45 Places to See in Terceira, Azores
- Aina & Dani
- Jun 17
- 17 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Are you planning your trip to the Azores and want to know everything you can see and do on Terceira Island? Well, you've come to the perfect place. In this article we've gathered the 45 places to see in Terceira that, in our opinion, you can't miss.
Terceira is an island with tons of personality. Here you'll find volcanic nature, fishing villages, fortresses with centuries of history, and some of the best swimming spots in the Azores.
Whatever your tastes are, there's always something for you in Terceira. So don't miss this article, organized by sections to make it easy to plan your route, where we tell you everything you can see and do in Terceira.
And if you're already planning your trip, don't miss our itineraries, designed to help you make the most of your time on the island:
Shall we start discovering what to see in Terceira? Let's get to it!
What to See in Terceira - Contents:
Resources to plan your trip to Terceira:
PLAN YOUR TRIP: We love Terceira, and that's why we've created our website, where you'll find the most complete Terceira travel guide. Explore everything you can see and do in Terceira by areas, the best way to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time.
TRANSPORTATION: Renting a car is the best way to explore Terceira, since you'll be able to reach every point of interest on the island with total freedom. In our article on renting a car in Terceira, we tell you everything you need to drive around the island and book the best vehicle. To book, we always use Discover Cars, our favorite comparison site with the best deals.
WHERE TO STAY IN TERCEIRA: We recommend staying in Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and other amenities. To help you choose the best place to stay, check out our article on where to stay in Terceira, or book your accommodation directly on Booking.com.
NATURE ACTIVITIES: Terceira is the perfect place to enjoy nature and offers plenty of activities you can't miss, like whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling at the Cabras Islets, or swimming with dolphins respectfully. We've been booking all our activities through Civitatis for years now—there's something for every taste!
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Traveling to the Azores means moving around an active volcanic area with changeable weather, so having good travel insurance matters. We recommend Heymondo, who also give you a -5% discount just for being readers of our blog.
And now, shall we start discovering what to see in Terceira? Let's get to it!
Must-see places in Terceira:
1. Angra do Heroísmo, the first must-see in Terceira
Angra do Heroísmo is the most iconic city in Terceira and a true historic treasure of the Azores. Its old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is full of cobblestone streets, churches, palaces, and squares you can explore on foot in a couple of hours.
We recommend wandering around the Praça Velha, visiting the Cathedral of Santo Salvador, and heading down to the harbor. And if you want to really understand everything you see, a great option is to take a guided tour of the center of Angra.
2. Monte Brasil Nature Reserve
Monte Brasil is an extinct volcano connected to Angra that forms a green peninsula with spectacular views of the bay. Inside, it hides the Fortress of São João Baptista, along with woods, artillery remains, and viewpoints from which you can see the Cabras Islets and, on clear days, São Jorge and Pico.
You can go up on foot or by car, but what we like most is exploring it on an e-bike tour with a guide: you comfortably reach the most hidden corners and discover details you'd miss on your own.
3. Whale and dolphin watching in Terceira
Whale and dolphin watching is, without a doubt, one of the best experiences you can have in Terceira. From the harbor in Angra you'll head out for about three hours of sailing along the south coast and you'll be able to see dolphins, pilot whales, and, with some luck, even huge blue whales, always in a way that respects the animals.
You can choose the classic whale watching tour, the option that adds a route around the Cabras Islets, or, if you're after something more intense, the experience of swimming with dolphins. Whatever you choose, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
4. Algar do Carvão
The Algar do Carvão is one of the most impressive places in Terceira: a volcanic chimney over 3,000 years old that you can visit from the inside, something very rare in the world. You'll go down more than 300 steps to about 295 feet deep, between lava walls, unexpected vegetation growing inside the volcano itself, and a small lagoon at the bottom. The feeling of being inside a real volcano stays with you throughout the whole visit.
It's a few minutes from the Furnas do Enxofre, the Gruta do Natal, and the Negro Lagoon, so it's very easy to combine everything in a single day exploring the interior of the island. In fact, it's usually visited together with the Gruta do Natal, with which there's a combined ticket that saves you on the total price.
