Pedro DominguesThis is my 2 or 3 day Terceira itinerary guide with everything to visit on the island, and extra useful tips on where to sleep, where and what to eat, how to get to Terceira Island, when to go, and much more. It’s an itinerary to do by car, but I’ll tell you which are the best hikes and trails to do on the island, so you can add some of them to your plans.
From my experience, without a doubt, Angra do Heroísmo stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as does the viewpoint of Serra do Cume, or the impressive Algar do Carvão, a true volcanic chimney that you can enter while visiting Terceira island.
Note that: in this travel blog you can find information about other islands in the Azores: - São Miguel Itinerary and Things to do in Ponta Delgada - Faial Itinerary - Pico Itinerary You also have an itinerary to visit Madeira Island here, in case you are planning a trip there. And also an article with Things to do in Funchal.
Check also my article about Things to do in Angra do Heroísmo.
Passionate video about Terceira Island
I start by sharing with you a video of the beautiful Terceira island! It’s not mine, it was taken from https://www.exploreterceira.com/
Historical Note on Terceira Island
This island was the third to be discovered in the Azores archipelago by the Portuguese, but it was only later given its current name, having been initially recognized as the island of Jesus Christ. It began to be populated in the 15th century, and in 1534 Angra do Heroísmo was founded, which was the first village in the Azores to be elevated to a city.
Angra is considered a “Noble, Loyal and Constant” city, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site: for me it is the most beautiful city in the Azores archipelago and of course it has many tourist attractions and things to do while visiting.
Angra do Heroísmo assumed from an early age a very important role as a stopover between continents: a stopping point for vessels traveling between Europe and America.
Location and geography of Terceira Island
Terceira island is located in the Azores archipelago, and is part of its central group, together with the islands of Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial.
As for dimensions, the island of Terceira is approximately 29 km long by 18 km wide, with a perimeter of 90 km. Its highest point is 1021 meters above sea level, in Santa Bárbara mountain range, one of the places that I have included in this itinerary.
It is estimated to have about 55,000 inhabitants.
Terceira Itinerary (Azores) – Useful Tips
1. When to visit Terceira Island?
I would say that you should visit Terceira Island in the summer months (June, July, August or September): better visibility, better water temperature, better time for the main activities. This also applies to the other islands.
- Air temperature fluctuates between 14º in winter and 23º in summer, on average.
- Water temperature varies between 16º in winter and 25º in summer, on average.
It should be noted that hydrangeas, one of the main attractions of the Azores, only begin to bloom in May, or when June arrives, another proof that you should put this itinerary into practice in summer or late spring. Terceira Island is considered the lilac island for the color of its hydrangeas.
2. How to get to Terceira Island?
There are several ways to get to Terceira Island, depending on where you come from. I leave you all that information below! 😉
Option 1 – By plane
Lajes International Airport is the airport on Terceira Island, and it is located in the village of Lajes, next to Praia da Vitória. It has the longest runway in all the Azores. From Continental Portugal, there are regular flights from SATA, TAP and Ryanair.
To book my flights I use Skyscanner, Google Flights or the airlines’ own websites.
Option 2 – By boat from another island in the Azores
I, personally, have already visited 4 islands in the Azores, all on the same itinerary, on the same trip. I only took the boat from Faial to Pico because they are very close, all other transfers were by plane (São Miguel – Faial – Terceira).
If you need the boats, the ferry company that operates in the Azores is Atlânticoline and they sell individual tickets, or even travel passes. This is the link to the company website.
3. Take out Travel Insurance to visit Terceira Island
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Terceira Island, as it is a nature destination where you will certainly want to go hiking. Shit happens, and you should always opt for prevention.
4. How to visit Terceira Island, in the Azores?
As for how to visit Terceira Island in 2 or 3 days, my recommendation is to rent a car and just start exploring. However, there are other possibilities, such as organized tours.
Option 1 – Rent a car to visit Terceira Island
This is the option I recommend the most, and I designed this itinerary to be done by car. So, if you haven’t thought about renting a car yet, start thinking: this is how you can more easily access the most amazing places and, above all, stop where you want, for as long as you want, and go at your own pace. I recommend that you use Discover Cars to handle your bookings and compare prices between the different companies available.
