Terceira was the third island of the Azores to be discovered in the 15th century, hence its name, which means third. It is the third biggest island of the Azores and the second most populated, after São Miguel. Terceira is known for its natural scenery and rich cultural, as well as for its party and laid-back atmosphere. Terceira Island remains a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic. And we are SO very grateful to be assigned to live here for a year with the US Air Force.
Things to do on the Third Island
#1 Explore Angra do Heroismo
Angra (Like the word Angry but Angr-Uh) is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s Terceira’s capital city and one of its main attractions.
We love to wander through the cobbled streets of the historic city center and admire the white houses with colorful windows and brightly painted balconies.
Then we love to head to Angra’s picture-perfect bay and stroll along its marina or relax on the nearby bench watching people of the island.
#2 Enjoy the views from Monte Brasil
Monte Brasil is an extinct volcano overlooking Angra do Heroísmo from the south.
Just a short walking distance from the city center, even though I recommend driving up the mountain. It has nice views of Angra and the island.
It’s also a great place for hiking or to relax and have a picnic. There are birds and deer to see, and places for kids to play at.
#3 Swim in the Biscoitos Natural Lava Pools
Swimming here is one of the mandatory things to do in the Azores during the summer months.
The black volcanic stone that you can see in many places around Terceira Island is show in its most beautiful form in Biscoitos, where it created natural swimming pools.
Biscoitos (Portuguese for cookies) is a small village in the northern coast of the island.
#4 Relax on the beaches of Praia da Vitoria
In the city of Praia da Vitória, you can find the only sandy beaches in Terceira.
These black sand beaches surround the beautiful bay of Praia da Vitória, on the east coast of the island.
Its calm waves are perfect for swimming, kayaking or stand up paddling and for kids to not be knocked over. Before you go to the beach, go to the clean outdoor market to get fresh fruit for snacks at the beach.
#5 Spectacular views from Serra do Cume
The Belvedere of Serra do Cume is my absolute favorite of all Terceira’s viewpoints.
It offers the most spectacular view of the island’s patchwork of fields and volcanic stone walls.
#6 Feel the warmth at Furnas do Enxofre
Right in the center of Terceira Island, Furnas do Enxofre are a geothermal site where you can observe another testimony of the island’s volcanic origin.
Follow the visitors’ path to see these Sulphur fumaroles, as well as the untouched landscape of the interior of the island.
#7 Go inside the extinct volcano of Algar Do Carvao
Did you know Terceira island is one of the few places on the planet where you can actually go inside a volcano?
Classified as a natural monument, Algar do Carvão is a lava tube from an extinct volcano.
Today this spectacular place is covered by lush vegetation and rare stalactites with a lot of steps to get to the bottom. Be ready for the leg burn.
There is also a small lagoon at the bottom, as well as a wider area called Cathedral.
Classical music concerts are sometimes held here, due to the good acoustics of this natural structure…. Let me report back to you on the concert. We will NOT MISS ONE.
#8 Party with the Locals
Terceira is Azores’ amusement park, as locals like to call it!!!!!
The island is home to the biggest popular festivity, the Sanjoaninas, a 10-day festival dedicated to São João that takes place every year in June in Angra do Heroísmo.
In August, Praia da Vitória hosts its own summer festival, a week-long event including musical concerts and parade. Best of all, food trucks! Don’t forget to order your SANGRIA. They make red and white sangria. I prefer white.
#9 Watch a Bull Fight
Bull fights happen nearly every single night on the island. People get off work, pick up their families and head to bull fights. People line the street to watch the entertainment of the bull fighters.
#10 Drive the Whole Island
Rent a car, just go and explore. You will probably need to know how to drive a stick shift car however! The island is very safe and there hasn’t been one area that I have felt hostility being an outsider. The island speaks Portuguese however 90% of the people do speak English. No matter where you stop you will always be able to strike up conversation and learn about the area. It is a perfect island for a family trip!
You do not need google maps to drive around the island. There are brightly colored, unique to the island signs that have arrows on how to drive around the island. #JUSTGO
There you have it. All the best things to do in Terceira, Azores to experience the island like a local and make the best of your time in one of the most beautiful kept secrets in the ocean.
Next up, We have reservations at the Caprica Eco-Lodge in Algave. They are giving us 50% off to blog and post pictures about them. I found them on Instagram and fell in love with the little cabins they offer in the mountains. I am over the moon excited for our family of 4 stay with them and excited to offer their perks to people who come to Terceira!
Ciao,