3-Day Itinerary: Terceira

Sergio - (s.x.traveler)
Itinerary created by
Sergio
What you’ll do

I believe the ideal amount of time to explore Terceira is at least three days. In this timeframe, you can truly enjoy the island, discover its hiking trails, take in the dramatic landscapes, and taste the unique local cuisine.

This itinerary is based entirely on my personal experience — it reflects how I would recommend spending three days on Terceira to get the best balance of nature, culture, and adventure.

Of course, you can always make adjustments along the way. Many additional viewpoints, trails, and hidden gems are marked on my interactive map, so feel free to be creative and shape the journey to your own style. After all, this guide was designed to help you get the most out of your trip and enjoy Terceira to the fullest.

Day Total

71.9 km (44.6 mi)

2 hr 4 min

Total route too long to export to Google

Day 1 – From Patchwork Fields to the Streets of Angra

After arriving on Terceira, picking up your rental car at the airport, and checking into your hotel, begin your adventure with one of the island’s most iconic sights: Serra do Cume Viewpoint. From here, the endless green “patchwork quilt” of fields stretches all the way to the ocean — a perfect introduction to the island.

Next, head towards the southeast coast for a refreshing walk along the PR5 trail. This hike follows the rugged shoreline, offering dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and the chance to feel the wild Atlantic atmosphere up close without taking too much time.

Continue your journey west along the southern coast, making a few stops at viewpoints along the way. Each lookout offers a different angle on Terceira’s volcanic landscapes and its connection with the ocean.

By early afternoon, arrive in Angra do Heroísmo, the island’s UNESCO-listed capital. Pause for lunch in or near the city before diving into its history and charm.

Spend the afternoon on a walking tour of Angra do Heroísmo. Wander its cobbled streets, admire colorful facades and whitewashed churches, and explore the gardens and squares that earned the city its World Heritage status.

Later, make your way up to Monte Brasil, the volcanic peninsula that towers over Angra. Here, you can enjoy a gentle hike or drive to the viewpoints, finishing the day with a sunset over the Atlantic. Return to the city for dinner, ending your first day surrounded by the historic heart of Terceira.

1

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Pousada Forte Angra do Heroísmo
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Historic fortress hotel in the Azores
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
Direction

20.4 km (12.7 mi)

18 min

2

Car Rental
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Reliable and affordable island mobility
Category
Car Rental
Est. Price
$
Direction

8.6 km (5.4 mi)

14 min

3

Miradouro da Serra do Cume
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Panoramic views of Terceira Island
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

11.5 km (7.2 mi)

21 min

4

PRC05 TER - Hike Fortes de São Sebastião
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Challenging trek with stunning views
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
2-3h
Direction

62 m (0 mi)

5

Forte da Greta
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Historic fortification in Azores
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

569 m (0.4 mi)

1 min

6

Forte do Bom Jesus
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Azores historical defense against pirates
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

6 km (3.8 mi)

10 min

7

Miradouro da Cruz do Canario
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Picturesque viewpoint in Madeira
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

886 m (0.6 mi)

1 min

8

Ilhéus das Cabras
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Uninhabited island paradise in Azores
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

5.1 km (3.2 mi)

8 min

9

Miradouro Janela da Ribeirinha
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Stunning panoramic view in Terceira
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

3.5 km (2.2 mi)

7 min

10

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Quinta dos Açores
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Delicious dairy products and ice cream
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$
Restaurant Type
local
Direction

5.8 km (3.6 mi)

8 min

11

Angra do Heroísmo
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Charming historic city in Azores
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

1.3 km (0.8 mi)

4 min

12

Angra do Heroísmo: Walking Tour
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Historic charm with flavor
Category
Tours
Est. Price
$
Est. Duration
2-3h
Direction

1.9 km (1.2 mi)

6 min

13

Fortress of St. John of Monte Brasil
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Historic fortress in Azores
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

1.3 km (0.8 mi)

5 min

14

Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas
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Scenic lookout with panoramic views
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

1.3 km (0.8 mi)

4 min

15

Miradouro do Pico Zimbreiro
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Scenic viewpoint with panoramic views
Category
Sightseeing
Direction

3.4 km (2.1 mi)

11 min

16

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Mercatto di Osteria
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Innovative Italian cuisine with local ingredients
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
italian
Direction