Note that: For a trip between several islands in the Azores, it is generally not advantageous to go with the car on the boat, although it is possible. It is easier, simpler, and more convenient to rent a different car on each island.
Option 2 – Go on organized tours when visiting Terceira Island
I don’t recommend visiting Terceira without a car, as I mentioned! However, even if you have a car, there are organized tours that you can do anyway: I leave it to your choice.
Below are some of the best organized tours to do when visiting Terceira island, to the top tourist attractions and locations on the island, for example Algar do Carvão. Click on my recommendations, and if you feel like it, search for other possibilities with Get Your Guide, Viator or Civitatis.
The important thing is that you always look at the comments of those who have already taken each tour, and at their ratings. Likewise, book those that allow free cancellations latter on, in case you change your mind.
Excursions to visit Terceira island with Get Your Guide: 1 - Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour 2 - Terceira Island Full day tour 3 - Whale Watching and Jeep Tour 4 - 4x4 Land Rover Tour
Excursions to visit Terceira island with Viator: 1 - Whale Watching in Terceira Island 2 - Buggy Tour Off-Road 3 - Terceira Island Highlights Tour 4 - Underground Van Tour (Half Day) 5 - E-bike Tour Monte Brasil 6 - 2-hour Cabras Islet Boat Cruise from Angra
Excursions to visit Terceira Island with Civitatis: 1 - Whale Watching + Cabras Islets 2 - Terceira Island Full Day Tour 3 - Snorkelling in Cabras Islets 4 - Volcanic Caves Day Trip
What about a guided tour around Angra do Heroísmo, for you to know better the World Heritage city, and capital of Terceira Island?
Option 3 – Visit Terceira Island on foot, hiking
This way of getting to know Terceira Island can be combined with car hire: there are places you really have to discover on foot, even if you have a car! Although in my 2-3 day itinerary I do not mention any trails to do, you will find below a list of the main ones on the island in case you have more time to spend there.
Passagem das Bestas (“Passage of the beasts”)
- Circular Route with the possibility of exploring Guilherme Moniz crater.
- Terceira Island trail map
- 4km, totaling 2h30m
Rocha do Chambre
- Circular route with the possibility of getting to know Rocha do Chambre and Vale do Azinhal
- Terceira Island trail map
- 9km, totaling 2h30m
Baías da Agualva
- Linear route with the possibility of visiting Praia do Rolo (Rolo Beach) and the coastal cliffs of the region.
- Trail Map on Terceira Island
- 4km, totaling 2h
Visit St. Sebastian Forts (Fortes de São Sebastião)
- Linear rout with a visit to Forte da Greta, Forte de Santa Catarina das Mós, Forte Bom Jesus, and Forte do Pesqueiro dos Meninos.
- Trail map on Terceira Island
- 6km, totaling 2h30m
Black Mysteries – The most interesting, in my opinion
- Circular route passing through Pico do Gaspar and Lagoinhas do Vale Fundo.
- Trail map on Terceira Island
- 5km, totaling 2h30m
Visit Monte Brasil
- Circular Route to visit the sights of Monte Brasil: they are included in my itinerary, but by car. Here is the possibility to do it on foot.
- Trail map on Terceira Island
- 7,5km – 2h30m
Serreta
- Circular Route visiting Ribeira do Além and Lagoinha.
- Trail map on Terceira Island
- 7km, 2h30m
5. Where to sleep on Terceira Island?
For this itinerary to visit Terceira Island, I recommend that you stay in Angra do Heroísmo for accommodation.
| Accommodation | Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Azoris Angra Garden | 8.5 | Central |
| Casa de Hospedes Isaias | 8.7 | Cheaper |
| Terceira Mar Hotel | 9.0 | Superior |
| My Angra Boutique Hostel | 9.6 | Quality Hostel |
| Memória Boutique Hostel | 9.9 | Quality Hostel |
| Quintal d’Angra | 9.9 | Apartment |
| Casa da Sé | 9.6 | Apartment |
| Alluar Lodge | 9.6 | Peaceful |
6. Gastronomic Guide – What to eat and drink on Terceira Island?
To eat – Alcatra
After a few days in the Azores you will realize that cows are the animal of the archipelago, the “happy cows”. Alcatra is the meat located on its backside and should be cooked and served in a clay bowl.
