Terceira Island, Azores: Angra do Heroismo and Festivals

Terceira is the Azores’ party island: famous for its colourful festivals, its UNESCO-listed capital Angra do Heroísmo, patchwork green fields divided by stone walls, and volcanic caves. Here’s how to visit Terceira.

Quick answer: explore Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage town of pastel houses and grand churches, climb Monte Brasil for the views, swim in the natural pools at Biscoitos, and visit the volcanic caves (the famous Algar do Carvão has been closed for a new visitor centre, so check before you go). In summer, don’t miss the festas.

Angra do Heroísmo

One of the most beautiful towns in the Azores and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: colourful facades, ornate churches, the cathedral, palaces and gardens around a sheltered bay. It was a key stop on Atlantic shipping routes for centuries. Climb to the Alto da Memória for the views. Places to stay in Angra.

Monte Brasil

An old volcanic crater on a peninsula next to Angra, with walking trails, a fortress and wonderful views over the town and coast.

Biscoitos

Natural swimming pools in black lava rock on the north coast, plus a wine museum and vineyards in lava walls.

Volcanic caves

• Algar do Carvão: a rare volcanic chimney you can descend into. It has been closed to build a new visitor centre; check whether it has reopened.
• Gruta do Natal: a lava tube you can walk through.

Festivals

Terceira is known for its lively festivals: the Holy Spirit festivals (Festas do Espírito Santo) in spring and summer, with colourful little chapels called impérios, the Sanjoaninas festival in Angra in June, and traditional street bullfights (touradas à corda) in summer.

Getting there

• Flights: Terceira has international and inter-island flights.
• Ferries: seasonal links in summer to the central islands.

See Terceira tours. More: Azores island hopping and the Azores travel guide.

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