About Terceira Island

In the center, the island is marked by the Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz, flooded by the two thousand-year-old lavas of the cone of Algar do Carvão, where the largest patch of heather in the Azores can be found. An identical scenario develops to the north, in Biscoito da Ferraria and Pico Alto, and to the west, in the Serra de Santa Bárbara, where dense forests of endemic vegetation refer to the archipelago’s native forest, generally known as laurifolia forest. Therefore, it is not by chance that Terceira represents the island with the largest patch of native forest in the archipelago.

The traces of volcanic activity in Terceira take on peculiar, spectacular and easily visitable forms. In the underground world, the Algar do Carvão stands out, remnants of an ancient volcanic pipeline that dazzles due to its immensity of space. From its vaulted ceiling hang remarkable silica stalactites, the largest in the world. The Gruta do Natal, a lava tunnel, marvels for the succession of long and narrow corridors and for the different shapes and colors that assume the walls, floor and ceiling, transforming the cave into a mystical place. On the surface, the Furnas do Enxofre are eloquent testimony to the strength of the Azorean volcanism: the landscape is dominated by fumaroles surrounded by terrains in reddish tones, which contrast with the green of the mosses and other vegetation. The atmosphere is warm and with a peculiar smell… of sulphur.

But it is from the top of its mountains and mountains, in strategically positioned viewpoints, that it is best to absorb the immensity of its volcanoes and internalize the way Man has shaped them. You go up to Monte Brasil, without noticing that you are walking along an ancient volcano originating from the sea – the largest and best preserved in the Azores – to enjoy one of the most fabulous views over the city and the bay of Angra do Heroísmo. From the top of Serra do Cume, you can see the geometry of the endless stone walls and hydrangea hedges that cut across Terceira’s pastures. From the Miradouro do Facho, where the imposing Monument of the Immaculate Heart of Mary resides, you have an exceptional view over the beach, marina and houses of Praia da Vitória and the entire plain of Lajes, which certainly attracted the location of the Airport. And the list could go on, long.

On the beach at Praia da Vitória, the most important on the island, history is combined with entertainment, urbanity with isolation and sunshine with warm waters. On the contrary, there are many natural pools available, more or less equipped with support infrastructure: Porto Martins, Biscoitos, Negrito and Silveira, to name just a few. Pontas, promontories and bays also mark the coastline of Terceira, with scenic framing of rare beauty, such as the bays of Quatro Ribeiras, Salga, Mina or Fanal.

The coastline on the west side of the island is more linear and marked by high, vertiginous cliffs that drop abruptly into the deep ocean, here and there interrupted by promontories that advance into the sea, testimony to thicker recent lava flows. Ponta do Raminho or Ponta do Queimado, with Serreta Lighthouse as a sentinel, are illustrative examples. Or the area of ​​Lagoa da Fajãzinha, in Agualva, a unique corner, designed “the ruler and square” by wise Nature.