To drink
- Biscoitos wine.
- KIMA soda.
7. Gastronomic Guide – Where to Eat on Terceira Island?
- I definitely recommend the Beira-Mar restaurant in São Mateus, whose specialty is fish.
- Queijo Vaquinha to try some cheese.
- Ti-Choa for awesome Alcatra.
- O Imperador at Praia da Vitória, also for fish.
- The Birou Bar, for a cheap meal.
- Taberna do Roberto
Don’t forget to call the restaurants to reserve a table, as seats can easily fill up in the busiest months.
8. Terceira Island festivities
In addition to the typical months when the temperature is better for a visit to Terceira island, it is also important to know when the main festivities and events on the island take place. If any of them interest you, book your trip accordingly and get ready for other exciting activities.
Holy Spirit Festivities
The Holy Spirit Festivities focus on the colorful Empires in honor of the Holy Spirit who is the patron saint of the Azores. On Terceira Island, these Empires really stand out: they are very colorful and there are more than 40 of them spread across the island.
The festivities take place over several weeks, between Easter Sunday and Holy Trinity Sunday. They are local festivities, spread throughout various locations on the island.
Sanjoaninas
Sanjoaninas are festivities dedicated to Saint John and take place in the month of June: many processions, concerts, bullfights, fireworks, and of course, popular marches.
Rope bullfighting (Touradas à Corda)
Despite not having attended any, and having some doubts about its safety (there are reports of injuries and hospitalized people), rope bullfights are traditional on Terceira Island and take place hundreds of times a year.
This type of bullfight is unique in the world, so if you’re a fan, you shouldn’t miss it, and I recommend that you add one to your itinerary. Terceira inhabitants open their homes to tourists, so that they can watch the bullfight from safer places, from windows or balconies. The bullfighters stay on the roads to tame the bull, using the characteristic rope, when it is released and runs free through the village.
The fantastic thing about this type of bullfight is that I have no knowledge of injury to the bull for people’s amusement.
Other Festivities in Terceira Island
- Terceira Carnival.
- Praia da Vitória Festivities, in August, a type of Sanjoanina beach party.
- The Vine and Wine Festival in Biscoitos – September.
Terceira Itinerary | Things to do for 2 to 3 days
Finally, Terceira Itinerary itself. Next I will share with you all the main things to do while visiting this island in the Azores, Portugal.
Day 1 | Terceira Itinerary: Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória
Angra do Heroísmo was the city I loved the most when I visited Terceira. It is really beautiful and its historic center is a UNESCO world heritage site.
1. Visit Angra do Heroísmo, capital of Terceira Island
In Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, don’t miss:
- Pátio da Alfândega, with the statue of Vasco da Gama.
- The beautiful Igreja da Misericórdia (church).
- The Marina and St. Sebastian Fort (Forte de São Sebastião).
- Angra Cathedral.
- The City Hall.
- Duque da Terceira Garden and Angra viewpoint next to the monument in memory of D. Pedro IV.
- The Palace of the Captains-General.
- The beach next to Angra marina.
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (churches).
There are other places to visit, but these are the main ones. The rest you will surely find when wandering through the streets of Angra do Heroísmo. If you want to know where to sleep, here are some suggestions in the city or nearby surroundings: Azoris Angra Garden, Casa de Hospedes Isaias, Terceira Mar Hotel, My Angra Boutique Hostel, Memória Boutique Hostel, Quintal d’Angra, Casa da Sé.
2. Visit Monte Brasil on Terceira Island
Monte Brasil is a nature reserve and what remains of an ancient volcano that originated in the sea. It is attached to Angra do Heroísmo and is today almost like a park for the city. Climb up to Pico das Cruzinhas and explore São João Baptista Castle, an important fortress from the late 16th century. Also don’t forget the Caldeira viewpoint, or Pico da Quebrada, Pico do Facho and Pico do Zimbreiro.
