Things to do in Angra do Heroísmo

Get back to nature and visit the extraordinary lava tube of Algar do Carvão inside the caldera of the Guilherme Moniz volcano, 12 kilometers from Angra do Heroísmo. Travel back in time to when a basalt eruption tore a pre-existing lava flow to begin the process that would lead to the formation of a Strombolian volcano with 2 cones. Observe different geological features, including ferrous deposits and silicate stalactites, and appreciate formations that date back to the origins of the cave. Discover a small pond of rare beauty, and gaze in awe as smoke emerges from the ground. Encounter the unique flora and fauna, including birds that seek refuge inside the cave, and diverse plant life that includes species of molds, arthropods, and other groups.

Meet your driver at your accommodation in Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitoria, or Lajes, and start your half-day tour in an air-conditioned minivan. Explore Algar do Carvão, an empty volcano and its caves with remarkable unique mineralogical characteristics. The 90-meter-deep volcanic chimney formed approximately 3,200 years ago after the magma drained from the main chimney receding to the magma chamber. Next up is Furnas do Enxofre. Walk around a fumaroles field and see sulfur gas coming out from the ground. Contemplate the beautiful natural swimming pool at Biscoitos, surrounded by black lava and with a few colorful fishing boats anchored alongside. Stop for a photo opportunity in Miradouro do Raminho and see 3 islands. Finish a wonderful day with a handmade delicious cheese tasting.

Observe magnificent whales in their natural habitat before exploring Terceira Island, either in a shared tour or with your own private group. This trip is made more comfortable by traveling in jeeps that are perfect for taking you off the beaten track so you can see the very best of what the island has to offer. This tour is ideal for those who want a bit of island exploration in the most radical way. Routes are taken along secondary roads, which are not part of usual tourist itineraries. They are narrow, beaten paths and used mostly by farmers - you'll get to see the real Terceira. The roads are lined either by blue hydrangeas (hortensia), large trees or rough walls of basaltic stone. They lead to breathtaking views and you should take the time to stop along the way, step out of the jeep and take a closer look at all the magical nature that surrounds you.

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Gain fascinating insights from a team of professional skippers, biologists, and lookouts. Look out for up to 27 species of cetaceans in the Picos de Aventura, with an extremely high success rate of sightings. Benefit from a comprehensive briefing on cetaceans, sighting methods, safety rules, and codes of ethics for observation of cetaceans in the Azores before setting out. Experience an unforgettable journey as you admire the marine mammals of the Azores roaming the seas while having fun and receiving scientific insights.

The Azores are considered one of the best places for whale watching in the world. 28 species of whales and dolphins have been spotted there over the years. This unique 2.5-hour tour is the ideal situation for spotting whales and dolphins. The vessel has the capacity for 14 people, a glass bottom, and a 300 horsepower engine. With a 90% sighting success rate, the tour is assisted by a whale spotter located at the top of Monte Brasil. With long-range binoculars, they'll be able to guide the Skipper via radio, helping you to find the whereabouts of cetaceans (the animal family that these marine mammals belong to).

Discover the volcanos and volcanic caves of Terceira Island on this geology lover's guided tour. Visit Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre and Gruta do Natal with an expert guide. Meet your guide and driver for pick-up at your hotel and head to the first stop on the tour — the inactive Algar do Carvão. Visit it from the inside and discover its small lake and fascinating geological formations. Next head to Furnas do Enxofre, a small strip of land with 20 fumaroles expelling white vapor into the air. You'll also see native flora like the Azores juniper and the Azores blueberry. Top off your tour with a visit to Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave), a system of caves known as a lava tube, full of spectacular volcanic formations.

The tour starts by picking you at your hotel, and make way on to Monte Brasil, wich is a Natural Reservation full of story and has a viewpoint with an amazing view all over the city of Angra do Heroísmo. Then you´ll go all around the East Part of the Islan where you´ll pass on a spot where you´ll see the Goat Islets and then you´ll move on all around the East Part, where you will pass by some amazing natural pools located in Porto Martins. All the East Coast of the island it´s fill with a lot of places with history. Before lunch you´re going to pass on an amazing landscape Miradouro do Facho and the famous miradouro called Serra do Cume, wich is known by the locals as the Patchwork Blanquet, after that you´ll make a lunch break at Praia da Vitória. By the Afternoon you´re going to visit the North part of the island, were you´ll make way until Biscoitos, to see the amazing natural pools and see the local movement. Moving on, you´ll pass on some natural hiden spots and visit Serreta parish untill you get to Queijo Vaquinha where you´ll taste the local cheese. To end the tour, you´ll pass on a fisherman´s village called São Mateus, too see the fishing activity. The tour ends by dropping you again at your hotel.

Start the tour by visiting Monte Brasil, where you can see the Fortress of São João Baptista, built by the Spanish during their conquest of the Azores. Enjoy fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo. Proceed along the southeast of Terceira Island towards the villages of Ribeirinha, Feteira, and São Sebastião. See beautiful natural landmarks such as Serra da Ribeirinha and the Ilhéus das Cabras, culminating in a visit to the island's oldest church. Next, stop at Serra do Cume, a viewpoint located in Terceira's largest "caldeira". Observe the vast expanse of agricultural fields spread out the island. Enjoy some free time in the charming town of Praia da Vitória. Continue along the northern coast of the island and visit the Biscoitos Natural Swimming Pools. Have an optional visit to Algar do Carvão, an empty volcanic chimney, and Gruta do Natal (lava tube) which take about 30-40 minutes each. The tour is concluded by visiting the Queijo Vaquinha Cheese Factory and São Mateus Fishing Port with drop-off back at your accommodation.

Discover the best of Terceira Island on a guided full-day trip from Angra do Heroísmo. Get picked up and dropped off from your hotel in Angra. The first stop is Monte Brasil, where you can see Angra do Heroísmo from above. Go for a short drive through the city, and then along the southeast coast to the village of Ribeirinha where you can admire panoramic views. Go offroad as you explore the villages of Agualva and Biscoitos, and observe wild bulls in their natural habitat as well as a diverse array of native flora. Have a short break for lunch, then continue on to discover inactive volcanic tubes and chimneys including Algar do Carvao and Christmas cave, which you can see from the inside. Finish the tour with a visit to Queijo Vaquinha Cheese Factory and the Fishing Port of São Mateus village, before being dropped back off at your hotel.

Book your transfer for when you arrive on Terceira Island and be received by a professional driver that will accompany you to your hotel or accommodation. If you are a visitor, you will be received with a smile and be given information about the island, as well as maps and other useful information. Choose this quality transfer service and be transported in safety and comfort. Choose from a personalized service in a 9-seater minivan with air-conditioning, or for larger groups, a comfortable bus. Enjoy a scenic trip from the airport to the hotel, with a professional driver who will give you suggestions and information on what to visit, where to eat as well as all the attractions and available activities.