Terceira, Azores: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Are you traveling to the Azores and trying to figure out what to do and see on Terceira? We’ve got you covered with our Terceira Azores travel guide.
Terceira is the second most populated and third largest island by land area in the Azores, a chain of volcanic islands that belong to Portugal. This lush green gem of an island is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about five hours by plane from Boston, Massachusetts, and under 3 hours from mainland Portugal. On Terceira you can experience breathtaking coastal and inland views, try delicious local food, and take in the fascinating history and architecture of Angra do Heroísmo, the island’s largest city.
In our Terceira travel guide you’ll find the best things to do, see, and eat while you’re there!
Also, a wonderful resource that can help you book your trip is Azores Getaways, an online travel agency specializing in the Azores. Make sure to check them out!
Things to know before going to Terceira, Azores
Best time to visit Terceira
Lots of travel sites suggest the best time to visit Terceira is during the summer months – June to September. On average, you’ll enjoy more sunny days during this time of year. That’s why summer is peak tourist season on the island. December through March are considered the quiet months because there are fewer tourists during this time and the island experiences more overcast and rainy days.
In reality though, there’s no “best” time to visit Terceira, Azores. The best time for you depends on your personal preferences. Because of its location in the middle of the Atlantic, Terceira’s climate is relatively mild with pleasant temperatures year-round. In February, the coldest month of the year, Terceira has an average low of 53 F (11 C) and an average high of 63 F (17 C). By comparison, in August, Terceira’s warmest month, the average low is 68 F (20 C) and the average high is 79 F (26 C).
If you strongly prefer sunny days and slightly warmer weather, summer is the best time to visit. But if you don’t mind weather that’s a bit more dramatic, any time of year can be great. Plus, airfare and hotel accommodations will likely be a bit cheaper if you visit during the non-peak months. We visited Terceira in March and loved absolutely every minute of our time there!
How to get to Terceira
There are a few different airlines that operate flights to Terceira. For those coming from North America, Azores Airlines currently offers a direct flight from Boston, Massachusetts that takes about 5 hours. Flights are also available through Toronto, Ontario. TAP Portugal and Ryanair offer flights to Terceira from Lisbon and Porto in mainland Portugal.
how to get around terceira
Renting a car is key so you can explore at your own pace and access all the beautiful natural areas and other attractions the island has to offer. One of the coolest things about Terceira is that there’s quite a lot to do and see, but since the island is small it doesn’t take long to drive from place to place.
It’s also pretty easy to explore other islands in the Azores. Flights between islands are available year-round, and they’re really short. For example, the flight from Terceira to São Miguel, the biggest and most populated island in the Azores, takes only 30 minutes. A round-trip ticket will cost around $100 (about 100 euros).
During the summer months when the weather is a bit milder, you can also catch ferries to the other islands. Ferry tickets can be a bit less expensive depending on the destination–from 50 to 100 euros round trip.
what to pack for Terceira
Especially during the non-summer months, the weather on Terceira can be a bit unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny and warm, the next dark clouds roll in, rain starts falling, and the wind picks up significantly. Since the weather changes quickly, it’s important to bring a rain jacket and hiking boots or other shoes you won’t mind getting wet and muddy.
It’s also a good idea to bring layers. Even though the island is pretty small, the weather can vary from place to place. For example, down on the coast it may be relatively warm and dry. But if you go to a higher altitude further inland, you could run into strong wind, rain/fog, and lower temperatures.
Where to stay: Terceira Mar Hotel
We highly recommend staying at the Terceira Mar Hotel during your trip. It’s close enough to Angra do Heroísmo, the island’s largest city, to easily explore the historic old town. It’s a five-minute drive from the hotel to the heart of this historic district. You can also walk there in just 15 minutes – a great option, especially considering the city’s narrow one-way streets can make parking a bit of a hassle.
Besides its proximity to Angra do Heroísmo, another thing that makes this hotel a wonderful option is the surrounding scenery. Most of Terceira Mar’s rooms have balconies that face east, offering beautiful views of Monte Brasil and the southern coastline.
