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Terceira is the second largest island in the Azores in terms of population and certainly in terms of number of tourists. It is a fantastic island (and the island where the best restaurants in the Azores are found), with lots of things to do, from whale watching, visiting a vulcano hollow, taking selfies at incredible viewpoints, tasting the magnificent Azorean cuisine, doing trails… in short, the difficult part is choosing, so if you have little time to discover the island, I recommend you take this Full day tour in Terceira island, which covers the essentials.
For my explorative readers, here is a list of the best things to do in Terceira. Enjoy!
No time to read a long article? Here’s a summary
These are the best things to do in Terceira:
- Top water activities: go on a sea expedition to see whales and dolphins and go snorkeling.
- For nature lovers: definitely visit Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal – you won’t have another chance to be inside a volcano! :) It is worth exploring it with a local guide.
Check also some of the best beaches in Terceira, and challenge yourself with a hike. - For foodies: have seafood at Beira Mar, try the Azores sweets at O Forno and try alcatra (a regional dish) at Tasca das Tias.
- For families with kids: do a picnic at Lagoa das Patas or explore Monte Brasil.
- For culture lovers: visit the center of Angra do Heroísmo, it’s magnificent. Don’t forget to stop for a snack at Lar Doce Livro, a family owned bookstore.
Now I’ll start a more detailed guide. Here’s a table of content to help you navigate it:
First, the basics about Terceira Island
Direct flights to Terceira
Being the second most important island of the Azores, Terceira is well connected, having direct connections from these countries and airports:
From Portugal:
- From Lisbon
- Airlines: Azores Airlines, TAP Portugal, Ryanair
- Airport: Lisbon Airport (LIS)
- From Porto
- Airlines: Azores Airlines, Ryanair
- Airport: Porto Airport (OPO)
- From Ponta Delgada (São Miguel island, in the Azores)
- Airlines: Azores Airlines, SATA Air Açores
- Airport: Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL)
- From other Portuguese islands
- Airlines: SATA Air Açores
- Airports: Horta (HOR), Pico (PIX), São Jorge (SJZ), Flores (FLW), Graciosa (GRW)
Additionally, Azores Airlines operates international direct flights to Terceira from Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), and Oakland (OAK) in the United States, as well as Toronto (YYZ) in Canada.
Where to stay in Terceira
You will land at Lajes Airport (TER), which is located in the small town of Praia da Vitória. However, it is unlikely that you will stay there, as it is a peripheral town, located on the eastern tip of the island.
So, if you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, I recommend that you first read my guide on Where to Stay in Terceira island: the best areas.
You can also check out my list of the best hotels on the island.
How to get around Terceira Island
There are basically three ways to get around the island: by rental car, by public transport (buses) and by taxi. Before you decide, I recommend you read my detailed guide on how to get around in Terceira Island.
Best water activities in Terceira Island
Watch whales and dolphins from a Zodiac boat
For me, one of the best things to do in Terceira is to go on a sea expedition to see whales and dolphins :) I love nature and for me it is simply magical to have the opportunity to see wonderful creatures, straight out of the BBC programmes, live and in colour.
The guides are experienced, professional and friendly, ensuring the safety of all occupants of the boat while explaining in detail everything about the animals they spot. What’s more, as there are staff at Monte Brasil constantly looking for marine animals to spot, it is almost 100% guaranteed that you will see whales, dolphins or both on the tour.
The zodiac boats are not very large, which allows for a more intimate experience. They are quite fast – but safe -, so you will get covered in water, but they provide us with raincoats so that we don’t get soaked.
All in all, a magical, well-organised and safe experience that will remain in your memory forever. It is one of the most popular things to do in Terceira, so make sure to make your reservation.
Schedule: this activity starts at 8h30.
Price: 65€ / adult, 32,50€ / children from 6 to 9 years old. Yes, children above 10 years old pay the same as an adult (they also occupy the same space in a boat, let’s be honest!).
Go snorkeling
Snorkeling in Terceira island is a unique experience that offers the opportunity to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems.
Terceira is known for its clear, calm waters, perfect for snorkeling. You can admire the rich marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses and, occasionally, even rays.
In addition, the excellent visibility allows you to have a clear view of the underwater wonders, making Terceira Island a must-see destination for sea lovers.
