Terceira Island Tour (from Praia da Vitória)

On Terceira, even the simplest view can take you by surprise. Green pastures form an almost perfect patchwork, Atlantic waves surge between ancient lava rocks, and historic streets evoke the atmosphere of centuries gone by. This Azorean island is full of contrasts, best discovered by exploring its picturesque corners. During your excursion around Terceira, you'll encounter landscapes shaped by powerful natural forces, visit the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo and discover traditions that have been part of local life for generations.

One of your first stops will be the Serra do Cume viewpoint, offering one of the most distinctive panoramas in the Azores. Vast, vibrant green pastures, divided by traditional stone walls, form a patchwork stretching towards the horizon. A completely different view awaits you at Serra do Facho, a volcanic hill overlooking Praia da Vitória. From here, you'll admire the town, its coastal setting and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

As the journey continues, you'll discover Porto Martins, where natural pools filled by the ocean lie among dark volcanic rocks. You'll then stop in São Sebastião, a small village home to one of the oldest churches in the Azores. Places like these are a reminder that Terceira's history is every bit as fascinating as its landscapes.

A particular highlight of the excursion is Angra do Heroísmo, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic buildings and streets recall a time when the city was an important stop on Atlantic shipping routes. After a break for lunch, you'll head to Monte Brasil, a volcanic hill offering panoramic views of Angra do Heroísmo and the surrounding coastline. It's a chance to appreciate the city from a wider perspective and admire its remarkable setting.

Yet Terceira can change its character in an instant. At Furnas do Enxofre, green pastures give way to fumaroles - openings in the ground where hot steam and volcanic gases escape from beneath the Earth's surface. Shortly afterwards, you'll arrive in Biscoitos, where black lava rocks form natural pools beside the Atlantic. The village is also known for its winemaking traditions, which you'll explore during a visit to the Wine Museum. Here, you'll discover another aspect of the island's heritage, closely connected with vine cultivation and wine production.

On the return journey, the rugged landscapes will give way to more peaceful surroundings. You'll stop at Lagoa do Negro and Lagoa das Patas, two lakes surrounded by lush vegetation. Subject to availability, you'll also visit the Cinco Ribeiras cheese dairy. To round off the excursion, you'll visit a local embroidery workshop, where you'll learn about a traditional craft passed down through generations on the island.

Terceira is a place where natural beauty and traces of human history are inseparably linked. From the green patchwork of Serra do Cume and the historic streets of Angra do Heroísmo to the volcanic coastline and local craftsmanship - every stage of the excursion reveals another side of life on this Azorean island.

The order of visits and the itinerary may be subject to change.