Angra do Heroismo, Terceira: The UNESCO Town

Angra do Heroísmo, on the island of Terceira, is one of the most beautiful towns in the Azores, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has pastel-coloured streets, grand churches, a fortress and a bay sheltered by the volcanic headland of Monte Brasil. Here’s what to see.

Quick answer: walk the historic centre, climb to the Alto da Memória for views over the rooftops, hike Monte Brasil for views of the bay, and visit the cathedral and the Duke of Terceira garden. Come in June for the Sanjoaninas festival. See places to stay in Angra.

Things to do

• The historic centre: colourful houses with ornate balconies, rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1980.
• Alto da Memória: a monument above the town with panoramic views.
• Monte Brasil: a volcanic headland with trails, viewpoints and a fortress.
• The cathedral and the town’s churches.
• Jardim Duque da Terceira: a lovely garden climbing to the Alto da Memória.
• Festivals: Terceira is the Azores’ party island, with the Sanjoaninas in June.

Beyond Angra

Explore Terceira’s volcanic caves, natural pools and green fields divided by stone walls. See Terceira.

Getting there

Terceira’s airport is about 20 minutes from Angra, with flights from Lisbon and the other islands. See getting around the Azores.

More: UNESCO sites in Portugal, Azores island hopping and where to stay in the Azores.

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