Terceira Island itinerary for first-timers: a perfect Azores adventure

If I told you that in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, there’s an island with surreal landscapes, a capital that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Siteand an untouched, paradise-like atmosphere — far from the crowds of mass tourism — would you believe such a place exists?

Welcome to Terceira Island, in the Azores Archipelago, Portugal.

Terceira gets its name from being the third island discovered by the Portuguese. Coincidentally (or not), it’s also the third largest of the nine islands that make up the Azores.

It also happened to be the third island we visited during our week-long itinerary in the Azores. We started with Sao Miguel Island, then explored Pico Island , and finally made our way to Terceira. Check out the links for our full itinerary and recommendations on what to do and where to stay on each island!

Keep reading — there’s plenty of useful information to help you plan your trip to Terceira Island in the Azores.

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How to get to Terceira Island, Azores

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As one of the main islands in the Azores, reaching Terceira Island is relatively easy— whether by plane or boat.

There are daily flights connecting the island to mainland Portugal (Lisbon and Porto). At the time of writing, there were also weekly flights to the United States (Boston, New York and San Francisco), and Zurich, Switzerland. Since flight routes change frequently, I recommend checking available connections on flightsfrom.com before planning your trip.

For our trip to the Azores, , we arrived in the archipelago on a low cost flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, on Sao Miguel Island and departed from Terceira on an Azores Airlines (SATA) flight to Porto. If you're planning to visit multiple islands in the Azores, the best approach is to start your journey on either São Miguel or Terceira and end on the other.

Terceira Island is well-connected to the rest of the Azores by SATA’s regional flights, with routes to São Miguel, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, Pico, and Flores.

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Another way to reach Terceira is by boat . It is part of the Azores' “Central Group” of islands, along with Pico, Faial, São Jorge, and Graciosa.

Atlantico Line operates regular ferry services between these islands for most of the year. Terceira has two main ports: Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, each served by different routes. However, schedules and routes may vary, so be sure to check the latest information on the Atlantico Line website before your trip.

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How to get around Terceira Island

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Despite being the third largest island in the Azores, Terceira isn’t very big — it measures approximately 29 km in length and 18 km in width, with a perimeter of around 90 km.

The best way to explore the island is by renting a car. The main attractions are spread out, and one of the best things about visiting the Azores is simply enjoying the scenery. What better way to do that than with your own wheels, stopping at as many viewpoints as you like and exploring at your own pace?

On Terceira, we rented a car through Rentcars with Europcar. The pickup and drop-off process at the airport was quick and hassle-free, with no surprises.

The roads on the island are excellent—single-lane, well-marked, and toll-free. We had no issues driving around.

I highly recommend keeping Google Maps running while exploring. I always download the map in advance to avoid any connectivity issues and to save on data usage.

To stay connected during the trip, I use the Airalo eSIM. Click the link to check available plans, and use the coupon DANAE2375 for a discount on your first purchase.

In addition to Terceira, our Azores itinerary also included Sao Miguel Island and Pico Island. Check out the dedicated posts for more details!

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Where to stay on Terceira Island

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The best area to stay on Terceira Island is in Angra do Heroismo.

We stayed at  BayView House a lovely house in a prime location. Just a few meters from the town's marina and the Church of Misericórdia, this charming two-bedroom house is tucked away in a quiet alley and comfortably accommodates up to five people.

Other options I had considered include the Açores Autêntico Boutique Hotel and the stylish Terceira Mar Hotel. For budget-conscious travelers, Globo Happy Hostel offers great value for money and seems like the best option for an affordable stay.

For a truly unique experience, consider staying at Pousada Castelo de São Sebastião, a former 16th-century fortress perched on a cliff. Once used to defend the city from pirates seeking riches from Brazil and India, it has been transformed into a cozy hotel with modern decor—offering a stay that’s both historic and full of charm.

You can use the search tool below to find your perfect accommodation:

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What to do on Terceira Island

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We spent two and a half days on Terceira Island , which I found to be enough time to explore its main areas and attractions. Of course, if you have more time, there’s plenty more to see and experience.

That said, if you’re short on time, you can still cover a lot in just two days. And even if you only have a single day — go for it! Don’t miss the chance to visit Terceira Island!

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Angra do Heroismo

Founded in the 15 th century, Angra do Heroísmo played a crucial role during the Age of Exploration, serving as a strategic stopover for ships crossing the Atlantic. This period of prosperity left behind an impressive architectural legacy, including two formidable 16 th-century sea forts — Forte de São Sebastião and Fortaleza de São João Batista — as well as a stunning collection of Baroque cathedrals, churches, and convents.These historical treasures led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the first Portuguese city to receive this honor.