Schedule: this activity starts at 15h.
Price: 25€ / adult.
Best “geological” activities in Terceira
Visit a dormant vulcano at Algar do Carvão
Algar do Carvão consists of a lava tube on a dormant volcano, around 12 kilometers from Angra do Heroísmo. It is an extraordinary geological structure, which we are lucky to be able to visit!
By visiting it, you will travel back in time to when a basalt eruption tore a pre-existing lava flow to begin the process that would lead to the formation of a volcano. You will see different geological features, a small pond of rare beauty and, if you’re lucky, you will even watch the birds that seek refuge inside the cave!
You can do this activity on your own or you can hire a local guide who will pick you up (and take you) to the hotel. This tour costs €45 and includes a personal guide and pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, which adds the price of entry to Algar do Carvão. Yes, it is obviously much cheaper to take a taxi and visit Algar do Carvão alone, but I speak from experience when I say that it is much more interesting to visit with a local guide.
Visit Gruta do Natal, an impressive cave
I LOVED visiting Gruta do Natal :) It is a lava tube that is almost 700 meters long, almost all of which is easy to walk through, with a slightly uneven floor and high ceilings. Along the way, you will find some signs that explain the different types of lava and geological phenomena that our ignorant eyes might miss.
If you book one of the tours that I recommended, the guides will take you to Gruta do Natal. If not, all you need to do is buy the combined ticket (€15) when you are at Algar do Carvão, which gives you access to both natural monuments.
Enjoy the food scene of Terceira Island
Have lunch at Beira Mar restaurant
For me, one of the best things to do in Terceira (and certainly the first thing I do whenever I go there) is to eat seafood at Beira Mar, in São Mateus.
In the past, São Mateus was “just” a fishing area”, and it was considered a poor area. However, it began to gain a good reputation precisely because of its fabulous restaurants, of which Beira Mar stands out.
It’s a small, simple restaurant where you can eat the best fish and seafood on the entire island. There’s a small terrace outside, so if you’re traveling with a few people, ask for a table on the terrace or inside, but next to one of the windows, because the sunset seen from Beira Mar is really fantastic. Order grilled limpets or abrótea fillets, a deep-sea fish very popular in the Azores.
It’s worth going a little earlier to stop along the way (as from the road you have views of the islands of São Jorge and Pico).
Discover the traditional Azorean cuisine at Ti Choa
Going to Ti Choa for lunch or dinner is part of the true Azorean experience, especially for those who have never visited the wonderful Portuguese islands. Basically, it is a typical Azorean house, run by a super friendly family who welcomes you warmly, and where traditional Azorean food is served with traditional utensils. The food is excellent and the family speaks very good English, giving you all the historical context to enjoy your meal even more. Local tip: try to go there on Fridays, because that’s the day they bake bread.
For further restaurants tips, don’t forget to read my list of the best restaurants in Terceira Island.
Try the amazing Azorean sweets at O Forno
Azorean sweets, and in particular that of Terceira island, is simply FANTASTIC so if you have a sweet tooth I HIGHLY recommend that as soon as you arrive in Terceira you immediately go to the Forno pastry shop, in the center of Angra do Heroismo. It’s a pastry shop with a small terrace outside where you can sit and order “Dona Amélias”, a type of fragrant cheesecake that is a delight. But the ideal is to go in, look at the window and order half a dozen different sweets. It’s really worth it. Local tip: O Forno doesn’t have seating inside, so it’s not worth going there on rainy days, as you won’t be able to sit on the outside terrace, unless it’s for take away.
Do one of the best hiking trails in Terceira
Mistérios Negros trail
The Mistérios Negros are the best-known trail on Terceira island in the Azores: no wonder: during a short journey of approximately 4.5 km and an estimated duration of 2h30, you will dive into a dense forest worthy of the Lord of the Rings. It is a somewhat technical trail, with some swampy passages, full of rocks, and steep climbs and descents, so I recommend this trail to anyone who is in good physical shape and only to children over 12 years old.
Rocha de Chambre trail
Super route that presents varied and magical landscapes: forest of gigantic trees, forest of bushes along black stone walls, lush forest, steep and technical trails, open ridges, old cattle pastures… In rainy weather, consider the route difficult: despite numerous measures to overcome the difficulties, there are many muddy and slippery places, which however did not manage to spoil our pleasure. The only problem with this trail – and I realize that for some people it is a problem – is that it is quite muddy: I always end up with my boots in disgust!
