The Terceira island is one of the main references of the Azorean Archipelago. It is one of the five islands that form the central group of the island, together with the island of Graciosa, the island of São Jorge, the island of Faial and the island of Pico. It is also known as the “festive island” or the “lilac island”.
As the name itself indicates, the island Terceira receives its name because it was the 3rd island to be discovered in the archipelago, although at the beginning of its settlement it was called “Terceira island of Jesus Christ”.
It is the second most inhabited island of the archipelago, with about 56000 thousand inhabitants and its highest point is located in the Santa Bárbara mountain range, with 1021 meters of altitude. It is an island that breathes culture, celebration and nature.
In this article, we will present some of the places that you must visit on your trip to Terceira island.
Algar do Carvão
With about 100 meters of depth, Algar do Carvão is located in the parish of Porto Judeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. This volcanic cavity was formed about 2000 years ago due to the drainage of the magma from the main volcanic chimney. Inside you will find a roof full of silica stalactites and a lagoon that is able to arouse the curiosity of anyone. Due to the dating of some fossils, it is estimated that Algar do Carvão is between 2000 and 2300 years old.
Monte Brasil Natural Reserve
Monte Brasil is the fruit of an ancient volcano, now extinct, of maritime origin and that joined the city of Angra do Heroísmo – it is one of the best-preserved in the Azores. It is a protected landscape full of tree and shrub species of great interest. There you will also find the Castle of São João Baptista, one of the most important Philippine fortresses, built in Portugal in the 16th century.
Biscoitos
The Biscuit area has a volcanic formation and presents a high singularity. With high landscape and cultural values, it is there that the land is compartmentalized by “curraletas” (dry stone masonry punches) for wine production. Enjoy the landscape and visit the famous natural swimming pools of Biscoitos, are an excellent bathing area.
Alto da Memória Obelisk
Built with the stones of the old castle of Moinhos, this monument serves as a tribute to D. Pedro IV for his passage on the island during the Portuguese Civil War. In addition, this place provides an excellent panoramic view of the city of Angra do Heroísmo.
Patas and Negro Lagoons
Lagoa das Patas is a beautiful artificial lagoon fed through the spring from the Santa Bárbara mountain range. Lagoa do Negro is located in a place of great peace of mind, surrounded by elegant cryptomerias, which give it a very typical beauty.
Angra do Heroísmo Historical Centre
The city of Angra do Heroísmo presents a classic urban organization, despite its dimensions. It has some of the greatest treasures of baroque art in Portugal. It was declared in 1983 by UNESCO as World Heritage due to its architectural, historical and cultural value.
Serra do Cume Viewpoint
The Miradouro da Serra do Cume is about 545 meters high and provides a panoramic view over the municipality of Praia da Vitória and the entire interior plain of the island. It is divided by volcanic stone walls and is well known for being the “patchwork” viewpoint.
Facho Viewpoint
Located on top of Serra do Facho, in Praia da Vitória, this viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the entire city of Praia da Vitória, as well as all its extensive sand – the bathing area of choice for the municipality, the island and the region.
Natal Cave
It is a lava tunnel about 697 meters long characterized by corridors with various shapes and colours on its walls. There is an interpretation centre at the reception where there is a photographic exhibition about the social and historical activities that took place inside this cave.
Praia da Vitória
Located in the municipality with the same name, Praia da Vitória is the most extensive beach in Terceira island. Besides, its county is rich in history, monuments and traditions. It is there that one of the biggest parties of the archipelago takes place, the Beach Festivities.
Sé Cathedral
É considerado o maior templo religioso do arquipélago. A sua reconstrução sucedeu-se em 1570, sobre uma estrutura de cariz gótico e só terminou 48 anos depois. Este é templo que serve de sede do bispado da cidade de Angra do Heroísmo.
Duque da Terceira Garden
Located in the municipality with the same name, Praia da Vitória is the most extensive beach on the island. This is considered one of the most important classic gardens in the Azores archipelago. This garden contains an enormous variety of flora, with several species from all over the world. In addition, it is possible to observe drawings on the sidewalk that remind us of some species and personalities, such as Almeida Garret.
Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz
The Guilherme Moniz Caldera is a protected area of Terceira Island and is part of the Guilherme Moniz-Pico Alto volcano, the 2nd to emerge from the ocean. It has a perimeter of 15 kilometres, making it the largest in the Azores. Its landscape impresses with lava fields, domes, fumaroles and lava cavities with crystalline water springs.
Cabras Islet
The islet of the Goats is a beautiful islet that has a lot of protected sea birds, such as the Cagarro and the Garajau. They are classified as a Special Protection Area. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the Raias Cave, a volcanic structure that is part of the islets and can be accessed by boat.
Misericórdia Church
The Misericórdia Church is located in the city of Angra do Heroísmo, is classic as a Public Interest Property and functioned as the first hospital in the Azores. It was built in the 18th century and has an exceptional collection of sculptures and paintings of great artistic value.
Império da Caridade
The Empire of Charity, located in the parish of Santa Cruz in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, is one of the most charismatic empires where the traditional parties in honour of the Holy Spirit are held. Its construction dates back to 1943-45.
Wine Museum
The Terceira Island Wine Museum shows the history of the island, and in the region, about the wine and the importance of the green grape variety throughout time. There you will be able to see the process of cultivation and production of the Biscoitos wine and you will also observe the utensils, the pieces and photographs that show how the Brum family cultivated the vines.
São João Baptista Castle
The Castle of Saint John the Baptist was built by Philip II of Spain, in the surroundings of Mount Brazil, and it constitutes one of the biggest Portuguese fortresses. Its moat system, its portico, the bridge of arches and the Church of St. John the Baptist make this castle a monument of great relevance.
General-Captains Palace
The Captains General Palace was an old Jesuit school that was transformed into a palace. Today it is the seat of the government department and has an interior full of treasures. Attached to this building, you will find a church that was built in the middle of the 17th century.
