Exploring the Azores is best done by car—and Terceira makes it even easier (and more affordable!) than São Miguel. I used DiscoverCars to find great deals, and AutoAtlantis delivered reliable service with fair terms during my trip.

If you prefer local providers, I highly recommend the following, all personally tested and top-rated:

• AngraCar Rent – from €18/day, free airport pickup/drop-off, instant booking, and options from compact cars to vans. Convenient offices near the airport and in Angra do Heroísmo, with smooth and efficient service.

• Go Rent-a-Car Terceira – known for its friendly, straightforward service, clean vehicles, zero hidden fees, free second driver, unlimited mileage, and flexible insurance options—perfect for worry-free driving.

Choose the option that suits you best—these are among the most reliable and cost-effective car rental providers on the island

Serra do Cume is one of the most iconic and breathtaking viewpoints in the Azores. Located on the rim of a massive ancient caldera — the largest crater in the Azores and one of the largest in Europe (15 km in diameter) — it offers a surreal panoramic view over the island’s eastern plains. This immense volcanic depression was created by a powerful eruption that reshaped the coastline and expanded the limits of Terceira by several kilometers.

Why Visit:

• Witness the famous “manta de retalhos” (patchwork quilt), a geometric mosaic of green pastures divided by traditional basalt stone walls

• See both the city of Praia da Vitória and Lajes Air Base on one side, and the vast green interior of the island on the other

• Spot volcanic formations like trachytic domes aligned along an ancient fault line

• On exceptionally clear days, view both the northern and southern coastlines — and even Ilhéu das Cabras, the twin islet offshore

Interesting Facts:

• The crater at Serra do Cume is the largest in the Azores and among the largest volcanic calderas in Europe

• The name "patchwork" refers to the visual effect of the stone-divided fields seen from above — a true postcard image of the Azores

• This location was used as a military lookout during World War II and still houses the abandoned Casamatas da Serra do Cume, an underground bunker complex

• The viewpoint sits on the rim of the original caldera and offers a bird's-eye perspective that makes you feel like you're flying

Best Time to Visit:

• Early morning (sunrise) offers soft light, occasional fog creeping through the lowlands, and dramatic contrast

• Alternatively, late afternoon is ideal for photography — watch as the shadows of clouds drift across the fields, and the sky turns orange at sunset

• Pro tip from locals: bring a bottle of Pico wine and enjoy the view responsibly

Access & Conditions:

• Easily accessible by car with a large parking area at the top

• While a SpotAzores webcam is located nearby, it doesn’t show the exact viewpoint — always check visibility from lower ground before driving up

• Weather can shift quickly; clear views are not guaranteed, but when the skies open — the scenery is unforgettable

Insider Tip: Pair your visit with a stop at Ilhéus das Cabras later in the day, as both spots offer complementary views of Terceira’s volcanic history from different angles.

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Some of the stunning photos featured in this guide were generously shared by Bruno Ázera, an incredible photographer and local from Terceira Island. Make sure to follow him on Instagram! And if you're looking to dive deeper into the best photo locations across the Azores, he has an outstanding photo guide to the archipelago, available at the following link.

Algar do Carvão is a cool volcanic cave on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. It's like a vertical well made of basalt rock, with a 100-meter length and a 90-meter depth. People first explored it back in 1893, and now you can take tours to check out its unique stalactites and underground pool. Plus, it's home to some funky plants and critters that add to its mysterious vibe. So, if you're into caves and lava tubes, this place is definitely worth a visit!

Algar do Carvão is one of the few places in the world where you can walk directly into the heart of an ancient volcano. This remarkable volcanic chimney descends more than 90 meters underground, revealing a cathedral-like lava tube lined with stalactites, mineral formations, and moss-covered walls. It offers a rare opportunity to explore the inside of the Earth without specialized equipment.

Why Visit:

• Enter the vertical shaft of an extinct volcano

• Explore the only volcanic chimney open to the public in the Azores

• Witness geological formations shaped by fire, water, and time

Interesting Facts:

• The name "Algar do Carvão" means "coal pit," though it was never a coal mine. The name refers to the dark volcanic rock.