There are those who like to do this trail clockwise, but I personally prefer to do it counterclockwise: it works better since you end with a very muddy path down. There you can more easily come down while holding on to branches rather than pulling yourself up.
Do a picnic in Lagoa das patas
Lagoa das Patas is an enchanted place in the middle of Terceira island where you can stop for a picnic. The lake is very beautiful, very close to the road and surrounded by tall trees. Along the lake there are benches to sit on, tables, picnic grills and a fountain with drinking water. Ample parking is available across the road. There are many ducks, geese, ducks, birds, roosters and hens that live free and sedentary. They are used to being fed by people they willingly approach for bread. It is so funny and relaxing at the same time :)
Discover Angra do Heroísmo, the most beautiful city in the Azores
Angra do Heroísmo, founded sometime in the 15th century, is the most beautiful city in the Azores (yes, I know what I’m saying – the city of Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, is super ugly, despite being bigger).
It’s a city with some ups and downs, but the historic center itself is relatively flat and small, so it’s wonderful to explore on foot. You can start at the Cantagalo viewpoint, then go down Rua Baixinha towards the marina and the customs yard (with the sea always on your left side) and then go up Rua Direita towards the old square, which is the central square. Local tip: In Pátio da Alfandega there is a street that goes up, Rua dos Minhas Terras, there is a small restaurant called Capitain’s table which is very good.
Have tea at Jardim do Duque da Terceira
Jardim Duque da Terceira (which translates to Duque da Terceira garden) is worth visiting, because it has my favorite café, a little tea house on top of a small hill with nice sofas and giant windows, vegetarian food (a rarity in the Azores), books and a view over the houses of Angra do Heroísmo and over the Cathedral. It’s a super peaceful and zen cafe, and the view is superb.
Furthermore, the garden has an interpretation center designed by Siza Vieira (one of the greatest contemporary Portuguese architects), and two memorials to Almeida Garret and D. Pedro IV, two of the greatest figures in Portuguese history.
Explore the Monte Brasil’s peninsula
One of the best things to do in Terceira, especially for those who haven’t rented a car, is to explore Monte Brasil. It is, in essence, a large hill located on a peninsula south of Angra do Hróísmo, from where you can see the entire city. It is excellent not only because it is one of the few (perhaps even the only) viewpoints in Terceira that can be visited on foot, starting from Angra de Heroísmo. It is also an excellent area for picnics, and there is a easy hiking trail that you can do there.
Take a selfie at Serra do Cume viewpoint
One of the most beautiful viewpoints not only on the island of Terceira but in the entire Azores archipelago is undoubtedly the Serra dos Cumes viewpoint. From there you have an unobstructed view over all the island’s farm fields which, from a distance, seem to build a huge patchwork blanket. It’s really, really beautiful. As it is in a high and completely unprotected area, it can be very windy (as you can see from my hair in the photo), so don’t do like me and make sure you wear a hat, or at least tie your hair up!
Enjoy the bathing areas of Terceira island
Take a dip in Biscoitos area
Biscoitos is one of the best bathing areas on Terceira island. It basically consists of very large rock formations, with small lagoons that create natural pools. In Biscoitos there is a specific area called Abismo, which is a small, narrow and deep bay, which is excellent for bathing when the weather permits.
It’s easy to park in the area, and what’s more, there’s a little cafe where you can eat light meals.
Enjoy a natural pool at Porto Martins
Porto Martins is another really cool bathing area, because in addition to having a natural pool, it also has an access area to the sea outside the natural pool, for those who prefer to swim in the sea.
For further information, don’t forget to check my list of the best beaches in Terceira.
Drive in a fantastic national road
For those of you who love to drive, there are two fabulous roads on Terceira Island:
- Road EN5-2A, through the interior of the island, for those going from Cabrito towards Santa Bárbara.
- the Cookie Way (the national road EN3 – 1A), from Angra do Heroísmo towards Biscoitos, passing through the plateau where you can still see a lot of vegetation endemic to the Azores, something that has unfortunately been disappearing over the years.
