A volcanic island in the Azores with 16th-century UNESCO fortresses, natural lava pools, and traditional bull-running festivals. Home to Portugal's oldest street.
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Terceira is the third largest island in Portugal's Azores archipelago. You can walk 100 meters down into the Algar do Carvão volcanic cave, watch traditional rope bullfights in village streets, and swim in black rock pools at Biscoitos. The UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo has well-preserved Renaissance architecture from the 1500s, including two massive coastal fortresses.
Getting to Terceira
You can reach Terceira through Lajes Airport (TER), which connects to mainland Portugal, other Azorean islands, and North American cities. SATA Airlines operates direct flights from New York, while TAP Portugal runs routes through Lisbon. The airport is 7 miles from Angra do Heroísmo and 2 miles from Praia da Vitória.
Weather and When to Visit
Temperatures stay mild year-round, ranging from 12°C in winter to 25°C in summer. July and August are the warmest months, with average temperatures of 22°C and about 40 hours of sunshine. February gets the most rain, while summer months are typically dry.
Exploring Angra do Heroísmo
Walk through the Renaissance-era streets of Angra do Heroísmo to see its 16th-century buildings and squares. The city's cathedral, dating from the 1500s, is the largest in the Azores. Two fortresses, São Sebastião and São João Baptista, stand on opposite sides of the harbor, with thick stone walls and cannon positions. In the Duke of Terceira Garden, you'll find plants native to the Atlantic islands.
Natural Wonders
At Algar do Carvão, descend into a 90-meter deep volcanic cave to see ancient lava tubes and stalactites. Monte Brasil's walking trails wind through forest to viewpoints overlooking the city and ocean. From Serra do Cume, at 1,800 feet elevation, you can see the island's distinctive pattern of stone-walled farm fields.
Swimming and Beaches
At Biscoitos, swim in natural pools formed by black volcanic rock. The water is clear but cool, staying between 17-23°C throughout the year. Praia da Vitória has a sandy beach with a marina, changing rooms, and several restaurants that open during summer.
Local Traditions
Between April and September, villages hold touradas à corda (rope bullfights), where bulls run through streets controlled by a team of handlers. During the Holy Spirit Festivals, communities organize processions and share traditional meals. Terceira's Carnival (called "Entrudo") includes street parades and unique local dances not found in mainland Portugal.
Food and Wine
The island's many dairy farms produce cheese and butter. Local restaurants serve alcatra (beef stew slow-cooked in clay pots) and fresh limpets harvested from coastal rocks. In Biscoitos, vineyards grow in small plots protected by black stone walls. Visit the Wine Museum to learn about the region's centuries-old winemaking methods.