The rooms are spacious and airy with lovely green elements of decor. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a Turkish bath, a sauna, a gym, and a massage facility.
The hotel’s restaurant Monte Brasil serves a buffet breakfast every morning and is also open to customers for lunch and dinner. There is also a bar, Fanal, where you can grab light meals and drinks.
What to eat and drink in Terceira, Azores
The Azores are famous for cheese, so definitely try some of the local cheese! Terceira produces a variety called Queijo Vaquinha, creamy and buttery semi-soft cheese that’s really, really delicious.
Try some local wine at Adega Dos Ferreiros winery in Biscoitos. Here, they make wine from grapes grown in small plots of land bordered by walls of volcanic stone. If you have time, you can also stop by Museu do Vinho (the wine museum) to learn more about how their wine is produced and the history of wine in the region. Oh, and make sure you request local wines when you’re out to eat in Terceira’s many amazing restaurants!
Alcatra is a Portuguese dish that was made famous in Terceira. It’s beef that’s slow-cooked in a clay pot with red wine and spices. There’s also a fish version of Alcatra you can find at some of the local restaurants.
Beira Mar São Mateus 
Tasca das Tias
restaurants and cafes we recommend
- Restaurante Beira Mar São Mateus – a seafood restaurant located on Terceira’s southern coast. While you eat, enjoy a beautiful view of the natural harbor right outside the window, and a little further in the distance, Monte Brasil.
- Boca Negra is a small family restaurant in Porto Judeu. If you go on the weekend, you might run into some locals celebrating a birthday or other special occasion here with friends and family. It has a great, lively atmosphere and really tasty food to match.
- In Tasca das Tias the intricate interior design and warm ambiance will make you feel relaxed and at home. And they’ve got really delicious local food here. You shouldn’t miss it!
- Check out Mercatto di Osteria in Angra do Heroísmo if you’re in the mood for Italian. The staff here is extremely kind and helpful, and the food really hits the spot.
- O Forno Pastelaria, also in Angra do Heroísmo, is one of the best spots on the island to find local pastries. Grab them to go, or enjoy them in the cafe with an espresso.
- Verde Maçã is a great little spot in the heart of Angra do Heroísmo’s old town for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon coffee. Here we ordered pancakes and avocado toast and enjoyed our meal on a lovely outdoor patio.
things to do in terceira, Azores
Spot all the Holy Chapels
One feature that makes Terceira unique among the Azores is the existence of approximately 70 Holy Spirit Chapels (or Holy Ghost Chapels).
You’ll find these chapels, known as “Imperios,” in bigger cities and small villages alike. They date back to the late 1800s, and each one is unique.
All of them boast an intricate design and vivid colors. It’s really fun to try to spot and visit as many as possible as you explore the island.
Sunset at Miradouro da Serra do Cume
The Miradouro da Serra do Cume is a popular viewpoint that sits atop one of the highest points on Terceira. It overlooks the patchwork of stone-walled pastures covering the island’s central plateau.
If you time your visit right and pay close attention to the weather, you might see one of the best sunsets of your life! Keep in mind though that the wind here can be very strong, especially when you’re standing on the viewing platform.
Explore Angra do Heroísmo
Angra do Heroísmo is the largest city on Terceira and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, your trip to the island won’t be complete if you don’t spend some time here.
Take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic downtown area, admire the beautiful architecture, and get a sense for what the city was like when it was founded in the 15th century. Here you’ll find various shops and galleries, and some amazing restaurants as well.
go on a hike
There are many great hiking trails on Terceira. One we recommend is the Fortes de São Sebastião on Terceira’s eastern coast. The full hike is about 5 miles long, but we explored only the small portion closest to the coast.
There’s actually a spot on Google Maps, located on road M509, called “Fortes de Fortes de São Sebastião Hike.” Here you’ll find a small area to park your car and a gate on the eastern side of the road leading to the trail.
A short hike up and then back down again takes you to a beautiful view of an interesting rock outcropping extending into the Atlantic. If you’re up for it, this is a really amazing spot to see the sunrise!
