Experience Terceira Island
Terceira Island, also known as the
Purple or Lilac island, is part of the archipelago of the
Azores, outside the mainland of Portugal. The island attracts active travelers from around the world with its
lush landscapes, pretty beaches and the big variety of outdoor activities you can do during your holidays on Terceira Island.
Go out to explore the numerous waterfalls and hot springs spread over the island. The wild and mystic atmosphere will surely amaze you and nature lovers will have lots of beautiful things to enjoy. No matter whether you are travelling with your family, partner or group of friends - Terceira island has something to offer for all adventurous travelers.
Language and Currency in Terceira Island
Terceira Island and the Azores are part of Portugal, so the official language spoken is Portuguese. The currency in Terceira Island is the Euro. Locals usually speak very good English, thanks to the tourism industry on the island. If you speak to older people, it might be more difficult to find common ground. However, you will get around easily with English around the island.
Getting around in Terceira Island
To get around in Terceira Island you can choose between public transport (buses), renting a car or just get one of the taxis that are driving all around the island. If you’re staying in one of the two bigger towns, Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória, you can easily use the bus network to get to the most important spots around the island. It is the cheapest way to get around Terceira Island and if you are flexible regarding times, it is a good option!
Renting a car is the most flexible option to get around Terceira Island. With your own car, you can explore even hidden corners of the island and deserted beaches. The major rental companies, as well as a few local ones, are available, and you can just pick up the car at the airport.
If you decide to rent a car, you should feel comfortable driving also in more difficult terrain, as the roads can be steep and curvy. Also be aware that inland there are a lot of animal herds (cows, sheep) that cross the roads and always have priority ;)
Those who prefer not to drive themselves can also just get taxis to get around Terceira Island. There are also many drivers who offer private tours, where you pay them by the hour and they show you around the best spots or just wherever you would like to go. This way you don’t have to worry about anything and can explore the island at your own pace!
Best things to do during your holidays in Terceira Island
Terceira Island is full of natural wonders ready to be explored. One of the best things to do during your holidays in Terceira Island is to visit the Algar do Carvão Natural Reserve in the centre of the island. The Algar do Carvão is a lava tube that is so old, that you can enter the vent and admire the unique cave from the inside. You probably never have seen anything like it, so it will blow your mind away!
Talking about volcanic landscapes - the Monte Brasil on the South Coast of the island is also a Must-See! The Natural Park around the extinct volcano attracts tourists with the many viewpoints and impressive sceneries. From the top you can enjoy the view over the two bays right and left from the Park, so make sure to bring a camera to capture this beautiful setting! While you're in the Natural Reserve of Monte Brasil you also have to visit the Fortress of São João Baptista. This historic fort was built in the 16th century to defend the island from enemy attacks. It has played an important role in following events and wars, and today it is a popular sight for everybody interested in the history of the island.
Another viewpoint you should not miss out on is the Miradouro da Serra do Cume, in the region of Praia da Vitória. This lookout offers one of the most beautiful views over the lush green fields of the region as well as over the city Praia da Vitória. The open fields just transmit an intense feeling of freedom and make for some unique snapshots!
The best watersports in Terceira Island
There are some fun activities you can do in Terceira Island. If you love being out in the sea and exploring the coast, you should definitely
rent a jet ski in Terceira Island! There is no better way to really explore the coastline and have heaps of fun at the same time! You can rent a jet ski from the
Marina in Angra do Heroísmo, and from there choose the route as you wish! There is space for 2 people on the jet skis, and you don’t need to have any licenses or experience to enjoy this fun watersport in Terceira Island! Surely there is nothing more fun than jumping over the waves while enjoying the view over the impressive coastline!
If you want to explore the underwater world, you should join a
snorkeling tour from Terceira Island. This tour also starts from the same Marina as the jet ski, and you will first have a fun boat tour to get to the best snorkeling spot at the Cabras Islet. Here you can admire the fascinating underwater world and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
The best boat tours in Terceira Island
Being an island, there are also a lot of great boat tours in Terceira Island. But did you also know, that there are a lot of
cetaceans passing by the island? That’s why the best boat tours in Terceira Island are the ones where you can admire some of the most magical creatures of the planet. You can join a
whale and dolphin watching tour from Terceira on board of a fast and stable RIB Boat. These tours are always real adventures because you never know which species you might actually find. The crew is very experienced and knows the spots where the whales and dolphins can usually be found.
If you’re up for a real adventure, there is nothing more beautiful and exciting than
swimming with dolphins in Terceira Island! Swimming with dolphins is not possible anywhere else around the mainland of Portugal, so if you’re on holidays in Terceira you should really take this opportunity to experience the most magical moment of your life! Once the crew has spotted a pod of dolphins, you can grab your snorkeling equipment and
jump into the sea, always staying close to the boat. Being able to admire the playful dolphins underwater and getting really close to them is just an
unforgettable experience, that’s for sure!
What and where to eat in Terceira Island
Just as
São Miguel and the other islands of the Azores archipelago, Terceira Island is famous for two main foods:
Seafood and Beef! The lush green fields are the perfect home for cows to grow and the local restaurants know how to prepare both the freshly caught fish as well as the grass-fed beef of the region.
Another speciality of Terceira Island is
chicken rump, prepared together with some delicious spices and served as a stew. Vegetarians can look forward to many different types of sweet potato dishes. Did you know they even make sweet potato yam? Sweet tooths will be happy to see that a special cake, the
Bolo Levedo is commonly served for breakfast on the island, together with sweet spreads such as honey. Talking about honey - thanks to the unique flora, the local honey has a special taste to it, that you will only experience on Terceira Island.
To try some of the local's delicacies, the restaurant
Os Moinhos in São Sebastião is a great address! Restaurante Caneta in Angra do Heroísmo is also a great spot for
meat, fish and veggie lovers. If you’re staying in Praia da Vitória, make sure to visit R3 Restaurante. Especially seafood lovers will enjoy the dishes offered here!
Enjoy the beautiful beaches around Terceira Island
There are many beautiful beaches around Terceira Island where you can simply relax and enjoy the sun. One of the most famous and popular beaches is Praia da Vitória. This beach has the same name as the adjacent town and is located in a beautiful sandy bay. This beach attracts travelers who love to have some options to eat and drink during their beach day.
If you’re staying in Angra do Heroísmo, Prainha is a great spot to enjoy some beach time. The white sand of the beach and the calm waters without waves make it a great family beach where you can take a refreshing dive in the sea without any hustle. Just behind it you can also visit some shops and restaurants, so you have a good infrastructure around Prainha.
If you’re looking for a typical Azores beach, make sure to head over to Biscoitos Beach. It is not really a beach, more like a conglomeration of natural pools of stoned lava. Here you can relax in the salty waters and enjoy the view over the deep blue Atlantic! The natural pools and the beach of Praia da Silveira are also a great spot to visit. Here you can either relax at the safe beach or refresh yourself in the natural pools. The proximity to Angra do Heroísmo make it a great destination as it is easy to get to.
Whatever you decide to do during your holiday in Terceira Island, we promise you will love the boat tours and watersports. Sunshine and a lot of fun are guaranteed! For any further tips or requests, feel free to contact us anytime.