Terceira is in the Azores archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean. Right off the airplane, all that can be seen are luscious green scenery, white houses, and hilltop after hilltop of true Portuguese culture.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Terceira (tihr-SAY-ruh, /tɨɾ.ˈsɐj.ɾɐ/) is the third largest island in the Azores. The people who inhabit the island rely on agriculture for income and there are very few restaurants on the island.
Empresa de Viação Terceirence (EVT), ☏ +351 295 217 001, evt@mail.telepac.pt. EVT offers numerous bus routes around the island, including service between Praia do Vitoria and Angra Velha, which takes 55 min, M-F hourly, less frequently on Sa Su. (updated Dec 2023) There are many car rental services around the airport in Praia De Vitoria. Be very careful when driving. Local drivers are careless. Livestock has right of way, only seen in the interior rural areas of the island.
Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal are volcanic caves in the interior of the island. These caves are formed when a volcano's lava supply is suddenly interrupted, leaving an open space (a cave) with a vertical opening. See the fumaroles in pristine condition, a local natural monument in a protected area. You may appreciate it exactly as Charles Darwin saw it in 1830. Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has three castles. One castle is the largest in the world built by Spaniards, with over 3.5 km of perimeter walls, over twice the size of many famous castles. In the summer time, street bullfights take place in towns.
One main beach is at Praia de Vitoria. It is man-made and small, about 1 mile at best, usually a summer hangout for the locals. There are numerous man made "pools" around the island, which are connected to the ocean. There are also many natural rock pools near the beaches in the coastal towns. In Biscoitos, enjoy swimming between lava rocks. In Praia da Vitória is a diving center with a professional PADI and SSI team, and activities like scuba diving courses, scuba experiences, or snorkelling tours. The email address is geral@octopusportugal.com and the contact is +351 965431985.
There are many restaurants that offer local dishes and other international cuisine. Seafood is the main specialty as is locally cultured cheese and bread, great with local wines. 1 Restaurant Mercatto di Osteria, rua dos canos verdes, 129, Angra do Heroísmo (next to Sé Cathedral), ☏ +351 295 628 375, geral@mercatto.pt. W-M 12:00-15:00 and 19:00-23:00. €20-25, executive lunch for €10. (updated Jan 2024)
Vinho Verdelho (green wine) from Biscoitos and other locally made and very fine wines.
Like most of the world, it is not uncommon for petty thievery to occur. Unlocked cars with visible possessions will look like an invitation for thieves. It is advisable the cars doors be locked, valuables be with you at all times or at least concealed. Maintain visual contact with your belongings. There isn't a rash of thievery on the island, but is a common precaution anywhere in the world as tourists are always less informed making them easier prey for opportunists.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Terceira typically sees ~23°C daytime highs and 20 rainy days.
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