Since we were staying in the historic center, we explored Angra do Heroísmo little by little. Every time we stepped out for lunch, dinner, or an evening stroll after a full day of sightseeing, we wandered through its charming cobblestone streets, discovering colorful mansions, churches, cafés, and shops.

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What to see in Angra do Heroísmo

• Staircases and City Gates, where you’ll find a statue of Vasco da Gama and the striking blue-and-white Igreja da Misericórdia
• Stroll along Rua Direita , lined with historic houses, until you reach Praça Velha, a picturesque square surrounded by beautiful historic buildings.
• Just a few blocks away, visit the Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo, and right behind it, you’ll find Bettencourt Palace. A little further along is the Convent of São Gonçalo. Other notable religious sites include the Church of Our Lady of the Conception and the Church and Manor of Our Lady of Remedies.
• Don’t miss the Angra do Heroísmo Museum, housed in the former Convent of São Francisco, and the nearby Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia.
• Jardim Duque da Terceira is a peaceful park and botanical garden.
• Visit Forte de São Sebastião (free entry). This was the city’s first major fortification, built in the XNUMXth century along with the Fortress of São João Batista on Monte Brasil to defend the harbor—then the most important in the Azores, where ships from Brazil and India would stop on their way to Portugal. Today, the Pousada Castelo de São Sebastião is located here, but you can visit the fort even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
• Walk along the  Angra Bay waterfront and the Marina pier to the small lighthouse for beautiful views of the town.

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Where to eat in Angra do Heroísmo

Did I mention that I had some of the best food experiences in Portugal while in the Azores? And considering that Portugal, in my opinion, is one of the best countries in the world for food (second only to Japan and tied with Italy), you can rest assured that finding great meals won’t be a problem here.

In Angra do Heroísmo, we dined at O Chico (highly recommended), grabbed a quick snack at Mercearia d'Angra, and treated ourselves to some sweets at O Forno. The rest of our meals we enjoyed at our accommodation.

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Algar do Carvão

This was the first attraction we visited on Terceira Island — after all, it’s not every day you get the chance to step inside the crater of a volcano . Yes, a real volcanic chimney, which you can safely descend into. I felt like Otto Lidenbrock from Journey to the Center of the Earth, stepping into Jules Verne’s adventure for real.

But don’t worry — the crater is long extinct, and the lava has solidified. In fact, it’s even a bit chilly inside. The thrill of entering a volcano, though? That feeling is very much alive!

After walking through two tunnels and descending 338 steps, you’ll reach the heart of Algar do Carvão, a massive crater measuring approximately 15m x 20m, which plunges 90 meters below the surface, ending in a stunning lagoon of crystal-clear water.

The site is managed by the Os Montanheiros association, and entry costs €10,00. Be sure to check their website for up-to-date information, as at the time of writing, Algar do Carvão and its visitor center were closed for renovations. The new CAVE – Centro Açoriano Vulcano Espeleológico is expected to open in March 2026.

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Monte Brasil

Monte Brasil is a volcanic peninsula that dramatically shapes the landscape of Terceira Island, formed by the collapse of an ancient underwater volcano.

Encircling the entire base of the hill is the Fortress of São João Batista, the largest military structure in the Azores and one of the most significant ever built by the Portuguese worldwide. It’s definitely worth exploring — construction began in the late 16th century, and guided tours are available. Keep in mind that visits must be booked in advance through this link.

Monte Brasil is home to several scenic viewpoints, including:Pico das Cruzinhas, Alto da Caldeira — where you can see the caldera of the ancient volcano, in addition to Pico do Facho, Pico da Quebrada, and Pico do Zimbreiro. The first three are accessible by car. There’s also a 7.5 km hiking trail connecting these viewpoints, though we didn’t have the chance to do it during our visit.

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In addition to Terceira, our Azores itinerary also included Sao Miguel Island and Pico Island. Check out the dedicated posts for more details!

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Eastern region of Terceira Island

After visiting Fort São Sebastião and Monte Brasil, we left Angra do Heroísmo heading east, following the coastal road. Here are the main stops we made along the way:

Fajã do Ficher and Laginha Viewpoint

A stunning viewpoint set among solidified lava rocks, offering breathtaking views of Monte Brasil and Ilhéu das Cabras.

