What Not to Miss in TERCEIRA, the Azore Island of History and Grace

Nomen est Omen: Terceira translates to third in Portuguese, and in fact, the second-largest island of the Azores was the third to be discovered in the early 15th century. Terceira belongs to the central group of the Azores and impresses with its breathtaking landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, and the mesmerizing town of Angra do Heroismo which UNESCO crowned as one of the World Heritage Sites. Hence, whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a lazy beach bum, or a history buff – Terceira unites all of the best things you don’t want to miss when visiting the Azore Islands.

Terceira

Terceira Island has a rich history that began in the early 15th century. Although the Azores may have been known to ancient navigators, the island was officially discovered by Portuguese explorers around 1430, under the guidance of Prince Henry the Navigator. It was named Terceira, meaning Third, as it was the third island discovered in the Azores.

The first settlers from mainland Portugal followed Henry in 1450. The island’s fertile soil and mild climate made it ideal for agriculture, especially for wheat, vineyards, and livestock.

During the Age of Exploitation Exploration in the 16th and 17th Centuries, Portugal was a leading player in the Atlantic slave trade. The Azores, as part of the Portuguese colonial empire, were part of this network. From the African coasts, Portuguese traders brought enslaved people who were transported to Brazil or Europe via the Azores or other Portuguese territories.

But there was also a slave population right in the Azores for a while. Africans were brought to the islands to work in agriculture, particularly on the sugar cane plantations.

For King and Country

Terceira also played a significant role in Portugal’s political and military history during the Portuguese succession crisis at the end of the 16th century. The island supported António, Prior of Crato, against King Philip II of Spain and thus became a center of resistance against Spanish rule. In 1583, Spanish forces under Álvaro de Bazán launched a massive invasion in which Portuguese and local forces eventually surrendered.

In the 19th century, Terceira became a bastion of the liberal movement during the Liberal Wars. The island served as a fortress for Queen Maria II’s supporters against the absolutist forces of her uncle, Dom Miguel. Terceira’s then capital, Angra do Heroísmo, was instrumental in the Liberals’ eventual victory.

Today, Terceira is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Like all other islands in the archipelago, Terceira offers amazing natural phenomena. However, since these can be found in one form or another on all the islands, I’ve focused on what sets Terceira apart: its incredibly picturesque towns. And I am very happy that even UNESCO agrees with me and has declared the first capital of the Azores, Angra do Heroismo, a world heritage site in 1983.

Although it’s overshadowed by its glamorous sister Angra, Terceira’s second-largest municipality Praia da Vitóriais is also a very charming city with many impressive buildings and idyllic squares. Most importantly, it has amazing city beaches.

What Not to Miss

Just like the other Azores, Terceira is home to impressive volcanic formations, including the Algar do Carvão, a walk-in volcanic cave with lush vegetation and impressive stalactites.
Also, from the famous Serra do Cume viewpoint, you have a panoramic view of the island’s green landscape, which looks like a huge patchwork of fields.

A visit to the capital Angra do Heroísmo is absolutely paramount. The excellently preserved old town with colonial architecture and historic squares illustrates the island’s rich history.

While Praia da Vitória has a great sandy beach, places like Biscoitos offer lava pools typical of the Azores, which are ideal for swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Since Terceira is a less touristy destination, encountering the local culture and warm people is easy. Hence, whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a lazy beach bum, or a history buff – Terceira unites all of the best things you don’t want to miss when visiting the Azore Islands.

As for me, Terceira was the last stop on my island hopping across the Azores. Since I had already seen all the natural wonders that the atoll has to offer on the other islands, I was ready for some beach life and a cute historic town. To my delight, Terceira’s two main cities offer exactly that.

Praia da Vitória

Let’s start with Praia da Vitória, the island’s second-largest municipality. The city is a quaint seaside resort and nestled in the island’s very east. Its convenient location just a short drive south of Terceira’s international airport makes it an ideal stop for your Azorean adventure. While it is a gem rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural charms, its compact size ensures you can explore it on foot while enjoying a relaxing, island-paced lifestyle. If you’re a beach lover, Praia’s beaches provide serene spots for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports.

Surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic volcanic landscapes, Praia da Vitória is also an excellent base for exploring Terceira’s natural wonders. For instance, Monte Brasil, a nearby volcanic peninsula that offers breathtaking hiking trails and panoramic views.

Going Back in Time

Praia da Vitória’s history is rooted in its strategic location on the shores of the Atlantic. Already the town’s name, which actually translates to Beach of Victory, commemorates a significant event in Portuguese history: A battle took place here in 1829 that helped consolidate the monarchy’s control by crushing the liberal forces.
The Liberal Wars, also dramatically dubbed the War of the Two Brothers, were a whirlwind of clashing ideologies, sibling rivalry, and royal drama that shook Portugal from 1828 to 1834.
To this date, you’ll encounter various historical landmarks in Praia da Vitória, albeit, the city is not exactly overloaded with sights. In fact, you can explore it in one afternoon.

The Praça Francisco Ornelas da Càmara marks the heart of the old town. Here you will find the allegorical monument to the victory against the absolutists, created by Abraham Abohobot in 1929.

On the western edge of the square is the Paços do Concelho Palace. The grantee captain Antão Martins Homem commissioned it in the 16th century. However, the great earthquake of 1614 leveled it to the ground so it had to be reconstructed in the 17th century. Today’s façade, squared bell tower, and central staircase with a double ramp are also characteristic of other city halls in the country.

Churches

The Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz is also located at Praça Francisco Ornelas da Càmara. Jácome de Bruges, Praia’s first donatar captain, hence, a kind of governor, commissioned this historic jewel in 1456. It is considered one of the largest and most impressive religious landmarks on the island. Its architectural beauty is truly fascinating: the main façade features a striking portico flanked by two side portals in the 16th-century Manueline style. No less than Don Sebastião, then the King of Portugal, himself donated these marble pillars along with several other valuable pieces.

As you step inside, the splendor of the 18th-century Baroque carvings in the Chapel of the Santíssimo Sacramento as well as the stunning gilded details of the 19th-century main chapel will certainly amaze you.

From here, just down the Rua da Misericórdia, is another amazing temple, namely the Igreja da Misericórdia.

The church was built in 1521. A fire in 1921 almost completely destroyed it. It was then reconstructed in 1924. However, the devastating earthquake of 1980 severely damaged the church again and required extensive restoration.

Today, the extraordinary interior consists of two naves separated by a colonnade, forming practically two churches with their respective main chapels.
A fascinating mystery surrounds an image of the Divine Eternal Father, unique in the Azores. Legend has it that this painting appeared one day in a large box on the coast without anyone knowing where it came from.

Stepping on a Work of Art

At the square’s southwestern corner begins one of the city’s most alluring features, namely the Rua de Jesus. Not only is this mostly pedestrian street lined with colorful picturesque houses, it is mainly famed for its paving, the so-called Calçada Portuguesa. This is a traditional form of mosaic pavement that features intricate patterns and images made from small pieces of limestone and basalt in black and white.

The origins of this unique art form date back to the mid-19th century. The first known work was created in 1849 in Rossio Square in Lisbon. Eventually, the technique spread throughout Portugal and its colonies. Today, Calçada Portuguesa designs range from simple geometric patterns to elaborate depictions of historical or cultural events.

The pavement of Praia’s famous shopping street, Rua de Jesus, is actually one of the most exquisite examples of Calçada Portuguesa I have ever seen. The fact that you can see the design up and down the street in its entirety makes it all the more impressive.

Nevertheless, although these walkways are undoubtedly incredibly beautiful, they require regular maintenance to avoid unevenness. Anyone who has walked the streets of Lisbon, Porto, or other Portuguese cities can tell you a thing or two about it. They also tend to become slippery when wet.

In the final stretch of the Rua de Jesus is the partly covered municipal market.