3. Watch Ilhéu das Cabras (goats islet) along the coast of Terceira
On the way to Praia da Vitória you have the possibility to see this islet from the road, which is considered the largest in the Azores. Cruz do Canário viewpoint is a mandatory stop.
You can also go on a tour related with it: see Get Your Guide, Viator or Civitatis.
4. Visit Porto Judeu, Refugo Natural Pool, Pico da Joana and Gruta das Agulhas
Pico da Joana stands out when passing through Porto Judeu. It is one of the island’s many volcanic cones, measuring around 500 meters in diameter, with its highest point at 331 meters above sea level.
In the center of Porto Judeu, you can visit the Holy Spirit Empire, as well as the Refugo Natural Pool. Gruta das Agulhas appears as the first volcanic cave of this itinerary, being in fact a lava tube discovered in 1967, which emerged from the lava flow during the eruption of Algar do Carvão Volcano. Its name derives from the various sedimentary formations existing in the lava tube, on the walls and ceiling, in the form of needles.
5. Visit Salga Natural Pools and Ponta das Contendas
At Ponta das Contendas, right after Porto Judeu, you will find other natural pools, the Salga ones. Don’t miss Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse, and admire the coastal landscape from the viewpoints.
6. Visit the Holy Spirit Empire of São Sebastião
I have already mentioned São Sebastião Empire in the festivities section. Don’t forget to visit it.
7. Visit the natural pools of Porto Martins
Porto Martins has fantastic natural pools where you will love to relax for a while. I didn’t go for a bath there, but they are worth a visit before continuing to Praia da Vitória. Don’t forget to visit the Holy Spirit Empire in Porto Martins.
8. Visit Praia da Vitória, Facho Viewpoint and Humberto Delgado Viewpoint
Before laying out your towel at Praia da Vitória, the largest sandy beach in the Azores, stop by Humberto Delgado viewpoint, overlooking Terceira island airport. I preferred, however, Facho viewpoint, with a very beautiful view of the beach, and of course, the sea port of Praia da Vitória.
Optionally, don’t miss the Holy Spirit Empire of Charity (Caridade) and the Santa Cruz church. Nearby you will also find a museum to visit, called Casa Vitorino Nemésio, where the writer was born on December 19, 1901.
9. Visit Serra do Cume Viewpoint – my favorite on Terceira island
On the way back to Angra do Heroísmo, go through the mountain road and stop by the best viewpoint on this itinerary, and the most famous on Terceira Island: Serra do Cume. Wait for an awesome sunset. Giant panorama, don’t you agree?
Day 2 | Terceira Itinerary: West of the island and Algar do Carvão
The second day will be divided between the west coast and the interior of the island, with the main highlights being the Biscoitos Natural Pools and Algar do Carvão. Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, in the interior of the island, are only open in the afternoon, so you have all morning to visit the coast.
Towards Biscoitos, you should take the coast road. There are several quick stop possibilities, and these are the ones I share with you below.
1. Visit Silveira Bathing Area
From Angra do Heroísmo, Silveira Bathing Area can be the first stop. It is on the other side of Monte Brasil, allowing for a “panoramic dive”.
2. Visit São Mateus da Calheta and Negrito Bathing Area
In São Mateus da Calheta, several places stand out:
- The Port of São Mateus.
- The Fort of São Mateus.
- The House of Whaling Boats.
- São Mateus da Calheta main church.
- And the Old Church of São Mateus.
On the outskirts, be sure to visit another bathing area on Terceira Island, namely the Negrito area. There is a small fort next to it, with the same name.
3. Visit Cinco Ribeiras Bathing Area and Queijo Vaquinha (Cheese)
Less interesting than the previous ones, in my opinion, is the Bathing Area of Cinco Ribeiras. Go also to Queijo Vaquinha factory, where you can taste and buy some Azores cheese. 😉
4. Visit Mata da Serreta, Ponta do Queimado Viewpoint and Vigia das Baleias Viewpoint
When traveling along the coast road of Terceira Island, you will inevitably also pass through the beautiful Mata da Serreta (forest). There are several viewpoints not to be missed there, including Ponta do Queimado viewpoint and Vigia das Baleias viewpoint. Be sure to visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres and Serreta Holy Spirit Empire.
