20 Amazing things to do in Terceira Island Azores

Wondering what the best things to do in Terceira Island, Azores are? Look no further!

There’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Terceira Island, Azores, and in this post, I will tell you all my favorite ones.

I have been staying in a cute home in Terceira for a week and exploring the island both by car and by organized tours.

In this post, I will tell you all about it, including all the fantastic things to do in Terceira, the best way to move around, and the delicious restaurants and cafes where I ate

Things to do in Terceira Azores

1. See Terceira’s Lava Tubes at Algar do Carvao

The awe-inspiring lava tubes of Terceira are one of the most unique attractions on the island, so don’t miss out on seeing them. They’re the fascinating remains of an extinct volcano.

The site is called Algar do Carvao, where these 2000-year-old caves extend over 320 feet long and almost 300 feet deep (with a lake at the bottom!). They’re located a short distance from Angra do Heroísmo, in almost the very center of the island.

These caves feature illuminated stairways and are generally pretty safe to visit, so you can explore them on your own.

The entrance fee here is €8 (less than 9 bucks). The opening hours vary a little, but it’s open between 2:30 PM and 5 PM every day throughout the year.

Taking a guided tour is also a great way to explore these caves. There are plenty of guides already on site to answer any questions you might have about the caves’ history and interesting facts about the area’s wildlife.

2. Walk around the Furnas do Enxofre

If volcanic caves sounded incredible, wait ‘til you see the Furnas do Enxofre.

It’s another marvel of nature on the Island, located just a short distance from Algar do Carvão. It’s an entire field with sulfurous vapors and hot temperatures.

But there is also quite some greenery here, and you can explore the place, take pictures, and wonder at the unique topography of the fumarole field. If you’re taking a trip to Algar do Carvao, make sure to include Furnas do Enxofre in it as well.

3. Explore the Gruta do Natal

Just like Algar do Carvao, the Gruta do Natal is a mind-blowing lava tube located in the same central region of Terceira Island. This place features underground lava tubes that you can explore on your own.

Visiting this site, along with the lava tubes at Algar do Carvao and the Furnas do Enxofre, are three of the things to do in Terceira, Azores that you absolutely can’t skip. And the good news is, you can see all of them in one trip!

They’re located fairly close to each other. Access to Furnas do Enxofre is free, and a combined ticket for Algar do Carvao and Gruta do Natal costs €12 (13 USD).

4. Take a walk in the Lagoa das patas

Terceira Island has no shortage of stunning sights, and Lagoa das Patas Forest Reserve is one of the top ones among them.

The scenic national park gets its name from a lake here (Duck Lake), which is a gorgeous artificial lake surrounded by an abundance of nature, including beautiful hydrangea and azalea flowers.

Along with its picture-perfect beauty, this small lake makes for a stunning picnic spot because it also has facilities like bathrooms on site and a cedar wood park for visitors.

What’s more, the forest reserve has a very relaxing and quiet vibe, making it perfect for a laid-back walk in nature.

5. Check Out Contendas LightHouse

A jump from the island’s central region to its southern tip, and you have the Contendas Lighthouse of Terceira – a historic landmark that’s been around since the 1930s. 

The lighthouse is over 170 feet tall, and you can climb to its top for an encompassing view of the entire island, the ocean, and rocky cliffs; it’s a breathtaking site, especially because the lighthouse’s location is perfect for views.

6. Visit the Duke of Terceira Garden

The Duke of Terceira Garden is your perfect spot for a break from everything.

This small yet picturesque botanic garden has a very calming vibe and lots of benches to just sit and enjoy seeing a huge variety of endemic and exotic trees, flowers, and shrubs that are in it.

The garden is located in the center of Angra do Heroísmo and there is no entrance fee for it, so it’s convenient to visit while you’re out adventuring.

There’s also a viewpoint inside the garden, offering panoramic views of the entire town, and a small cafe on its eastern edge. 

7. Admire the Igreja de Sao Sebastiao Frescos

One thing that makes Terceira stand out in the Azores is the island’s unique churches and chapels. And when it comes to these, the Church of St. Sebastian takes the cake with its incredible frescoes.

The chapel, originally built in the 1450s, is located in the center of Sao Sebastiao and is the oldest one on the entire island.

It features wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, as well as other religious symbols and figures.

These frescos date back to the late 15th or early 16th century and are very well-preserved, which means visiting them and admiring them should be a must if you’re visiting Terceira Island.

8. Swim in Biscoitos Natural Pools

The Biscoitos Natural Pools are the island’s most popular natural pools, and swimming there is truly a refreshing delight.

A swim in them offers endless ocean views, the relaxation of a saltwater bath, and occasional encounters with sea life like jellyfish and Portuguese manta rays.