Passeio dos Poetas

Rua de Jesus is also an important part of the Passeio dos Poetas. This poets’ walk is a cultural attraction that celebrates the island’s rich poetic heritage. It pays homage to prominent poets and novelists from Terceira Island and other Azores. Musician Luis Gil Bettencourt developed the concept, and local artist Ramiro Botelho then made the tiles.

The walk features busts, plaques, and inscriptions dedicated to local writers, as well as excerpts from their works. The engraved verses make poetry accessible to all passers-by.

The Passeio dos Poetas commemorates the strong literary tradition of the Azores and its contribution to Portuguese literature. It also serves as a meeting point for cultural events, including readings and performances, to promote regional identity and preserve local heritage for future generations.

Obviously, some Azorean poets have achieved national and even international recognition. One of them is Vitorino Nemésio. He was born in Praia da Vitória where a house museum in the city center remembers him and his work. Also presented is the famous Portuguese poet and social activist Natália de Oliveira Correia, whom I already featured in my post Best of LISBON – also for solo-travellers, as she is celebrated in many works of art in Portugal’s capital.

The plaques can be found in greater numbers near the defensive wall of the bay of Praia da Vitória. Yet, the wall itself also features colorful tiles celebrating the fine arts.

Yes, considering its size, Praia da Vitória has an impressive number of works of art in public spaces and is definitely worth a visit even beyond its amazing beaches.

Angra do Heroísmo

So while Praia has more to offer than just a Praia, Terceira’s true cultural treasure trove is located around 25 kilometers further southwest: Angra do Heroísmo, which translates to Bay of Heroism in English. The nickname do Heroísmo was bestowed upon the city by none less than Queen Maria II in recognition of its steadfastness during the Miguelist War. It holds the distinction of being the oldest city in the Azores and is therefore steeped in history. Here, the island’s past and present blend seamlessly and you can lose yourself in history and beauty. Whether you’re exploring ancient fortresses, wandering sunlit streets, or relaxing in lush gardens: everyone will find his or her little corner of joy.

UNESCO declared the old town a World Heritage Site in 1983, and it’s easy to see why. Angra do Heroísmo is a living museum, but far from stuffy. The city sits cradled between the ocean and the towering Monte Brasil, a volcanic peninsula where the imposing Castelo São João Baptista fortress still stands strong. As you hike its trails, you feel the Atlantic breeze and soak in views. And suddently you understand why sailors once dreamed of this island.

Walking in the Footsteps of the Past

The history of Angra do Heroísmo began in the 15th century, when the islands were discovered and settled.

Terceira was settled around 1450, and Angra was founded as a natural port on a strategic bay. The city benefited from its location as ships sought shelter and could take on provisions here.

Hence, the port was one of the first strategic elements and contributed significantly to the early importance of the city.

Construction of religious buildings began as early as the 15th century with the Church of São Salvador da Sé, Angra’s Cathedral. Built in the late 16th century, it replaced a smaller church to meet the population’s growing religious needs.

It is an example of Manueline and Baroque architecture. A simple façade and sumptuous interiors display impressive wood carvings and gold decorations. With its spacious floor plan, it is the largest cathedral in the Azores and underlies Angra’s importance as a religious center. Inside there are valuable works of art, including a silver altar and historical paintings.

After a devastating fire in 1984, the cathedral was extensively restored, retaining as much of the original features as possible.

Magnificent Places of Worship

Not far from the cathedral is another impressive church, the Igreja da Misericórdia. It is one of the most important historical churches in the Azores and was also built in the 16th century. It originally served as part of a hospital run by the Brotherhood of Mercy. Its baroque architecture and a striking blue and white façade make the church a city landmark. Inside you will find valuable wood carvings, religious works of art, and an impressive high altar.

A short walk through Angra’s charming streets and alleys leads to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo. This Baroque church impresses with its ornate façade and magnificent interior with gilded altars and ornate wood carvings. Also, there are valuable religious paintings and statues.

The construction of the church, which belongs to the monastery of the Carmelite Order, was completed in the early 18th century.

This building, too was not spared during the 1980 earthquake. However, the severe damage was extensively repaired so that its original splendor has been restored today.