• Discovered in the 19th century but only accessible to the public after infrastructure improvements in the 20th century

• Declared a Regional Natural Monument and part of Terceira’s protected natural heritage

Access:

• Accessible by car; small parking area available

• Entry requires a ticket, and the cave is only open seasonally (typically spring to fall)

• Guided visits are recommended to fully appreciate the geological context

Insider Tip: Don’t forget to look up: the skylight at the top of the chimney allows light to stream down dramatically onto the cave walls. If you have a drone and permission, aerial footage from above the chimney's mouth is breathtaking — but even handheld shots from the entrance staircase are impressive due to the natural lighting and depth.

⚠️ Currently closed for restoration works since October 20, 2024. Reopening is expected around April 2026.

Follow updates via the official source: https://www.montanheiros.com/algarcarvao/

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Some of the stunning photos featured in this guide were generously shared by Bruno Ázera, an incredible photographer and local from Terceira Island. Make sure to follow him on Instagram! And if you're looking to dive deeper into the best photo locations across the Azores, he has an outstanding photo guide to the archipelago, available at the following link.

Furnas do Enxofre is a surreal geothermal field where steam vents, sulfuric gases, and bubbling mud pots emerge straight from the earth. Set in the middle of Terceira’s highlands, this otherworldly landscape offers a rare glimpse into the volcanic forces still shaping the Azores today.

A wooden walkway leads visitors safely through the terrain, where the ground is warm to the touch and the air carries the distinct scent of sulfur. Surrounded by endemic vegetation and mist, it’s an atmospheric, almost mystical location that demonstrates the raw, living energy beneath Terceira’s surface.

Why Visit:

• One of the most active geothermal zones on the island

• Unique volcanic features: fumaroles, sulfur vents, and boiling ground

• Educational experience with interpretive signs explaining geothermal activity

Interesting Facts:

• The site is part of the Terceira Nature Park and has been stabilized for eco-tourism with elevated paths.

• In cooler months, steam rising from the ground is especially visible, creating a dramatic effect.

• The colors of the earth range from yellow to red, due to the high mineral content and oxidation.

Access:

• Easily reachable by car with a small parking area nearby

• The loop trail takes about 10–15 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace

• Free entrance, open year-round

Insider Tip: Visit on a cool or humid morning when the geothermal steam is at its most visible — it’s perfect for photography. While drone flights are not typically necessary here, the contrast of sulfuric terrain and lush green hills around it makes it a great place for close-up nature shots. Plus, it's part of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark and a Ramsar Site, making it a pretty special spot for nature lovers to explore.

Length & Duration: 5.4 km | 2.5–3 hours | Moderate

Overview:
If you only have time for one hike on Terceira, make it this one. Mistérios Negros is an unforgettable trail that plunges you into the island’s wild, prehistoric-looking interior. The path winds through dense volcanic forest, past crater lakes, and across bizarre lava domes formed during one of the island’s last eruptions. It’s a journey into the untouched, humid heart of Terceira.

Why Hike It:

• Walk through one of the Azores’ most dramatic volcanic zones

• Explore the native Laurisilva forest with moss-draped trees and rich biodiversity

• Witness otherworldly rock formations and misty crater clearings

• Feel like you’ve stepped into a Jurassic jungle — especially on foggy days

What You’ll See:

• Sections of native Azorean forest with lush greenery and twisted trees

• Mysterious volcanic domes covered in thick moss

• A crater lake (Lagoinhas) surrounded by silence and mist

• Long wooden walkways cutting through wetland and ancient lava fields

• Vistas of Pico Gaspar and the Serra de Santa Bárbara reserve

Difficulty:

• Rated moderate to hard due to muddy paths, uneven terrain, and elevation changes

• Not suitable for children or those with limited mobility

Trailhead Access:

• Begins near Lagoa do Negro, not far from Gruta do Natal

• Easily accessible by car with parking available nearby

Pro Tips:

• Wear waterproof hiking boots — the trail is often wet, even in summer

• Try to go on a dry day with light cloud cover — mist adds atmosphere, but rain makes it slippery

• Combine this trail with a visit to Gruta do Natal, a lava tunnel with 697 meters, located just across the road

Final Thought: This isn’t a hike for views over the ocean — it’s a journey into the depths of Terceira’s volcanic soul. If you want to feel like the island is whispering its ancient secrets, hike Mistérios Negros.