Cruz do Canário Viewpoint

Another viewpoint well worth a visit. Honestly, if there’s one thing the Azores has in abundance, it’s viewpoints! A little further down the road, you'll find the Refugo and Salga Natural Pools — though we didn’t stop at these.

Porto Judeu and the “Empires” of the Divine Holy Spirit

Porto Judeu is a charming Azorean village with a beautiful Império (which translates as Empire) — and if you're wondering what that means, I had the same question when I first came across the term: “Empire???”

Throughout Terceira Island (and other islands in the Azores), you'll spot several small temples called “Impérios” with a distinct architectural style: a central door flanked by two (or sometimes four) large windows, topped with a decorated pediment, often inscribed with the year of construction. Each one has its own unique colors and details. From what I’ve learned, these Impérios hold great significance during the Divine Holy Spirit festivals, especially around Easter and Pentecost.

As you drive around the island, keep an eye out for them—it’s said that Terceira Island has more than fifty Impérios, each with its own charm.

Serra do Cume Viewpoint

Without a doubt, one of the most famous viewpoints on Terceira Island—and for good reason! From up here, you get an almost 360º panoramic view of the green fields below, divided by volcanic stone walls that seem to stretch endlessly across the landscape. The moment you arrive, you’ll understand why this valley is nicknamed the "patchwork quilt".

What you’re actually seeing is the interior of the Caldeira dos Cinco Picos, the largest caldera in the Azores, with an average diameter of seven km, along with several volcanic cones from other formations. We could have stayed here for hours, but the fierce wind — so strong it nearly knocked me over a few times (and trust me, I’m not exactly petite!) cut our visit a bit short.

If you don’t have a rental car, you can still explore Terceira's east coast on a guided tour like this one..

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Praia da Vitoria and the northern region of Terceira Island

Praia da Vitória is the second-largest city on Terceira Island and one of the few places where you’ll find a stretch of sand to enjoy the beach. However, on the day of our visit, the cold and wind made sure we didn’t even think about putting on our bikinis.

After visiting Serra do Cume Viewpoint, we arrived in Praia da Vitória, took a stroll through the city, and headed to the Humberto Delgado Viewpoint, located right next to the island’s airport. If we thought the wind at Serra do Cume was strong, this viewpoint took things to another level!

It was also from Praia da Vitória that we set off on our whale watching tour, but I’ll share that adventure later.

In the Agualvaregion, there’s a small trail called Trilha da Ribeira do Agualva which follows a stream, passing through villages before reaching Cascata das Frechas. We had planned to do the hike, but the weather wasn’t on our side. Still, we heard it’s an easy and scenic walk.

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Biscoitos natural pools

From Praia da Vitória, we continued along the coastal road, exploring the northern region of Terceira Island.

There are several viewpoints along the way, but the highlight of this area is undoubtedly the Biscoitos Natural Pools..

Here, volcanic rock formations create natural swimming pools, some of which have been adapted with steps, ramps, and ladders for easier access..

I suspect we arrived during high tide (though I didn’t check), as the waves were incredibly strong — so strong that some of the natural dividers between the pools were completely submerged.

Despite the sunshine, the chilly April morning and relentless wind made me not even consider dipping my toes in the water. But, as always, there were those fearless souls who seemed immune to the cold and happily splashed around (just check out the photo above!).

If you plan to take a dip, be sure to check which areas are safe — when we visited, only the pool in the photo (where people were swimming) seemed calm enough.

There are facilities with bathrooms and changing rooms, though we didn’t explore them since we stayed dry. There’s also a bar (which doesn’t have the best reviews) and kiosks selling local products. Parking is free (as is most parking on Terceira Island). If you prefer a guided experience, there are full-day tours around the island that include stops at the Biscoitos pools and other coastal attractions.

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Central Region of Terceira Island

Furnas do Enxofre and Gruta do Natal

Furnas do Enxofre (Sulfur Caves) and Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave) are two must-visit attractions on Terceira Island. Since they’re located in the same region as Algar do Carvão, many people visit them on the same day. As we had already explored Algar do Carvão in the late afternoon of our first day, we decided to visit these caves on our second day.

If you don't have your own car, there are several guided tours departing from Angra do Heroísmo that include stops at these caves — check the link for options.

Black Forest

Not far from the caves, the Black Forest is a dense, dark woodland (hence the name) that offers a mysterious and photogenic setting. It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it for the unique atmosphere.