What’s more, the pools have many facilities to make your visit more enjoyable. These include showers, changing rooms, stairs, walkways in and around the pool, and a lifeguard on site.

Just remember that Biscoitos is a popular site, so there will be crowds here (especially during the high season).

9. Swim in the Piscina Natural do Refugo

Piscina Natural do Refugo is another great natural pool Terceira where you can enjoy a relaxing saltwater swim while enjoying stunning views of the ocean.

The pool is located near Porto Judeu, at Refugo Bay on the southern coast of the island. An interesting fact about this pool is that it formed as a result of the eruption of the Algar do Carvao volcano when it was active.

Restaurants, showers, toilets, and a lifeguard on duty during high season are all part of the facilities available at the site. There is also a parking space near the pool if you’re driving here.

11. Enjoy the views at Monte Brasil

Speaking of views, Monte Brasil Nature Preserve near Angra do Heroísmo is just the spot to enjoy more of those. It’s an extinct volcano of the island that is now home to a variety of flora and fauna, including deer!

The mountain is a popular starting point for hiking trails and is known for its incredible views of the town. But there’s a lot more to see and do here as well.

Fort Sao Joao Baptista is one of those. Though it’s being used as a military site, you can still take a free tour inside with a military guide.

14. Take a Full-day Terceira Tour

4.9 ⭐️ 72 Reviews

If you’re coming to Terceira only for a day and not staying here, then a guided full-day tour around the island is hands down one of the best ways to explore all the must-see things. It cuts the hassle of researching places to visit and renting a car to get there.

This full-day tour does exactly that and much more! Along with highlights like Algar do Carvão, St. Sebastian Church, and Monte Brasil, the tour includes swimming at Biscoitos Natural Pools, a delicious lunch with Azorean cuisine, wine and cheese tasting, and round-trip transport from your hotel.

Our guide, Paulo, was fantastic; very knowledgeable, entertaining and took great care of us. The itinerary was great and we had a wonderful day.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ norma, october 2023

👉 BOOK YOUR full-day TOUR ON get your guide

19. Explore Cabra Islet on a boat tour

5.0 ⭐️ 3 Reviews

Cabra is a tiny islet just off the southern coast of Terceira, and visiting it makes for a wonderful boat trip from the island. The protected islet is a part of Terceira Natural Park and is home to thriving wildlife and nature.

Birdwatching is the main highlight of this tour, as Cabra Islet is known for its variety of seabird species.

Swimming and visiting the Eagle’s Ray Cave (a volcanic cave of the islet) are also part of the tour, and you also get to go inside the cave on a boat if the weather is good.

👉 BOOK YOUR boat TOUR ON get your guide

Where to stay in Teceira Azores

🛏 Luxury: Azoris Angra Garden

Now, for the luxury-seekers out there, the Azoris Angra Garden checks all the boxes for a deluxe hotel with high-end amenities. Located in the main square of Angra within a historical building, this hotel provides spacious rooms with elegant decor, rich furnishings, and an array of amenities.

All of the rooms here are air-conditioned and feature modern comforts. An on-site restaurant serves mouthwatering Azorean cuisine. The breakfast and friendly staff of Azoris Angra Garden are also highly praised by the guests.

The spa offers massages and sauna baths. The property also includes a hot tub and an indoor pool.

The hotel’s location is excellent, with so much to explore nearby, and even Monte Brasil is just a short walk away.

Hotel is very well situated in the center of Angra. Loved the heated pool and sauna, very nice view from the window at local botanic garden. Good price/quality.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ mark, december 2023

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Where to eat in Terceira

🍽 Tasca das Tias

Tasca das Tias is a charming restaurant located near the Angra Marina with delicious food, great service, and an artistic ambiance.

The place is especially popular for its seafood and wine, but vegetarian options and traditional regional specialties are also on the menu.

I found it by pure chance, and I entered because I was drawn to the laid-back, cozy atmosphere. I didn’t book, but it was early and I was welcomed, otherwise it would be better to advance. I enjoyed my steak with fries. 🙂

I didn’t have wine, but I am sure they have a great wine list as well.

🍽 Beira Mar Restaurant Sao Mateus

Located in Sao Mateus and overlooking the marina, Beira Mar Restaurant is another excellent dining option in Terceira, where you will find a great atmosphere, friendly service, and some of the best dishes on the island.

That said, be sure to make a reservation if you want to eat here, as it gets extremely busy (especially in the summer).

Even here, I entered the restaurant without a reservation and they let me in, but eventually, it started to get crowded. This restaurant is a bit touristy, but it’s good. You can pick your fresh fish from the display if you want.

