Where to stay in Terceira island

It is very important to discuss where to stain in Terceira island because it is the ONLY island in the Azores archipelago where the airport is not located in its main city. Therefore, I decided to write this article – I hope it proves useful to you! :)

Angra do Heroísmo

Angra do Heroísmo is the capital of Terceira island. With around 30,000 inhabitants, it is the largest population center on the island and one of the largest cities in the Azores, and certainly the most beautiful. The historic center of Angra do Heroísmo is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and no wonder: in fact, architecturally and culturally it is the most interesting city in the Azores.

Precisely because it is one of the largest cities in the Azores, it is closer to all services (post office, finance, supermarkets, etc.) as well as the best hotels and restaurants on the island.

What’s the catch in staying in Angra do Heroísmo?

The biggest problem with staying in Terceira – Angra do Heroísmo is that Terceira airport is located in the Praia da Vitória area, about 25 minutes away by car (in total, 22 km away). But this is easily overcome by renting a car in the Azores, at Terceira airport.

Furthermore, it is difficult to park in the historic center of Angra do Heroísmo, so it is best to stay in a hotel with a car park.

Where to stay in Terceira – Angra do Heroísmo

If you prefer to stay in Terceira island in one of the best hotels in Angra do Heroísmo, you should try Palácio de Santa Catarina (a former manor house), Azoris Angra Garden or The Shipyard – Angra. Another fantastic option is Castelo de São Sebastião, one of the iconic Pousadas of Portugal, all located in unique places around the country. I also really like ALLuar lodge, but I reckon that staying in a bungalow is not for everybody 🙂

If you are looking for an unusual place to stay in Angra do Heroísmo, look no further than O Refúgio, a holiday home decorated in nautical themes that is to die for. Another fantastic apartment to stay in is Casa da Maria, perfect for a group of six friends.

If you are looking for a very cheap place to stay in Terceira island, then I recommend both the Globo Happy Hostel and the Memória Boutique Hostel. Like other hostels where I have stayed in the Azores, these hostels resemble more a B&B as they have very comfortable double bedrooms and a great location.

Praia da Vitória

Praia da Vitória is the city located on the eastern end of the island of Terceira in the Azores. It is a relatively large city, with around 20,000 inhabitants, second only to Angra do Heroísmo in terms of size and importance.

It is the city where Terceira airport is located and, in this sense, if you don’t want to waste a lot of time from the arrival of your plane to your accommodation, staying in Terceira – in the Praia da Vitória area – is the best solution for you.

There is also the largest sandy beach on the island of Terceira (being Atlantic islands, most beaches in the Azores are sprinkled with volcanic rocks), which is great if you are traveling with children.

Finally, it is a much quieter city than Angra do Heroísmo.

What’s the catch in staying at Praia da Vitória?

So, I’m 100% honest: Praia da Vitória has been somewhat run down since the North American army base left there, with lots of empty stores. On the other hand, it is a city where nothing happens, so if you are looking for some nightlife, the best thing is to stay in Angra do Heroísmo.

Where to stay in Terceira – Praia da Vitória

Most accommodation in Praia da Vitória consists of rental apartments, a few guest houses and a couple of good hotels. A few good options, when it comes to hotels in Praia da Vitória, is Hotel Praia Marina, Atlantida Mar Hotel and Hotel Varandas do Atlântico.

When it comes to apartments, there’s fortunately a lot to choose from. For couples (with or without kids), the best options are Central Praia beach, Valmoa and Praia Horizonte Studio. As for groups, Casa Milhafre is perfect for you!

If you are looking for a hostel, look no further than Hostel da Palmeira.

Porto Martins

Porto Martins is the typical summer area, with lots of natural pools where you want to stay all day. It’s a great area during the summer, especially in the first weeks of July, when there are lots of summer parties.

On the other hand, it has the advantage of being just a 10-minute drive from Lajes airport.

What’s the catch in staying at Porto Martins?

The biggest disadvantage of staying in Terceira in the Porto Martins area is that it is a very isolated area at night – if you want to have a drink or dinner out you have to drive to Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória, which is a hassle. On the other hand, it is a very pleasant area during the hot summer and autumn months, but not very pleasant on rainy and foggy days, which are very common in the Azores. So if you don’t know where to stay in Terceira island during the summer months, Porto Martins might be the answer for you!

Where to stay in Terceira – Porto Martins

Porto Martins is a tiny, tiny village so there are very few places available for you to stay there. Therefore, if you spot a vacant spot, don’t slack off and book it immediately!

My favourite place is by far Quinta do Paraíso, a house with a huge terrace with a beautiful view to the ocean or watching the stars 🙂 You also have an outdoor kitchen with grill options, a pool and a magical garden – it is fantastic with kids! They have a treehouse and playground, and some house animals to watch. It’s pure magic to stay at this place.

There is another fantastic house, especially for large groups (of up to six people), called Porto Tranquilo. Finally, Tina 3B and Porto Martins Bay apartments are also up for grabs 🙂

São Mateus

São Mateus da Calheta is a tiny village with the best climate on the island – it’s true, it’s actually the area where it rains the least on Terceira, which could be super important for you if you want to visit the island in Spring or even Autumn.

It is a very beautiful fishing village, which has been growing thanks to the success of restaurants like my beloved Beira Mar, which I have already recommended on the list of the best things to do in Terceira.

As it faces west, it has fantastic sunsets, with views over the islands of São Jorge and Pico. It’s really worth staying on Terceira in the São Mateus area, if only to enjoy the sunset from your bedroom window 🙂

What’s the catch in staying in São Mateus?

There are no bathing areas to walk to, and for me it’s a hassle to always have to get in the car to go to the beach or the natural pools in Terceira.

Where to stay in Terceira – São Mateus?

The first place I ever stayed at in Terceira island was Basalto Negro, kind of a B&B where the owners, who live on the upper floor, give you a basket of goods upon your arrival and fresh bread every morning. It is a splendid place, and the owner is a well of knowledge.

There is also a faaaaaantastic glamping park called Quinta do Abacate – I wasn’t much of a glamping girl but after staying there I have to admit that it is pretty romantic to fall asleep under the stars 🥲

In São Mateus there are also some cute manor houses that have been restored and where you can rent a double or triple room, like Quinta das Merces and Quinta do Martelo. There is also Farol guesthouse, with its gorgeous rooftop where you can have your breakfast overlooking the view. It’s crazy pretty!If you are looking for an apartment to stay in Terceira – São Mateus, then Casa Ver o Mar is THE place to rent.

São Carlos

São Carlos is a beautiful area very close to São Mateus. It is right next to the Silveira bathing area, which is just the most beautiful bathing area on the entire island. It is considered the rich area of the city of Angra do Heroísmo, with many stately homes available for rent, which is fantastic. By the way: on the way to São Carlos there is a restaurant in a renovated manor house, QB – fast but well-made food, like breaded chicken.

What’s the catch in staying in São Carlos?

The only downside to staying in São Carlos is that you can’t walk to Angra do Heroísmo, which is a bummer.

Where to stay in Terceira – São Carlos?

Being São Carlos an upper scale area, unfortunately there are not a lot of accommodation options – but don’t worry because one of the best hotels in Terceira island, Hotel do Caracol, is located precisely in São Carlos! 🙂 It is one of those classic, corporate-like hotels with a fantastic indoor pool and a gorgeous round shaped infinity pool outdoor.

Besides that, there is also Terceira Mar Hotel, a four star hotel with a fantastic rooftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s superb for an afternoon drink!