5. Furnas do Enxofre
The Furnas do Enxofre are the place where you can best tell that Terceira is still a very much alive volcanic island. This fumarole field, declared a Natural Monument, has more than twenty active fumaroles that release gases at nearly 203°F (95°C) and create a landscape stained yellow by sulfur. You can walk it in 30-40 minutes along a circular loop of wooden boardwalks, flat and suitable for everyone.
Yes, it smells like sulfur, but that's part of the experience. It's free and it's a few minutes from the Algar do Carvão and the Gruta do Natal, so it's a must-stop on a route through the interior.
6. Gruta do Natal
The Gruta do Natal is one of the best-known lava tubes in Terceira and a perfect visit for understanding the volcanic origin of the island from the inside. You'll walk about 2,300 feet through the inside of the tube, with high ceilings and very little incline, seeing the formations the lava shaped over time.
It's a short visit but unlike any other. Remember that tickets are sold only at the ticket office on a first-come, first-served basis, and that there's a combined ticket with the Algar do Carvão that works out cheaper.
7. Mistérios Negros Trail
The Mistérios Negros are one of the most impressive trails in Terceira and a must if you like hiking. The route, the PRC01TER, crosses the Mistérios Negros Forest Reserve, in the very heart of the island, and is one of the most beautiful you can do in Terceira. It starts very close to the Negro Lagoon, the Algar do Carvão, and the Furnas do Enxofre, so it fits perfectly into a day through the center of the island. We tell you all the details in this article on the best trails in Terceira.
8. Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint
The Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint is the highest point in Terceira, at 3,350 feet, within a large nature reserve. From here a huge panorama opens up over the green interior of the island and, if the day cooperates, over São Jorge and Pico. It's one of the areas where clouds gather the most, so if you arrive and it's overcast, be patient: it usually clears up within a few minutes. It's easy to reach by car and there's plenty of room to park.
9. Serra do Cume Viewpoint
The Serra do Cume Viewpoint is, in our opinion, the best viewpoint in Terceira and the most photographed on the island. From its wooden platform you can see the famous "patchwork quilt": an endless mosaic of green fields divided by volcanic stone walls and hydrangea hedges. On one side you have Praia da Vitória and its bay; on the other, the inland plain. It changes a lot depending on the light, so if you can, come back at different times, especially at sunset.
10. Biscoitos Natural Pools
The Biscoitos Natural Pools are the most famous in Terceira and, in our opinion, also among the most beautiful. They formed between lava flows and create several pools sheltered from the waves, with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling (don't forget your goggles, there are lots of fish). They have lifeguards in season, showers, a bar, and free parking. The downside is that they fill up quite a bit, so we recommend arriving before 10:00 if you want to swim in peace.
11. Porto Martins and its natural pools
Porto Martins is a quiet coastal parish belonging to Praia da Vitória, known above all for its natural pools. The main ones are wide and have stairs to get into the water, while the Baía das Canas and the Poça do Porto de São Fernando are more sheltered and intimate.
If the sea isn't right for swimming, you can walk the coast along a very easy coastal walk of about 1.7 miles. It's a must-stop that combines very well with other beaches on the south of the island.
12. Praia da Vitória
Praia da Vitória is a city that stretches along its bay and one of the main swimming spots on the island. It has a lovely seafront promenade and several sandy beaches with the Blue Flag, like Praia Grande, the widest and busiest. To see it from above, head up to the Miradouro do Facho, by car or by the stairs from the harbor. And a tip: if you travel in August, don't miss its festivals, ten days of fireworks, concerts, and parades that are among the best in the Azores.
If you still haven't booked your rental car, don't miss the best car rental deals on the island, with full coverage to protect you against any problem!
The best viewpoints in Terceira:
13. Alto da Memória
The Alto da Memória is an obelisk located at the highest part of the Duque da Terceira Garden, right in the center of Angra. It was built in 1856 with stones from the old Castelo dos Moinhos, in memory of the visit of Dom Pedro IV, and from its platform you'll get a very complete view of Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, and the Cabras Islets. It's a perfect spot to get a general idea of the city before exploring it on foot.
14. Matias Simão Peak
Matias Simão Peak is a small volcanic cone in the Altares area, in the northwest of the island. It's not one of the most famous viewpoints, but we love it. From its 500 feet you can see the green fields divided by stone walls with the Atlantic right beside them, and even Graciosa island if the day is clear. You have to leave the car at the end of a dirt track and walk up for about 10 minutes, but the best part is that there probably won't be anyone else around.