Useful links:

For more details about the trail, visit the official Visit Azores website. You can download the GPS track here(I use the Wikiloc app to open and navigate GPX files) and explore a detailed brochure with a hiking map here.

You can also follow my track using this link

This family-run farm-to-table concept brings Terceira straight to your plate. They raise and process their own meat and dairy, then turn it into comforting Azorean dishes. It’s more than a restaurant — it feels like a local experience, complete with views over UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo.

• Recommended Dishes:
  • Quinta’s famous soup — rich and authentically Azorean
  • Steaks and burgers made with the farm’s own beef
  • Açoreaninha — a layered beef sandwich with local sausage and cheese
  • House-made ice cream, often paired with crepes or waffles

• Atmosphere: Bright, modern, and welcoming. The dining room has large windows with views over Angra, and there’s a relaxed, family-style vibe. On weekends, they’re known for their generous Sunday breakfasts.

• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (Always double-check on Google Maps, as hours may change on holidays or special occasions)

Angra do Heroísmo is not only the capital of Terceira — it’s one of the most historically significant cities in all the Azores and, arguably, the most beautiful. With its colorful 16th-century houses, cobbled streets, and imposing churches, it radiates a unique blend of maritime legacy, colonial grandeur, and cultural richness.

I highly recommend not just strolling through this city, but joining a guided tour to discover its main landmarks and fascinating history.

Why It’s Special:

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its remarkable urban planning and preservation of Renaissance-era architecture

• Was once a major Atlantic hub for trade ships during the Age of Discoveries

• Survived and was carefully restored after a devastating earthquake in 1980, becoming a symbol of resilience

Historical Significance:

For a brief but crucial period in the 19th century, Angra do Heroísmo served as the de facto capital of the Portuguese Empire. During the Liberal Wars (1830–1833), Queen Maria II’s constitutional government, forced into exile from mainland Portugal, established its seat here. From this remote island city, they orchestrated the resistance against absolutist forces. This moment in history gave the city not only its “Heroic” title but also its elevated place in the national narrative of Portugal.

Architecture & Urban Design:

• The city is a showcase of Renaissance urban planning, with a well-organized grid system adapted to the terrain

• Key landmarks include the Sé Cathedral, the Fortress of São João Baptista, and the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais

• Everywhere you walk, you’ll find balconies, basalt stone details, and pastel facades reflecting the city’s maritime and colonial past

Insider Tip:

Start your visit at Alto da Memória for a panoramic view over the city, then walk down through the botanical gardens to the old center. For the best light and photos, visit during golden hour or after light rain, when the tiled streets glisten and the facades pop.

A Stroll Through Heritage and Beauty

Angra do Heroísmo is widely celebrated as arguably the most beautiful town in the Azores—a vibrant tapestry of maritime history, pastel-colored façades, and sweeping views—making it one of Terceira’s most magnetic attractions. A guided walk here isn’t just sightseeing; it’s moving through centuries of stories framed by baroque palaces, historic churches, and elegant gardens.

What Awaits Along the Route

• The tour lasts around 3 hours, guiding you through iconic landmarks such as the Palácio Capitães Generais, the Sé Cathedral, the Baroque Igreja da Misericórdia, the serene Jardim Duque da Terceira, and the historic Teatro Angrense  .

• You begin at Jardim José Agostinho, a local kiosk that marks the perfect entryway into the heart of the city  .

