, about a 20-minute drive (20 km) from Angra do Heroísmo and near the island's second-largest city, known for its artificial beach: Praia da Vitória (meaning: Victory Beach).
You can book here via Viator:
♦ Transfer from Terceira Airport to Hotel or Vice Versa - Airport Transfer Terceira Island
Guided Tours on Terceira Island
It is easy and convenient to explore the island independently with a rental car, but a guided tour with a local guide who knows the best attractions, routes, geology, flora, and culture of the island provides immense added value at a very attractive price. If taking guided tours (warmly recommended), you can easily manage without renting a car.
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Here is a description of three days of guided touring on the island.
Jeep Tour in East Terceira
The guide picked us up at the airport and accompanied us energetically throughout the day on a diverse, fascinating tour rich in landscapes alongside local delicacies. From the airport, drive southwest along mountain trails until reaching the mountain ridge summit at a spectacular viewpoint: to the west, sweeping plains and green fields stretch as far as the eye can see; to the east, the city of Praia da Vitória, the slopes leading down to it, and the airport just north of it. The name of this impressive viewpoint is Miradouro da Serra do Cume.
The expansive pastures are partitioned into patchwork grids by stone walls made from numerous basalt rocks gathered by farmers. These walls can be seen in many places across the Azores. In vineyards, the walls surround the growing vines to provide warmth and shelter from the winds.
From there, continue along mountain paths southwest toward a viewpoint overlooking Angra do Heroísmo, the green fields with cows to its north, and the peninsula mountain Monte Brasil attached to the city of Angra.
Descend toward the city of Angra and reach Monte Brasil, which features a military fortress. From the summit, you can gaze down over the entire city of Angra on one side and into the mountain's volcanic caldera on the other—an impressive and inspiring spectacle of the power of nature juxtaposed with human creation.
Next, drive through the city, passing an arena hosting bullfights; next to it in a roundabout stands an impressive monument of three large bulls.
Continue eastward along the coast, descending into the village of Feteira, facing two offshore sea stacks that represent the remnants of a volcano.
Continue east along the coast to Baía das Mós, located south of the town of São Sebastião. Take a walking tour along the rugged shore where powerful waves crash against the steep coastline. In the 16th century, a naval battle took place here in which the Spanish defeated locals resisting Spanish rule. The site features the remains of an ancient fortress, and nearby stands the Ponta das Contendas lighthouse.
Lunch (included in the tour price) is enjoyed in the nearby town of São Sebastião at a restaurant called Os Moinhos, which serves a traditional pot roast dish (Alcatra) accompanied by wine, along with the customary starter of soup, bread, and local cheeses, followed by a local sweet pastry dessert called Dona Amélia.
From there, proceed toward the island's center to a gigantic lava cave featuring a vertical opening above it. The cave was formed by a powerful volcanic eruption through the vent; upon cooling, the lava retreated into the earth, leaving behind this cavern. You enter the cave via a tunnel excavated directly into its side. The site is called Algar do Carvão and is located in the center of Terceira Island. This is a unique, must-see attraction!
About a kilometer west of the cave, you reach Furnas do Enxofre, a thermal site where you can witness (and smell) sulfur fumes rising from the ground, amidst multi-colored rocks tinted by the escaping gases.
Continue west and visit a lovely park nestled within an enchanting forest called Reserva Florestal de Recreio da Lagoa das Patas, which also features a small lake and ducks—an ideal picnic destination.
Set out on foot from the park for a short walk through the forest while receiving explanations about the flora and fauna. The trees are Japanese cedars (Cryptomeria japonica), introduced here after the native forests were cleared. The forest contains New Zealand-like ferns and a type of white lichen draped over the trees, lending the forest the appearance of having white hair.
To conclude, stop on the way at a small cheese factory producing several varieties of cheeses. Enjoy tastings of the cheeses paired with bread and fig jam, and purchase any favorites at the factory shop.
The facility has a television for visitors broadcasting non-stop footage of the traditional running of the bulls (Tourada à corda) through village streets, which marks the highlight of multi-week festivals held annually moving from town to town.
Along the road, pass by a ranch where these bulls are raised, resting serenely in the meadow.