Visit Duke Of Terceira Garden
The Duke of Terceira Garden is a must-see spot in Angra do Heroísmo. This lush garden has plants that have been transported to Terceira from all over the world. There are multiple terraces to explore, and if you make it all the way to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the whole city and Monte Brasil in the distance.
On the uppermost terrace, you’ll find the Alto da Memória Obelisk, a monument built in 1856 to honor King D. Pedro IV’s visit to the island during the Portuguese Civil War.
go to the top of Monte Brasil
Monte Brasil is probably one of the first things you’ll notice as you head towards Angra do Heroísmo. It’s an extinct volcano on Terceira’s southern coast situated right next to the city.
If you’re up for a hike and don’t mind steep hills, this is a great place to take one. And the hike will make the views from the top all the more rewarding. You can also easily drive there.
However you get there, the top of Monte Brasil offers amazing panoramic views of Angra do Heroísmo and the southern coastline. Monte Brasil is also a nature reserve. During your time there, you might notice a few different kinds of animals around, including ducks, geese, chickens, and in a special pen at the top, deer.
take a Geo Tour
Algar do Carvão is one of just a few extinct volcanoes in the world that’s open to the public. Here, you can descend to explore the rocky chambers that make up what used to be a really inhospitable place.
It can be kind of wet and cold inside, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Especially if it’s rained recently, water drips from the mouth of the volcano and down the walls of the cave. It’s hard to avoid while you’re walking around down there!
Nearby is Furnas do Enxofre, another popular geo site with active sulfur pits. Here, you follow the marked path around the fumaroles, vents in the ground spewing steam and hot sulfurous gasses that smell….interesting. If you look closely, you’ll notice the fumaroles have left mineral deposits on the ground with fascinating patterns and colors.
Visit Scenic Outlooks
Below are some of our favorite scenic overlooks on Terceira. Keep in mind this list is not an exhaustive one–Terceira has way too many beautiful spots to list them all!
Northern Coast
- Ponta do Mistério: Hike down a trail along a cliff through a tunnel of trees toward a rocky outcropping and a natural bay
- Miradouro de Alagoa: Here you can explore dark basalt columns that tower over the Atlantic
- Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos: Here, jagged volcanic rock along has created natural pools where brilliant blue ocean water collects. When the weather is warm you can go swimming. On windy days during the colder months ocean waves crash and spray over the rocks and produce a stunning scene.
Western Coast
- Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado: Here you’ll find a large area with jagged volcanic rocks. There’s also a staircase cut into the cliffside leading toward an observation point with sweeping views of the coast.
Southern Coast
- Forte de Greta: Hike up the hill for a breathtaking view of the southern coastline and São Sebastião Lighthouse.
- Miradouro da Laginha: Here you’ll get a close-up view of the Cabras Islets (Ilhéus das Cabras). These two small uninhabited islands form a defining feature of the southern coast near Angra do Heroísmo.
Inland viewpoints
- Miradouro da Serra da Ribeirinha: Here you’ll find sweeping views of Terceira’s green pastures, Angra do Heroísmo, the Atlantic Ocean, and Monte Brasil. If you’re lucky, you might meet a few cows!
- Miradouro da Serra do Cume: As we mentioned above, this overlook sits atop one of the island’s highest points. Here you’ll find sweeping views of the patchwork of stone-walled pastures covering the island’s central plateau. It’s also a really great place to catch a sunset!
go on a boat tour
We didn’t get a chance to take a boat tour during our trip to Terceira, but there are several really cool tour options available. You can find whale and dolphin watching tours. There are also tours that give you a close up view of the Cabras Islets, a sought-after destination for bird watchers.
say “hi” to the cows
Cows are everywhere on Terceira. Really, you can’t miss them. So make sure to say “hi” while you’re there!
Terceira is a beautiful island in the Azores with so many fun things to do. Hope this guide has convinced you to add Terceira to your travel bucket list.
We hope our Terceira Azores travel guide will help you plan your own adventure to the beautiful island of Terceira in Portugal. If you’re looking for more content from the Azores, check out our Sao Miguel Azores Travel Guide.
