Part of the central island group, being 29km long and 17.5km at its widest, Terceira (the Lilac Isle) is the third largest island in the archipelago. The island interior consists of a gently undulating plateau made up of several large volcanic craters.

Beneath these craters, the wild and rugged landscape gives rise firstly to enchanting woodlands and typical Azorean scrubland, then to a patchwork of colourful green pastures and flowery meadows interwoven by the black dry-stone walls.



Terceira along with its breathtaking interior, is home to the city of Angra do Heroismo (Bay of Heroes), which is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding historical monuments. Best viewed from above, (from Brazil Mount that overlooks the city) this fortified port is quoted as being the "most beautiful town on the Azores". With its 16th and 17th century palaces, houses, churches and museums, interwoven with cobbled streets, seemingly unaffected by the passage of time it is easy to see why such status has been bestowed.

Terceira, due to its size, is perhaps viewed best by car. Our Terceira adventure included Monte Brasil (Brazil Mount) and a tour around Angra, Terceira's caves, fields with black bulls and fighting arenas, as well as taking in the views from the island's highest peak in the Serra de Santa Barbara.

Read more about our Terceira adventure.

For more information on Terceira, see the Terceira facts and Stats

 

 

 

 

 

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