Nearby, you’ll find the Trilha dos Mistérios Negros (Black Mysteries Trail), a 5-kilometer hiking trail that many consider unmissable—but we decided to save it for next time.

Lagoa das Patas

Lagoas das Patas (Paws Lagoon) is one of those places that can be a quick stop or a leisurely visit, depending on your pace. The calm waters of the lake, ducks swimming freely, majestic trees, and a gentle stream flowing alongside make it a peaceful and picturesque spot.

Santa Bárbara Mountains and viewpoint

This is one of Terceira Island’s most iconic viewpoints, known for its breathtaking panoramic views.

However, as I mentioned in my Azores itinerary post, the weather here is unpredictable. You might set off on a sunny day, only to arrive at the viewpoint and find yourself staring into a thick wall of fog. The best strategy? Wait a few minutes to see if the view reveals itself—or accept defeat and head back to Angra do Heroísmo for some well-earned rest after another adventure-filled day in the Azores. (That’s exactly what we did!)

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Whale Watching

One of the top experiences on my Azores wishlist was whale watching. Thanks to its location, the archipelago is one of the best places in the world to spot whales and dolphins. Between resident and migratory species, both common and rare, more than 27 types of cetaceans have been sighted in these waters. Several companies offer similar tours, including Water4fun, Picos de Aventura and Ocean Emotion, among others.

We were visiting in April—springtime, which we were told is an excellent season for whale watching. During this time, the three largest animals on the planet — the blue whale, fin whale, and sei whale — migrate north after spending the winter months in the south . Imagine my excitement! I had never seen whales in the wild before.

We set off from Praia da Vitória early in the morning. The boat was a large inflatable zodiac, packed to capacity with tourists — not a single empty seat.

The day was typical for the Azores: windy, with scattered clouds and the occasional light rain. We put on our life jackets and raincoats, listened to the guides explain the species we might encounter (they told us blue whales had been spotted just two days earlier), and received safety instructions. I also accepted the anti-seasickness pill they offered me. Big mistake. It knocked me out.

As soon as we left shore, I was yawning non-stop, struggling to stay awake and not slide off the bench (or the boat altogether). With every yawn, I swallowed what felt like liters of salt water. Meanwhile, my phone, bank cards, and passport were tucked away in my shoulder bag, under my life jacket, and all I could think was: If I fall into the ocean, I’ll probably survive — but how on earth will I continue my trip and get back home?

We pushed further out to sea, crashing through wave after wave—bigger than any I had ever seen before. Suddenly, the guides spotted movement. Gathering every ounce of energy, I forced myself to look: dolphins! The boat sped towards them, and for a few magical minutes, we watched three or four dolphins (I can’t remember the species) swimming playfully near us before disappearing back into the vast ocean.

We kept searching for whales, but unfortunately, had no luck.

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Finally, we returned to solid ground, where a stable floor, a snack, and liters of coffee helped me recover some of my strength.

But the frustration didn’t last long . At the end of that same April, I saw whales for the first time in Ushuaia, Argentina, and just a few weeks later, in Seward, Alaska.

Is it worth going on a whale-watching tour? Absolutely! Like any wildlife experience, it all depends on weather conditions and the unpredictable nature of animals — which is part of the adventure. Even though we didn’t see any whales that day, the anticipation, the adrenaline, and the story to tell made it all worthwhile. I couldn’t have left the Azores without at least trying.

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Map with itinerary of the trip to the Azores

Here’s our Google MyMaps with our week-long itinerary in the Azores! On the map below, you’ll find all the details — just click and save it to your Google account. That way, when you start planning your own trip to the Azores, you’ll already have a great starting point! 😉

In this post, I explain  how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips. It’s an amazing tool for saving locations, calculating routes and distances, and organizing your entire journey. I highly recommend giving it a try!

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How to use this map: Click the menu tab in the upper left corner of the map to access different layers, including points of interest and routes. You can toggle layers on and off by checking the corresponding boxes. To see details about specific locations, click on the icons on the map.

To save this map to your Google Maps account: Click the star icon next to the map title. To access it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, tap the menu button, go to “My Places”, select “Maps” and you will find this map listed among your saved maps.

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Let’s Stay Connected!

Have questions or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below or reach out on social—I love chatting about all things travel! 😉

And before you go, don’t forget to SAVE THIS PIN to your PINTEREST account, so you can easily find this post with the complete guide to visit Terceira Island, in the Azores, whenever you need it!