15. Alagoa Viewpoint
The Alagoa Viewpoint, also known as Alagoa da Fajãzinha, is on the north coast of Terceira, in one of the most interesting natural areas on the island. From here you'll see spectacular volcanic cliffs formed by ancient lava flows that reach into the ocean, with a small, completely wild pebble beach on one side. It's an area protected for its biodiversity, with endemic vegetation and lots of birds.
16. Cruz do Canário Viewpoint
The Cruz do Canário Viewpoint, in Porto Judeu, is one of the best places to see the Cabras Islets from dry land, with Monte Brasil on one side and the village on the other. It's comfortable and easy to access, with parking next to the road, and it has a swing facing the islets that has become one of the most photographed spots in the area. Traditionally it's been a birdwatching spot, hence its name.
17. Maria Augusta de Castro Viewpoint
The Maria Augusta de Castro Viewpoint, also in Porto Judeu, offers another beautiful view of the Cabras Islets and the south coast. The best part is that it's right next to the Refugo Natural Pool, so you can combine the viewpoint with a swim on the same outing. If you like viewpoints, you have it very close to the Cruz do Canário and the Fajã do Fisher, two more great spots for seeing the islets.
18. Humberto Delgado Viewpoint
The Humberto Delgado Viewpoint has wide views of the bay of Praia da Vitória, but what really draws you here is the panorama over the runway of the Lajes Air Base: it's the perfect spot to watch planes take off and land. The base was built during World War II for its strategic position in the Atlantic and is still a key location today, with a U.S. presence. A curious and different stop.
19. Pico do Facho
Pico do Facho is the best place to see Praia da Vitória from above. From its viewpoint you dominate the whole city, its wide bay, and the marina, a great panorama to get your bearings and an idea of the whole. You can comfortably go up by car or, if you feel like stretching your legs, by the stairs that start next to the harbor. It's a quick stop that's well worth it before or after walking the city.
Still looking for a place to stay? We recommend Açores Autêntico Boutique, a cozy hotel in the heart of Angra do Heroísmo; Casa de Foro, a collection of charming apartments; and Farol Guesthouse, located in São Mateus da Calheta.
Natural pools, beaches, and swimming areas in Terceira:
20. Prainha Swimming Area
The Prainha Swimming Area is the only sandy beach in the bay of Angra, right in the center and next to the marina. Its fine golden sand and gently rolling sea make it a safe beach, ideal for going with kids or for a quick dip between visits around the city. Plus, it has lovely views of Monte Brasil.
21. Fanal Bay
The Fanal Bay is a swimming area in Angra with a much wilder, more natural feel. The water is crystal-clear, dark-toned from the rocks, and there's plenty of room to put your towel down without any hassle. What we like most are its views of Monte Brasil and its green surroundings, perfect for swimming and switching off without leaving the city.
22. Negrito Swimming Area
The Negrito Swimming Area is in São Mateus da Calheta, next to the old Forte do Negrito, and is one of the most popular in this part of the island. There's no sand here: the star is the volcanic basalt, which forms wide platforms for lying down. It has flat seabeds and a natural pool sheltered from the waves, so swimming is comfortable and safe even with a slightly rough sea.
23. Cinco Ribeiras Swimming Area
The Cinco Ribeiras Swimming Area, on the southwest coast, is another of the best-known swimming areas in Terceira. It's made up of several natural seawater pools, well sheltered and easy to access. The setting really adds to it: on clear days you can see São Jorge and Pico from the water, and there are good facilities and room to move around comfortably.
24. Calheta dos Lagadores
The Calheta dos Lagadores is a small swimming area on the north coast, much quieter than Biscoitos and full of charm. It's a small rocky peninsula with pools of varying depth and access to the sea by stairs, so you'll like it if you enjoy swimming in open water. The contrast between the black volcanic rock and the blue of the ocean is gorgeous, and it's also a good spot for snorkeling.
25. Quatro Ribeiras Natural Pools
The Quatro Ribeiras Natural Pools are a quiet swimming area, with crystal-clear water and surrounded by volcanic rock and endemic vegetation. They are much less crowded than the Biscoitos ones and, in our opinion, among the best on the island for enjoying the sea without any hassle. They have pools open to the sea, a man-made pool ideal for kids, showers, a bar, and lifeguards in summer.
26. Escaleiras Swimming Area
The Escaleiras Swimming Area, on the north coast, is one of the best options for swimming when the sea is calm. It has a wide concrete platform for your towel and access to the water by metal stairs, with a natural pool where you can almost touch the bottom and other deeper areas for swimming. It's well equipped, with lifeguards in summer, parking, and a bar nearby, and it flies the Blue Flag.
27. Fajã do Fisher
The Fajã do Fisher is a lava platform about 3,000 years old in Feteira, turned into a swimming and leisure area, where locals tend to go and it doesn't get overcrowded. There's no enclosed bay here: you enter the sea directly from the volcanic platform, though the improvements of recent years, with sun decks at different levels and a ramp, have made it much more accessible. From here you can also see the Cabras Islets.
28. Refugo Natural Pool
The Refugo Natural Pool, in Porto Judeu, is a swimming area over volcanic rock with direct access to the sea, formed by the ancient lavas of the Algar do Carvão. It has calm waters, a bar, showers, lifeguards, and the Blue Flag, and it's right next to the Maria Augusta de Castro Viewpoint, so it's perfect for combining a swim and views in a single stop.
29. Salga Natural Pools
The Salga Natural Pools, also known as Praia da Salga, are one of the most comfortable swimming areas on the south coast. They're in a small, fairly sheltered bay, so the sea usually isn't strong, and they're very popular with families and locals. There are stairs to get into the water, a pool that fills with the tide, and a concrete pool that renews itself naturally. They also have a campsite next door.
30. Salgueiros Beach
The Salgueiros Beach is a quiet pebble beach, with clean, calm waters, access stairs, and a natural pool fed by the ocean. Next to it there's a grassy area with picnic tables, perfect for having a bite in the shade. It's not big, but it has a very pleasant atmosphere and rarely gets overcrowded. A good plan is to drop by after walking the São Sebastião Forts trail.
31. Riviera Beach
The Riviera Beach, in Praia da Vitória, is a small sandy beach that stays almost wild, surrounded by rock and reed beds where migratory birds take shelter. Since it's one of the few sandy beaches in Terceira, it fills up on good-weather days, so we recommend arriving early to park. If you feel like walking, an easy coastal trail of about 2.8 miles connects it with Praia da Vitória.
If you haven't booked your flights yet, don't miss the best airfare deals. Compare prices across all major airlines and find the best fare for your trip!
Natural and volcanic wonders of Terceira:
32. Negro Lagoon
The Negro Lagoon is a small lagoon surrounded by cryptomeria woods, with the Serra de Santa Bárbara and Pico Gaspar in the background. It has a lovely curiosity: beneath its waters lie the lava tubes of the Gruta do Natal. It's right across from the entrance to the cave and is the starting point of the Mistérios Negros trail, so it's a natural stop within your route through the interior of the island.
33. Patas Lagoon
The Patas Lagoon is a quiet lagoon in the interior of Terceira, within its own forest reserve. It's an ideal place to stop in the middle of nature, with a recreational area, picnic tables, and restrooms, perfect for having a bite if you're exploring the center of the island. It's artificial and fed by the waters of the Serra de Santa Bárbara, and ducks and geese live in it (hence its name) among water lilies and cryptomerias.
34. Serreta and Lagoinha
Serreta is one of the most western areas of Terceira and one of the best places to watch the sunset on the island. Around here you'll find several viewpoints with open views over the Atlantic, like the Farol da Serreta or the Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado. Very close by is the Lagoinha, a small crater lagoon surrounded only by endemic vegetation, much more isolated and peaceful. A perfect area to switch off far from the crowds.
35. Cabras Islets
The Cabras Islets are two volcanic islets off the south coast and the largest in the entire Azores archipelago. Their rugged outline is one of the most recognizable images of this part of the island. Today they are a protected natural area and a bird nesting site, so access is restricted: the best way to see them up close is from the sea, whether on a boat trip, with the whale watching excursion that gets close to the islets, or snorkeling.
36. Gruta das Agulhas
The Gruta das Agulhas is a lava tube in Porto Judeu, formed when the lava from the Algar do Carvão reached the sea. Its name comes from the needle-shaped formations that cover the walls and ceiling. Today access to the inside is closed to protect these fragile structures, but from the stairs that go down to its entrance you can see it from the outside and enjoy, along the way, a beautiful view of the Cabras Islets.
37. Ponta das Contendas
Ponta das Contendas, at the southeastern tip of the island, is worth a stop for its 1934 lighthouse and, above all, for its views of the Cabras Islets. The lighthouse is usually closed, so the visit consists of strolling around the surroundings at a leisurely pace. It's a Special Protection Area, key for seabirds, where remains of 16th- and 17th-century fortifications are also preserved.
Historic and cultural heritage of Terceira:
38. Duque da Terceira Garden
The Duque da Terceira Garden is one of the most beautiful corners of Angra do Heroísmo. Founded in 1882 as a plant acclimatization garden, today it's a beautiful green space right in the center, with century-old araucarias, magnolias, and walkways decorated with patterns. Don't miss the Tanque do Preto, a large pond with an 18th-century statue that acts as a fountain. An hour is plenty to enjoy it without rushing.
39. Fortress of São João Baptista
The Fortress of São João Baptista, on Monte Brasil, is one of the largest and most important fortifications in Portugal. Its walls and bastions are preserved almost intact and offer spectacular views of Angra, the bay, and the Cabras Islets. Its construction began in 1592 by order of Philip II and it played a decisive role in the Portuguese revolt of 1640. Inside you'll find dungeons carved into the rock and the Igreja de São João Baptista.
40. Biscoitos Military Trenches
The Biscoitos Military Trenches are corridors carved into volcanic rock that were part of Terceira's defensive system during World War II. They're fairly well preserved and can be visited freely, for free and at any time. They're small and quick to see, but walking through them while looking at the sea they protected is a curious experience. They're right next to the Calheta dos Lagadores, so you can combine them with a swim.
41. Wine Museum
The Biscoitos Wine Museum tells the story of wine on the island and the importance of Verdelho, its most famous variety. You'll be able to see how the vines were worked, the winery, the distillery, and the tasting room, as well as the headquarters of the Verdelho Wine Brotherhood. It's a free, authentic, and easy-to-explore visit, ideal for understanding Terceira's winemaking tradition. It's very close to the Biscoitos natural pools.
42. São Sebastião Forts
In the southeast of the island, several São Sebastião Forts are preserved, old coastal fortifications from the 16th and 17th centuries built to defend Terceira from attacks by sea. The most representative is the Castelo de São Sebastião, by the sea. The best way to discover them is by walking the PR05TER São Sebastião Forts trail, a 5.4-mile circular route through rural landscape, coast, and heritage that, honestly, is one of our favorite trails on the island.
Villages and food experiences in Terceira:
43. São Mateus da Calheta
São Mateus da Calheta is a parish of Angra do Heroísmo and the most authentic fishing area on the south coast of Terceira. Its small harbor is still active, surrounded by white houses with red roofs that come down to the shore and presided over by its parish church. What we like most is its local, laid-back atmosphere, and that it's a great spot to try good fresh fish. Plus, it's very close to the center of Angra, so it's also a good base for staying over.
44. Queijo Vaquinha
If you like cheese and want to try local produce, Queijo Vaquinha, in Cinco Ribeiras, is almost a must-stop. It's a family-run artisan cheese dairy that works with milk from its own farm, and you can tell in the flavor. The ideal thing is to order a small board to taste your way through their cheeses (the traditional one, the Ilha Terceira, and the spicy one, our favorite) paired with a glass of wine. It has a wide, pleasant terrace, perfect for lingering after the meal.
45. The Alcatra of Terceira
If there's one dish you absolutely have to try in Terceira, it's the Alcatra. It's the most traditional recipe on the island: beef cooked very slowly in a clay pot with wine, garlic, pepper, and spices, until it turns tender and full of flavor. To enjoy it the traditional way, we recommend Restaurante Caneta, in Altares, one of the most famous in Terceira precisely for its Alcatra. That said, it usually fills up, so book in advance to make sure you get a table.
Map of the places to see in Terceira
To make it easier to organize your route, we've gathered all these places to see in Terceira on a map. This way you can see at a glance how they're spread across the island and plan your days by area.
And that's our selection of the 45 places to see in Terceira. We hope it helps you plan your trip and enjoy this volcanic island as much as we do. Have a great trip and see you in the Azores!
