What to do in Terceira

Terceira is a Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Azores archipelago. It is the third largest island of the archipelago with a surface of 402.2 km². Its highest peak is at the top of Serra de Sanata Barba mountain with a 1 023 m height.

Terceira is a volcanic island which includes three dormant volcanos, including Cinco Pincos, Guilherme Moniz and Santa Barbara. The agricultural landscape, the natural and forest reserve, as well as the natural pools makes the island a very unique place to visit.

The historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo, in southern Terceira, is the first municipality in the Azores to become a town. It is also listed as a UNESCO world heritage. Numerous buildings are a witness of the island history. Among them, the São Sebastião fortification, the 16th century Sé Catedral and the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais are worth visiting.

Besides Angra do Heroísmo, there are other must do activities that you can do during your stay. You can take a plunge into the natural pool in Boscoitos, explore the Algar do Carvao cave and climb to the amazing panoramic viewpoint of Serra do Cume.

Terceira also provides plenty of different outdoor activities. If you wish to discover the amazing submarine species hidden in the Atlantic ocean, you can go on a fun adventure dive. There are many scuba diving spots in Terceira, one of the most famous being in Boscoitos, in the north. It combines both a diversified fauna and a unique underwater topography. Take a plunge and don't miss the oppotunity to observe species like the common octopus, the yellow mouth barracuda and the black morray.

For the sporty ones, the bays of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória are perfect to practice winsdurfing, sailing, rowing, water skiing and many more! The island is also the ideal spot to practice sport fishing due to the plethora of fished.

Terceira is also a great place for all the speleology lovers. Yes, here stands the biggest volcanic crater in all the archipelago : the Caldeira Guilherme Moniz, which extends to a 15 km perimeter. It is located in the natural geological reserve in the centre of the island. You will be able to explore the famous cavern of Algar do Carvão and its natural pool. Nearby, other caving spots are also to be explored such as the Balcões cave.

If you prefer to remain on the surface, many hiking trails are at your disposal. Mistérios Negros, Serreta and Baías de Agualva are, among others, trails where you absolutely have to go during your stay.

Terceira is truly a magic island to discover, whether you do it under the water or beneath the ground!