The Azores or the Azores Islands are often referred to as the European Hawaii. They belong to Portugal and out of the 12 islands, a total of 9 are inhabited. These gems of volcanic origin hide green unspoiled nature, natural swimming pools, lava caves, and high mountains within themselves. In our article, you will learn what to see and not miss on the third-largest island of Terceira.
Detailed Google map with attractions
1. Algar do Carvão Cave
The biggest attraction of the whole island is the vertical cave Algar do Carvão. The former volcano left behind a perfect lava tube that plays with all possible colors. It is like a journey to the center of the earth, surrounded by heavenly greenery with gentle drops of water coming down from above. As you go lower, you twist your neck towards the circular heavenly opening, from where beams of light penetrate. You can descend along a path to an underground lagoon with crystal clear water.
TIP: The best deal is a combined ticket for €12 to Algar do Carvão + the neighboring lava cave Gruta do Natal
2. The city of Angra do Heroísmo and Monte Brasil
The city of Angra do Heroismo is the largest and oldest city on the Azores Islands dating back to 1534, which is also inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The best view of the whole city is from the obelisk called Memória and D. Pedro IV from the 19th century. From the monument, there are stairs leading to the beautiful botanical garden Duke Of Terceira Garden, where you can see a variety of endemic and exotic plants. In the city itself, make sure not to miss the blue chapel Igreja da Misericórdia. If you feel like taking a swim, there is a pleasant city beach with a view of Mount Brasil. Below the summit of the mountain lies the fortress of Fortaleza de São João Baptista, which can be at least admired from the outside.
You can reach the Monte Brasil natural reserve by car, and it is particularly interesting due to the freely roaming wildlife – deer, roosters, hens, or ducks. A perfect spot for a picnic, where these lovely animals will keep you company. In addition, there are several easy hiking trails with beautiful viewpoints. I particularly enjoyed the Whale watching tower and Miradouro do Pico do Facho, where there is an ancient telegraph pole and a panoramic view of the surroundings. You can park your car at the Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas viewpoint or a bit lower at a smaller parking lot.
3. Natural swimming pools in Biscoitos
While you won’t find thermal springs on Terceira Island like on the main island of Sao Miguel, there are several natural pools where ocean water mixes for a peaceful swim. The most beautiful of these is the Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos surrounded by volcanic lava rocks. The nature here is truly stunning, with several smaller pools created. You can sunbathe on the rocks or concrete and enjoy the water at a pleasant 20 – 22°C during the summer.
4. Bullfights on a Rope
“Tourada à corda” is a 400-year-old traditional street bullfight on Terceira and the oldest tradition in the Azores. From May to October, around 230 “tourads” take place on the streets, fields, and beaches of Terceira. The fight begins with a signal flare shot into the air, then the bull is released on a rope, and brave participants challenge it. Each round ends with two signal flares. Then there is a break before the next rounds with different bulls. Arrive at least an hour early to find parking and get a good view. An adrenaline-filled experience is guaranteed, even from behind the wall 🙂TIP: You can check the list of upcoming bullfights on the FB page
5. Serra do Cume Viewpoint
The Serra do Cume viewpoint (hill on top) offers a view of the largest flat area of all the Azores islands. Imagine hundreds of divided green fields that look like soccer fields. The presence of tour buses also indicates its popularity, but don’t worry, the passengers only stay for a few minutes and then you have the view all to yourself again. On the other side of the hill, going down the road, there is a magnificent view of the city of Praia da Vitória. Since the viewpoint is at an altitude of 545m, be prepared for possible wind or fog.
6. Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint
The peak of Serra de Santa Bárbara, standing at an elevation of 1021 meters, is the highest point on the island. You can easily reach it by car via an asphalt serpentine road. There is a parking lot below the summit, from where a wooden walkway leads to viewing platforms. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Brasil and the neighboring island of Sao Jorge. In March 2022, volcanic activity awakened on that island and necessitated an evacuation. Fortunately, nothing serious occurred, and the volcano has since calmed down.
7. Mistérios Negros Tour
On the island of Terceira, there are many beautiful hikes that will take you through the stunning green Azorean nature. Lakes, marshes, meadows, and ravines – all of this will be offered to you by the untouched nature on the Mistérios Negros hike. The entire circuit starts and ends at the Gruta do Natal cave and is a straight 5 km long. I recommend wearing waterproof footwear because no matter how careful I was, I still managed to sink one foot into the mud.
GPS route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7077497135
8. Praia Grande Beach and Facho viewpoint
The yellow-black Praia Grande beach is the main beach in the city of Praia da Vitória. It is one of the few sandy beaches on the island, so don’t miss it. As it is a bay with the main port of the island at one end, the water here is calm and there is a gradual entrance into the ocean. Boats from this port operate to the surrounding islands during the main season from June to September.
TIP: Check the boat schedule on the official website Atlânticoline
Miradouro do Facho viewpoint overlooks the city and provides a beautiful panoramic view of the beach, the main port, and last but not least, the large green mountain Serra do Cume. There is also a large monument of the Immaculate Heart of Virgin Mary. Terraced stone steps lead from the city to the viewpoint.
9. Serra da Ribeirinha Viewpoint
Another one of the beautiful viewpoints is Serra da Ribeirinha. You will have green and brown patches similar to the Serra do Cume viewpoint at your fingertips. Additionally, you can see the photogenic islands
Ilhéus das Cabras on the left side and the Monte Brasil mountain on the right. If a herd of cows crosses your path by car, know that this is common in the Azores, you just need to carefully pass by them.
10. Small Impérios Chapels
The Religious Cult of the Holy Spirit is a deeply rooted tradition in the Azores Islands for several centuries. Impérios is the name for small church buildings with picturesque facades that spread across parishes, so that everyone has a permanent place to pay tribute to the Holy Spirit. Along the way through the islands, you can take pictures of dozens of them and vote for the most beautiful one 🙂