Jeep Tour in West Terceira
First, stop at the foot of a medium-sized volcano situated about 600 meters above sea level. Climb up—an ascent of several dozen meters—to view its crater with the vegetation flourishing inside, and learn about the flora unique to these islands.
Continue north toward the town of Biscoitos, named after the hardtack biscuits once made here. The town is famed for its vineyards and wineries; its white wine features a subtle salinity due to the close proximity to the ocean. Considerably more wine was produced here in the past, but following the devastating 1980 earthquake—which killed dozens, injured hundreds, destroyed numerous homes, and prompted many residents to emigrate to the United States—the wine industry shrank significantly. The town also features a wine museum.
Pass by vineyards where the vines grow in rocky soil nestled within currais—curved enclosures built from local volcanic stone to shelter plants from ocean winds and retain heat absorbed during the day.
From there, continue to the coastline to observe natural swimming pools formed amid basalt rock, flanked by concrete platforms constructed for bathers.
Enjoy lunch in the nearby village of Altares at a restaurant named Caneta, which serves traditional pot roast accompanied by sweet bread to dip in the rich sauce. The meal includes white wine, fish soup, and dessert.
Afterward, visit an impressive lava tube called Gruta do Natal, which comprises an extensive subterranean network formed by ancient lava flows. The route is circular; visitors receive helmets for head protection since ceilings are low in several sections, requiring you to duck.
Nearby, pass an exposed lava field clearly etched with parallel grooves resembling railway tracks. The guide explains that ox-drawn carts carrying timber once traveled repeatedly across this surface; the heavy iron-rimmed wooden wheels gradually carved ruts directly into the hardened lava over decades.
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The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
This is the spot for a brief rest break, where the guide produces a thermos of hot tea and treats everyone to regional pastries (the beloved Dona Amélia cakes remembered fondly from the previous day).
From here, ascend Mount Santa Bárbara (the island's highest peak at 1,021 meters) for dramatic panoramic views.
On the return drive, pass through Angra do Heroísmo by an old Jewish cemetery established in 1832, featuring wrought-iron gate bars designed in the shape of a Menorah emblem and Hebrew lettering.
Tour of the City of Angra do Heroísmo
The city of Angra do Heroísmo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impeccably preserved historic buildings. It is recommended to start your visit at the Angra Museum (MAH - Angra do Heroísmo Museum), which showcases vintage carriages, artillery pieces, carved stonework, an integrated church, knight armor, antique furniture, and more.
Next, head on a guided tour of Palácio dos Capitães Generais, the former seat of government on the island, which now also functions as a museum. Walk through historical chambers while receiving an overview of the island's political heritage.
Adjacent are the beautifully manicured Duke of Terceira Gardens, where a scenic walking trail winds uphill to several rewarding viewpoints.
Continue exploring through the charming cobblestone alleys of the old town leading toward the marina, bordered by a seaside promenade and restaurants offering views of Monte Brasil and the harbor. The town is richly dotted with historic churches and cathedrals.
Hiking Trail to Rocha do Chambre Cliff
Book a guided hike to Rocha do Chambre (approx. 7 hours):
♦ Full-Day Hiking Tour in Terceira Island - Rocha do Chambre
Terceira features numerous marked nature trails spanning various levels of difficulty. Trail markers are well-maintained, allowing walking enthusiasts to spend days on foot. A particularly recommended route is Rocha do Chambre: a loop trail ascending to a steep, dramatic ridge. The route is 9.3 km with an elevation gain of around 200 meters. Difficulty level: moderate. Hiking duration: roughly 3 hours.
The first third of the trail is relatively flat, beginning through a volcanic rock field with low scrub that grows taller and becomes covered in "white hair" lichen. The vegetation deepens as the trail enters low woods; climbing higher up the mountain brings you into stands of tall Japanese cedar trees.
Along steeper stretches, wooden steps and rope railings assist the climb and guard against drops. The landscape is peaceful—just you surrounded by green expanses. Views along the trail are wonderfully varied, providing vistas of the ocean, towering cliffs, the valley floor, surrounding woods, and summit mist that adds to the ambiance.
Map of the Azores Islands:
