9. São Mateus da Calheta

São Mateus da Calheta is a parish that belongs to Angra do Heroísmo and stands out as a genuine fishing area on the southern coast of Terceira — one of those places that has managed to hold on to its true character. Its small harbor is still active, surrounded by white houses with red rooftops that reach all the way down to the shore, with its charming parish church rising above them.

What we love most about São Mateus is that here you'll find mostly locals and a sense of calm that is hard to come by elsewhere on the island. For us, it's a place worth lingering in or even staying at, as it is very close to the center of Angra do Heroísmo and is home to one of the best hotels on the island, the Farol Guesthouse.

The harbor and the pier are the heart of the village, with several restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, such as Beira Mar and Baía W. If the weather is nice, it's also worth heading over to the Negrito Swimming Area, right next to the pier, where the rocks form a small natural pool that is perfect for a safe swim.

And if you're interested in history, you should know that São Mateus da Calheta was protected in the 16th century by the Forte Grande de São Mateus and the Forte do Negrito, built to defend the harbor from pirate attacks. Today only remnants of their walls remain, but from the viewpoint of the old fort you'll get a lovely view of the bay and Monte Brasil.

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