Our most recommended things to do in Terceira

Terceira: Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

1. Terceira: Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

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.

Azores: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

2. Azores: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

Experience the beauty of Terceira by minibus on a full-day tour of the entire island, including lunch in a typical restaurant. Part of the 9 volcanic islands of the Azores Archipelago, Terceira is located in the central group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and, like all the islands of the Azores, boasts its own unique landscape, culture and traditions. Visit the inside of Europe's only empty volcano at Algar do Carvão, and marvel at fields surrounded by stone walls. Enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant and get acquainted with the authentic food of Terceira, known for dishes such as Alcatra de Carne (pot roast cooked in large unglazed red clay pots).

4 Peaks, 4 Vulcanoes

3. 4 Peaks, 4 Vulcanoes

Throughout the experience, you will discover Terceira Island and the main volcanic phenomena that have formed the island and are currently the stage for exuberant views, such as Algar do Carvão, the only volcano in the world to be visited on foot. Where the ancient eruptions passed, one of the oldest and last virgin forests of Europe remains, the Laurissilva Forest of Macaronesia, a mysterious humid forest with an abundance of endemic species. This is a search for the greatest treasure left, getting to know one of the largest natural parks in the Azores, which is part of the "Azores Geopark". This tour will be done by van with short walks.

Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

4. Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

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 hour to 3 hour tour is the ideal situation for spotting whales and dolphins. 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).

Terceira: Half-Day Island Tour with Cheese Tasting

5. Terceira: Half-Day Island Tour with Cheese Tasting

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.

From Angra do Heroísmo: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

6. From Angra do Heroísmo: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

Start the tour by visiting Monte Brasil, where you can see the Fortress of São João Baptista, built by the Spanish after their arrival in 1583. 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 Ilhéus das Cabras and Baía da Salga, 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. Then, enjoy some free time for lunch in the charming town of Praia da Vitória. In the afternoon 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, that should take about 30-40 minutes (ticket not included). In the return to your hotel, don't miss more outstanding beauty of the central part of the island. Among other things, you can see the brave bulls in their natural habitat.

Terceira: Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

7. Terceira: Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

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.

From Angra: 3-Hour Volcano Tour

8. From Angra: 3-Hour Volcano Tour

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.

Algar do Carvão: Terceira Caves Tour

9. Algar do Carvão: Terceira Caves Tour

Have you ever imagined visiting the womb of the earth? Well, by choosing this tour, that is precisely what you will do, discovering the most emblematic Volcanic Cavities on Terceira Island. We leave Angra do Heroísmo towards Lagoa das Patas, we visit the leisure park, the lagoon and the stream, in the company of the ducks. Then we go to Gruta do Natal, we visit the lava tube where it is necessary to wear a helmet. We head further inland where we stop to visit the sulfur caves. A short 10-minute walk through nature, admiring the earth's breathing. As the best is always for last, it's time to visit the Regional Natural Monument of Algar do Carvão, undoubtedly the ex-libris of Terceira Island. Glimpse, feel and experience nature in its purest state!

Angra do Heroísmo: Walking Tour with Local Pasty and Coffee

10. Angra do Heroísmo: Walking Tour with Local Pasty and Coffee

At the selected time, we will meet at Jardim José Agostinho, our (kiosque) to start our guided tour of approximately 3 hours through the capital city of Terceira. Will we take a walking route through the main attractions of this Azorean city, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco? From the kiosk (Jardim José Agostinho) we go up towards the entrance of the city, we will arrive at Alto das covas, then we go in the Duke of Bragança market, we visit the inside of Capitães Generais Palace, which was the former Jesuit college and today houses valuable works of art. We will continue our visit to go inside the Igreja da Misericórdia, which will welcome us with its striking white and blue façade. We will get to know the history of the Paços do Concelho building from the outside and, of course, we go inside the famous church of the Santíssimo Salvador da Sé, the cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo. Stop at a pastry shop where you will have 25 minutes of free time to have a coffee and taste a typical sweet. With our energies recharged, we'll follow the path to the Teatro Angrense, a 19th-century building that houses the island's theater groups and major representations nationwide. Finally, we will visit the Jardim Botanico (Duque da Terceira garden) where we ascend to Alto da Memoria (Memory of D. Pedro IV) A real spectacle.

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What people are saying about Terceira

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 475 reviews

Our guide Pedro was great. It was not the greatest of days with weather showing rain. He had us cover the important highlights nicely - and although cold & windy we made the most of it! Highly recommended the trip!

Great tour of the volcanoes! Our tour guide was knowledgeable and fun. She took her time and make sure we didn't feel rushed. She even took extra time for us to see certain sights. Thank you so much!

Miguel is always available to explain something more about where we are. The tour gives us a good overview about Terceira.

They were at the airport waiting for my son and I. He helped us with our luggage and got us to our hotel right away.

Was a great evening. Thank you for the nice experience and the valuable infos