5. Visit Biscoitos Natural Pools, in the north of Terceira Island
The highlight of your morning will be the natural pools of Biscoitos, and you should plan at least a couple of hours there in your itinerary. Don’t forget to taste the wine from the Biscoitos region, and even visit the Wine Museum.
The pools were formed in volcanic rock, and adapted for people to use. The place is in good condition, with easy access to the pools with stairs built in cement.
6. Calheta dos Lagadores and Military Trenches
Next to Biscoitos, and before heading towards the interior of the island, you may visit the less crowded Calheta dos Lagadores Natural Pool. Next to it you will find old military trenches from World War 2.
7. Visit Algar do Carvão – a volcano chimney on Terceira Island
Algar do Carvão is the most impressive place on this Terceira island itinerary, one of the places you will not soon forget: you will enter a gigantic cave, right inside the chimney of a volcano.
Before your visit, do some research on timetables. In summer it is open every day only in the afternoon, however, in low season you have limited hours and you may need to book in advance.
8. Visit Gruta do Natal – A Lava Tunnel on Terceira Island
If you also want to visit Gruta do Natal, be prepared for the same type of schedule: visits only in the afternoon, which may be limited in less busy months. Gruta do Natal is a 700 meter long lava tunnel. Extraordinary!
For more information about these two places, access Montanheiros website.
9. Visit Furnas de Enxofre
In Furnas de Enxofre you can see volcanic gases coming out of the earth, reaching almost 100º at the surface. Get ready for the smell of the place, typical of sulfur.
10. Visit Lagoa das Patas and Serra da Santa Bárbara Viewpoint
End your day next to Lagoa das Patas (lagoon) and going up to the viewpoint of Serra de Santa Bárbara. Lagoa das Patas is an excellent place for a picnic and a late afternoon snack. In Serra de Santa Bárbara, optionally, you can also visit the small Interpretation Centre.
Day 3 | Terceira Itinerary: Extras to visit
Extras to visit on a Terceira Itinerary? Top things to do in 3 or more days travelling around the island? Easy! I recommended you several trails before, and you have the rest of the coast to explore, if you were not able to finish it all in 2nd day. You can also go on organized tours, such as whale or dolphin watching. Check also this one with Viator.
1. Visit Quatro Ribeiras Bathing Area and Moinhos Viewpoint
In the north of the island, choose to go to Quatro Ribeiras, not far from Biscoitos. There you will find another bathing area, Moinhos viewpoint, another Holy Spirit Empire and Saint Beatrice Church.
2. Alagoa Viewpoint
From Alagoa Viewpoint, you will see impressive cliffs of the coast.
3. Escaleiras Bathing Area and Frechas Park
On the way to the Escaleiras Bathing Area, you will pass through the Holy Spirit Empire of Outeiro and then Agualva, with a pleasant park named Frechas.
Terceira Itinerary | Map of things to do
This map has my detailed itinerary to the four islands I already visited in the Azores: São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial. Just zoom it for Terceira details.
Finished?
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Have a nice time in Terceira Island! I hope you enjoy this piece of my country!
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
2 comments
Hello,
Great content. Thank you, Pedro.
What about visiting the Azores at the end of April beginning of May?
Is the weather acceptable for hikes and nature blooming?
Hello Lulu.
Thanks for the feedback. 😉 I will post more about Portugal (my country) in English soon.
Well, Azores has a special climate there, so weather changes a lot. Usually you find the best weather conditions from late spring to early autumn, May to September, or even October, but prepare yourself to find a bit of rain and sun in any season, because that’s completely normal there.
The Hydrangeas bloom season is also during those months, and the islands are covered with them.
If you don’t have the time to go in high season mentioned, don’t worry. The islands are really exotic, so they are always green and beautiful, with big waterfalls and awesome viewpoints and volcanic scenery. Just be sure you check fog conditions before you go to visit a special viewpoint, for example. There are live webcams online that help you with that! You need to be ready to readjust your itinerary on the go, based on that and the weather conditions.
Pedro