Terceira Island, (known as “The Lilac Island”) Portuguese Ilha Terceira, is a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean that is part of the Azores archipelago. It has a total area of 153 square miles (397 square km).
Terceira was given its name since it was the third Azorean island found by the Portuguese. The principal town and harbour, Angra do Heroismo, was originally the Azores’ capital. In 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its town centre. The only other significant town is Praia da Vitória, which has a breakwater-protected harbour and serves as a supply point for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) air station at Lajes on the island’s northeast coast. Terceira’s economy is primarily agricultural, with a rising tourist industry.
Things to see and do in Terceira Island, Azores.
ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO TOWN IN TERCEIRA ISLAND.
- Sé Cathedral
This Azores Islands’ major church is located in the town of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island. With its one-of-a-kind architectural elements and incalculable importance to the local culture and legacy, this sacred church is a breathtaking sight for Christians and non-Christians alike, since art genuinely transcends religion.
- The Streets of Angra do Heroismo
The beautiful and colourful streets of Angra do Heroismo contribute to the city’s joyful and inviting Cultural feel. Appreciate the rainbow colours of Angra’s buildings and dwellings while also being fascinated by the outstanding architecture’s awe-inspiring splendour.
- Duque da Terceira Garden
Take a break from your on-foot exploration of downtown Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island, the only Azorean city to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by sitting in the Public Garden, a lush green oasis in the heart of Terceira’s capital. This nineteenth-century garden has various layers of beauty, and it also leads to one of the island’s most renowned overlooks, the Alto da Memória.
- Capitães-Generais Palace This palace was previously the official house of the first general captain, who was then in charge of the Azores archipelago’s governance. It was also used as a royal residence during monarchs’ visits to this lovely island. Apart from admiring the museum’s amazing and charming façade, visitors may also tour the museum, which has significant items of Portuguese monarchy history as well as one of the most important collections of 17th-century hollandaise tiles.
- Alto da Memória Viewpoint
This perspective is regarded to be Terceira Island’s most renowned postcard-worthy panorama due to its perfection. Once you experience it for yourself, it’s easy to see why!
- Prainha
A charming tiny beach nestled on the shores of a UNESCO World Heritage town, the Prainha overlooks Monte Brasil and is yet another must-see site.
- Monte Brasil.
Monte Brasil was formed by a volcanic explosion in the sea that became tied to the city of Angra do Heroismo, enhancing its beauty and intrigue. You may reach the summit of Monte Brasil by automobile, and once there, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sea and town from any of the several overlooks on-site. Additionally, it is home to the São João Batista Castle.
- Natural Pools of Silveira
There is nothing quite like plunging into Silveira’s natural swimming pool’s crystal blue waters! Apart from the excellent water quality, the views of Monte Brazil from this location are equally breathtaking.
WEST OF TERCEIRA ISLAND
- Viewpoint from Ponta do Queimado
A pleasant discovery on Terceira Island’s northwest coast, the Ponta do Queimado perspective stimulates all five senses. This is particularly true at sunset when the magnificent shoreline dazzles the eyes even more.
- Factory de Queijo de Vaquinha
Make a point of booking a visit to Vaquinha Cheese Factory as you descend to the southwest. Queijo Vaquinha is a delightfully creamy, buttery-soft cheese that originated on Terceira Island. Locally produced by an Azorean family, this cheese is the result of a welcoming business that awaits your visit for a tour, during which you will have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty while learning how this beautiful cheese is truly manufactured!
NORTH OF TERCEIRA ISLAND
- Natural Pools of Biscoitos
For residents and visitors alike, this is one of the island’s most popular natural swimming pools due to the spectacular beauty left by volcanic lava. Biscoitos Pools, with their varied natural pools and excellent infrastructure, are a sight not to be missed.
- Wine Museum
After viewing the local fields of grapes divided by volcanic stone walls – similar to Pico Island’s vineyard environment, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it’s time to visit a local winery and sample some delectable wine. Proceed to the wine museum, where you will sample several wines and visit the wine museum room to have a better knowledge of Terceira Island’s wine-producing history.
EAST OF TERCEIRA ISLAND
- Facho Viewpoint
Go to this viewpoint for the greatest panoramic view of the Praia da Vitória town and its numerous beaches.
- Império da Caridade
You’ll find lovely small Holy Spirit chapels scattered over the island. They are only one of the many features that contribute to Terceira Island’s particular and unique character, as they are not found on any other island! Império da Caridade at Praia da Vitória is a beautiful example.
- Serra do Cume
As you travel further into the island’s centre, you will come to Terceira Island’s most renowned viewpoint, Serra do Cume. The patchwork landscape is Terceira Island’s trademark, as are the green panoramas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Natural Pools of Serretinha
Serretinha natural swimming pools, located in the southeast of the island, overlook the Cabras Islets on the horizon and are one of the greatest swimming locations on Terceira.
CENTER OF TERCEIRA ISLAND, AZORES
- Algar do Carvão
Descend 90 metres (300 feet) inside one of the world’s only accessible volcanoes! Algar do Carvão is a 3,200-year-old lava tube and volcanic chimney.
- Gruta do Natal
The “Gruta do Natal” lava tube astounds with its succession of tiny and lengthy tunnels and the many shapes and colours that take over the walls, floor, and ceiling – all of which convert the cave into a really wonderful site.
- Furnas do Enxofre
On the surface, the “Furnas do Enxofre” (Sulphur Pits) are a powerful testament to the Azorean volcanoes’ strength. The scenery is dominated by fumaroles, which are bordered by the reddish-coloured ground that contrasts well with the green of the mosses and other rich flora in the surrounding region. The air is heated and filled with a strange odour… of sulphur, of course, which just adds to the surreal ambience.
