Terceira: Key Things to Know Before Your Trip

Terceira, the third largest island in the Azores archipelago, is a vibrant blend of volcanic landscapes, lush green hills, historical cities, and unique traditions. Less crowded than São Miguel but equally fascinating, Terceira offers travelers a mix of culture, nature, and adventure. From walking inside a volcano to exploring one of the oldest cities in Portugal, this island is full of surprises.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Terceira are from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing. While June and September are great options for fewer tourists and milder temperatures, my personal recommendation leans more toward July. Although it’s slightly busier due to festivals and holidays, this is also when the island is at its most beautiful — hydrangeas are in full bloom, and the landscapes are incredibly vibrant.

August tends to be even more crowded, and by then the hydrangeas begin to yellow and fade, making it my least recommended month during this season. As for May, the second half is preferable for better weather and flowers beginning to bloom. October can still be a pleasant time to visit, but ideally plan your trip for the first half of the month for the best experience.

Like other Azorean islands, Terceira experiences microclimates. It might be sunny in one part of the island and raining in another, so pack layers and always have a rain jacket handy.

How to Get There

Terceira is accessible via direct flights from Lisbon and Porto, often served by Ryanair, Azores Airlines (SATA), and TAP Air Portugal. The island's main airport is Lajes Airport (TER), located near Praia da Vitória. It also receives some international seasonal flights and is connected by inter-island flights with other Azores destinations.

Top 5 Places to Visit

1. Algar do Carvão: One of the few volcanoes in the world you can actually walk inside. This ancient lava tube lets you descend into the heart of the earth, surrounded by volcanic rock and green moss.

   

2. Black Mysteries Trail - PRC01 (Mistérios Negros): One of the most iconic hikes on Terceira, this trail takes you through lush forest, volcanic craters, and lava fields, offering a wild and immersive experience in the island's unique geology. Located in the central highlands, it's also close to Gruta do Natal —a horizontal volcanic cave worth visiting for an underground glimpse of the island's past.

   

3. Miradouro da Serra do Cume: Possibly the most iconic viewpoint in the Azores. It overlooks a patchwork of fields and stone walls that create a breathtaking geometric landscape known as "manta de retalhos."

   

4. Furnas do Enxofre: A geothermal area filled with fumaroles and bubbling sulfur vents. Wooden walkways let you explore the alien-like terrain up close.

   

5. Piscinas Naturais Biscoitos: Located on the north coast, these natural lava pools offer a scenic and refreshing place to swim, surrounded by black volcanic rocks and ocean waves.

   

   Activities

Caving: In addition to Algar do Carvão, visitors can explore Gruta do Natal, another fascinating volcanic cave open to the public.

Hiking: Terceira features excellent hiking trails across volcanic landscapes, forests, and coastal cliffs. Popular hikes include the trail around Monte Brasil and the Mistérios Negros trail.

Festivals: Terceira is known for its vibrant festivals, especially the Sanjoaninas in June, with parades, concerts, and traditional events that take over Angra do Heroísmo.

Swimming and Snorkeling: Besides Biscoitos, other great swimming spots include Praia da Vitória and the small coves along the coast.

Gastronomy: Don’t miss traditional dishes like Alcatra, a slow-cooked beef stew, and locally produced cheeses and wines.

Where to Stay

Torel Terra Brava A newly opened luxury boutique hotel nestled in the green hills of Terceira, Torel Terra Brava offers stunning design, personalized service, and peaceful surroundings just a short drive from the island's major attractions.

Pousada Forte Angra do Heroísmo Housed in a 16th-century fortress with stunning ocean views, this luxury accommodation blends history with elegance.

Atlantida Mar Hotel Situated in Praia da Vitória, this oceanfront hotel offers spacious rooms and a peaceful setting close to the beach.

Quinta do Martelo For a more traditional experience, stay at this rural eco-farm accommodation that also functions as an ethnographic museum.

As with other Azores islands, vacation rentals are a great alternative. Staying in a local house provides more privacy, kitchen access, and an authentic island experience.

Useful Links and Apps

Car Rental: Renting a car is the best way to explore Terceira, as public transport is limited outside main towns. Booking in advance is recommended. I recommend using Discover Cars, as it provides a dependable and convenient way to reserve your vehicle.

Wikiloc (Android/iOS/Web): Excellent for hikers, with downloadable trails and offline maps for exploring Terceira’s diverse landscapes.

Windy (Android/iOS/Web): Essential for planning your days, Windy provides detailed forecasts for rain, clouds, and wind, helping you decide the best activities based on the weather. It also features webcams for real-time views.

Maps.me (Android/iOS): Offline maps with hiking paths and key landmarks, ideal for remote parts of the island.

SpotAzores (Android/iOS/Web): Check live webcams around Terceira to track real-time weather and avoid clouds or rain.

Azores Trails: The official site for Azores hiking routes. Great for checking trail conditions, route maps, and difficulty ratings.

Ferry Tickets: Terceira is part of the central group of the Azores, and ferries connect it to other nearby islands such as Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial. If you'd prefer to travel by sea instead of flying, you can book tickets through the official website of Atlanticoline: https://www.atlanticoline.pt

Travel Insurance

For your trip to the Azores having reliable travel insurance is highly recommended. Unexpected situations such as medical emergencies, flight delays, or lost luggage can happen, and insurance will give you peace of mind during your journey.

• 🌍 Heymondo Travel Insurance – ideal for travelers from Europe and most international countries. Global coverage, 24/7 medical support via mobile app, free emergency calls, and direct payment for medical bills in most cases. You can get your policy online with a 5% discount here: Heymondo Travel Insurance

• 🇺🇸 VisitorsCoverage – highly recommended for travelers from the United States. A trusted U.S.-based platform offering multiple plan options, including Schengen-compliant insurance for Portugal (Madeira & Azores). More info here: VisitorsCoverage

Terceira stands out with its unique blend of history, nature, and volcanic wonder. Whether you're walking inside a volcano, swimming in natural pools, or enjoying local cuisine during a festival, the island offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Azores.