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Terceira is the third largest island in the Azores archepelago, covering an area of 3118.96km squares. At only 29km long and 17.5km wide, there's much crammed into this pretty volcanic island including the UNESCO town of Angra do Heroismo and plenty of opportunities for outdoor leisure pursuits such as horse riding, golf, mountaineering, tennis, diving and more. (see Activity Holidays Azores guide weblink right for more details).
Terceira has its own airport - Lajes Airport near the town of Lajes to the north, as well as two bustling harbours. There's a huge American Airbase on Terceira too, located in Lajes. (Not surprising, as the Azores sit strategically in the mid-Atlantic. The Azores are served by direct flights from both America and Canada).
The largest of the small number of towns on Terceira is historic UNESCO status Angra do Heroismo situated to the south of the island.
The volcanic legacy on Terceira can be seen across the island, which consists of a huge plateau containing the Serra do Cume on the eastern side. In the centre sits the low crater of the Caldeira de Guilerme Moniz and the Serra do Labacal hills. In these hills sits the Pico Alto peak which reaches 808 metres).
That's not the highest point on Terceira though - move to the west and the mountains around Santa Barbara. The hughe Serra da Santa Barbara crator here reaches 1021 metres and is the highest point on the island.
Terceira is famed for its wine zone around Biscoitos - visit the wine museum here and take a swim in the naturally formed swimming pools. Move inland to view the dramatic volcanic caves at Algar do Carvao. Essentially a long lava tube around 100m lon, the cave here was formed as a result of an erruption near Terra Brava around 2000 years ago. The cave walls are covered in black lava rock formations. Terceira has felt the effects of volcanic activity much more recently than that though. As recently as 1980 on New Years day an earthquake measuring 7 on the scale, with an epicentre just 35km SSW of Angra do Heroismo caused considerable damage to many buildings in this historic town and further damage on Sao Jorge and Craciosa. It was one of the largest recorded earthquakes on the Azores.
Not long after the first Portuguese discoverers landed on the Azores, the port at Angra do Heroismo quickly developed as a strategic location. Its this legacy and the huge number of historic sights here in this Terceira town which saw it receive UNESCO status in 1983.
Angra do Heroismo is a sheltered town surrounded by hills. Climb up Monte Brasil, one of these natural hills, and look down onto Angra do Heroismo with its two natural harbours separated by a natural isthmus. These natural features, combined with the sheltered location of the town made it a perfect stopover for the first settlers. Whilst you're up on Monte Brasil you'll note the fortess walls up here.
Other historic sights in the town include the Castelo de Sao Sebastiao dating from the 16th century and numerous churches and religious architecture.
Most of the accommodation, including a choice of hotels and residencias, on Terceira are located here in Angra do Heroismo, with a superb choice of restaurants, chic cafes and low key bars.
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