A Pause for Pastries & Culture

Midway, you’ll take a sweet break—enjoy 25 minutes at a local pastry shop, savoring strong local coffee and Azorean delicacies like the custardy Dona Amélia tart—imbued with flavor and cultural significance  . It’s not just a snack, but a taste of what locals cherish each morning.

Highly Rated, Multilingual, Flexible

• The tour is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on dozens of glowing reviews 

• Conducted in Portuguese, Spanish, and English—which makes it accessible and engaging 

• Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and uses a live local guide for a more personal experience

The Biscoitos Natural Pools are striking volcanic formations sculpted by ancient lava flows that met the ocean—dating back approximately 4,500 years, originating from Pico Gordo. As the molten AA-type basalt cooled upon contact with seawater, it shaped an intricate coastline of depressions and rocky inlets that now host crystalline, seawater-filled pools—an extraordinary blend of geology and beauty.

Locals adapted the site for bathing in 1969, adding modest infrastructure like ladders, platforms, showers, and cafés, making it one of the island’s most inviting coastal attractions .

Why Visit:

• A unique blend of volcanic architecture and oceanic tranquility

• Safe, calm swim zones with lifeguards, especially in summer

• Spectacular contrast between black basalt formations and blue Atlantic waters

• Wide visitor support: cafés, bars, parking, and restrooms nearby

Interesting Facts:

• The site has earned the Blue Flag status repeatedly, attesting to its water quality and facilities .

• The area is known for nearby “curraletas das vinhas”—traditional vineyard terraces fashioned from volcanic rock, marking the region’s winemaking heritage .

• One of the most photographed pools carries the nickname “Belo Abismo” (“Beautiful Abyss”), though it is more exposed to sea currents and thus less safe for swimming .

Access:

• Easily accessible by car with free parking available

• Equipped with showers, public restrooms, cafés, and lifeguard service (in summer)

• Friendly to families and casual visitors with built platforms and steps for easier access

Insider Tip:
Bring a snorkel—under the surface, you’ll discover hidden nooks teeming with marine life. If you have a drone, the aerial view of these natural basins, with the interplay of lava textures and ocean waves, is simply breathtaking.

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Some of the stunning photos featured in this guide were generously shared by Bruno Ázera, an incredible photographer and local from Terceira Island. Make sure to follow him on Instagram! And if you're looking to dive deeper into the best photo locations across the Azores, he has an outstanding photo guide to the archipelago, available at the following link.

Located at the highest point on Terceira Island, Serra de Santa Bárbara rises to 1,021 meters above sea level and is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Azores. This ancient volcanic massif dominates the island’s central-western landscape, offering a rare chance to witness the wild, untouched side of Terceira.

The name Santa Bárbara comes from Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen and those seeking protection from lightning — fitting, given the mountain's dramatic weather patterns and its commanding presence over the island.

The miradouro (viewpoint) is perched near the summit, offering panoramic views that stretch across the island and — on clear days — even to the neighboring central group islands like São Jorge, Pico, Graciosa, and Faial. The view itself is worth the trip, showcasing the lush patchwork of forest, fields, and volcanic terrain that defines Terceira.

This area is often shrouded in clouds, due to the elevation and constant humidity, making it a mystical, otherworldly experience. Unfortunately, there is no webcam installed at the summit, so it's impossible to check current cloud coverage in real time. When I was on the island, I simply looked toward the peak — it’s visible from almost anywhere. If you see it covered in clouds, it’s probably not worth the drive. But if it’s clear — don’t hesitate. Go.The best times to go are early morning or around sunset, when skies tend to be more stable.

Beyond the view, visitors will notice a cluster of radar domes, part of a Portuguese Air Force installation, giving the location a slightly surreal, futuristic character amidst the ancient volcanic landscape.

One lesser-known reason to visit this site is that a hidden, unofficial hiking trail starts near the summit and leads to the crash site of an old military aircraft — a haunting yet fascinating spot tucked deep in the misty forest. This trail is not marked on maps and isn't mentioned in guidebooks, making it a true off-the-beaten-path adventure for those who seek it. It should only be attempted with proper footwear and in good weather conditions.