🍽 Adega de Sao Mateus

Adega de Sao Mateus is just as great as Beira Mar Restaurant and is located just a short distance from it. The seafood here is simply perfect; there are tons of local delicacies on the menu, and the ambiance and service are excellent as well.

However, just like Beira Mar, it’s recommended that you make a reservation in advance because it gets crowded here as well.

My landlord recommended this restaurant, and he was right. It offers excellent service and food. I had the fish, but you can choose from different local dishes.

How to get to Terceira

You have two options to get to Terceira: either by plane from mainland Portugal or the other islands – Terceira has its airport and Azores Airlines operates plenty of flights every day of the week from Lisbon as well as the other islands – or by ferry, which is only an option if you’re on one of the other islands in the Azores archipelago.

The best time to visit Terceira

The Azores, being a year-round destination, you can visit Terceira any time of year. However, the best time to visit here will vary depending on your preferences.

For example, if you seek ideal weather for outdoor activities and adventures, the summer months (June to August) are considered best for it.

But they’re also the high season across the entire archipelago, with lots of crowds and peak prices. Still, the experience is worth it.

On the other hand, the shoulder season, April and May or September and October, are the best months because there are fewer crowds and lower prices, but the weather can be unpredictable, and the water is quite cold if you want to swim (I did it anyway).

Getting around Terceira Island

🚘 Do you need a car in Terceira, Azores? (YES)

It’s hard to get by in Terceira without a car if you’re staying for more than a day. Renting a car makes visiting all the island’s highlights easy and saves you from breaking the bank using taxis.

Plus, exploring at your own pace is infinitely better than public transport (which is limited to the city) and taxis.

Keep in mind that even if I rented a car, I still enjoyed a couple of guided tours because the wisdom and knowledge of a local guide is irreplaceable.

🚗 Renting a car in Terceira Azores

Renting a car in Terceira Azores is pretty easy. There are many rentals at the airport and near the ferry terminal, including renowned ones like AutAtlantis, Sixt, Ilha Verde, Way2Azores, and MicAuto.

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🚗 How long does it take to drive around Terceira, Azores?

If you set your mind to it, you could drive around Terceira in just a single day. But that’s not a good way to explore the island. I recommend taking at least 2-3 days to explore the island and its attractions, enjoy the nature and food here, and try out the water activities.

How many days should you spend in Terceira, Azores?

If you want to get a good taste of everything this island has to offer, you should spend at least 2-3 days here. But that’s just the minimum; you can also spend 5 days to a week on Terceira and explore it more fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Terceira worth visiting?

Terceira is worth visiting. There are many unique attractions to explore here, including the lava tubes at Algar do Carvão, the Biscoito Natural Pools, Monte Brasil, St. Sebastian Church, and activities such as whale watching, hiking, and swimming with dolphins.

What is Terceira Island known for?

Terceira Island is known for a variety of reasons.

The island is home to Algar do Carvao lava tubes, some of the best hikes in the Azores, notable churches, and Angra do Heroismo (the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the entire archipelago).

Which is better Terceira or Sao Miguel?

The question of whether Terceira or Sao Miguel is better depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking for.

Both Terceira and Sao Miguel are beautiful, each with its unique charm and attractions.

Choose Sao Miguel for a bustling island with more amenities, outdoor activities, and accessibility.

Go for Terceira if you prefer a quieter, tranquil setting with rich natural beauty, historical charm, and fewer crowds.

How many days do you need in Terceira, Azores?

To truly enjoy everything this island offers, spend a minimum of 2-3 days on it.

But, for a more in-depth exploration, consider staying for 5-7 days in Terceira to explore its top attractions as well as hidden gems.

Do you need a car in Terceira?

Yes. If you plan to spend a few days on the island exploring its highlights, having a car is the best option.

Public transport is limited in the city, and taxis are too expensive; neither offers the same flexibility as having a car.

However, if you’re only coming to Terceira for a day, it’s better to just book a day tour around the island.

How long does it take to drive around the island of Terceira?

While it’s possible to circumnavigate Terceira in just a day, that approach won’t do justice to the island.

Spend at least a few days here to absorb the nature, history, and laid-back vibe of the island.

Things to Do in Terceira, Azores: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of nature, a history buff, or just looking to unwind, you will find just the right opportunity for it in Terceira – with things like its mesmerizing lava tubes of Algar do Carvao, the historical city of Angra do Heroismo, and the Lagoa das Patas nature reserve and Biscoitos Natural Pools.

So, why not venture to this lesser-known island of the archipelago? Here, you get to experience a unique side of the Azores in the tranquil and scenic setting that makes Terceira stand out.

If that sounds appealing to you, just pack your bags and get ready for a memorable trip to this gorgeous volcanic island!