Palaces’N’Parks

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo stands in the city’s very heart between the magnificent Palácio dos Capitães Generais and the lush and very pleasant greenery Jardim Duque da Terceira.

Established in 1882 on the grounds of a former Jesuit monastery, this spacious park features fountains, lava stone walls, arbors, and a pavilion. It leads uphill to the Alto da Memória. Here, an obelisk honors King Dom Pedro IV on the site of the island’s first fortress. Although a walk up there might be a bit strenuous, the views of the city, the surroundings, and the sea will reward you generously!

On the opposite side of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo is the glorious Palácio dos Capitães-Generais. This palace was constructed in the 16th century as a Jesuit college. After the dissolution of the Jesuit order in 1766, the building became the seat of the so-called captain-general. He was the highest representative of the Portuguese crown in the Azores. For centuries, the palace was the administrative center of the Azores and the venue of important political decisions. It therefore symbolizes Angra’s central role in the history of the archipelago.

Combining elements of Baroque and Classicism, the palace impresses with magnificent interiors, including ornate wooden ceilings, hand-painted Portuguese Azulejos, and valuable furniture.

Today the building serves as the official residence for high Portuguese dignitaries visiting the island. It also houses a museum on the history of the Azores. It is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Angra’s secular architectural highlights include also the baroque Palácio dos Bettencourts, built at the end of the 17th century, and the Town Hall, completed in 1866.

Stolen From Africa

While the heroic deeds of the forefathers are proudly recounted and statues on the islands commemorate those who left the islands in search of a better life, one group of people is diligently overlooked: slaves from the African continent.

Portugal was a leading force in the transatlantic slave trade. While the Azores were not a primary source of enslaved people, their position in the Atlantic made them integral to the logistics of empire-building and the slave trade. Nevertheless, not only did the Azores serve as a stopping point for ships traveling between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Africans were also brought to the Azores and enslaved in agriculture, albeit in smaller numbers compared to other parts of the Portuguese Empire like Brazil or Cape Verde. Hence, while the legacy of slavery in Terceira is less prominent compared to other Portuguese territories, the historical record does show evidence of the trade’s impact on the local economy and society.

Forte de São João Baptista And Forte de São Sebastião

Southwest of the city center stands the fortress of Castelo São João Baptista on a high volcanic peninsula called Monte Brasil.

Since the islands of São Miguel, São Jorge, Faial, Pico and Terceira were vulnerable to attacks by pirates as well as English, French, and Dutch Protestant privateers, the ports needed better security measures.

Furthermore, during the so-called Iberian Union, the Bay of Angra represented a strategic connection between the Indian subcontinent or the Orient and the markets of Europe.

Therefore, at the end of the 16th century, a fortress was built according to the plans of the Italian architect and military engineer Tommaso Benedetto. Construction began with the first foundation stone at the northwestern bastion of Santa Catarina in 1593.

The fortress played an important role during the Portuguese Restoration in the 17th century and after the Porto Liberal Revolution of 1820. Although Portugal was neutral during the First World War, at the request of England, German nationals were imprisoned in the fortress between 1916 and 1919. Eventually, the so-called Estado Novo regime used the fortress as a prison for political prisoners.

Today visitors can view the complex as part of historical tours.

At the opposite, eastern end of the Bay of Angra is the São Sebastião Fortress. This so-called Castelinho, which translates to little castle, was built in 1580, hence, a few years before the Forte de São João Baptista. Although this historic fortress now houses the Forte de São Sebastião Hotel*, owned by the Pousadas de Portugal group, a company that offers accommodation in historic buildings, it is open for free public tours one day a week.

There’s More

Anyway, after pointing out the most important historical buildings in Angra, I would like to emphasize that this jewel box is a city in which you shouldn’t rush frantically from landmark to landmark.

The best way to experience Angra is to stroll through the streets with leisure and an eye for charming details and simply take in everything. The wonderful buildings with their colorful shutters, cast-iron balconies, and many small, enchanting details will delight you. Browse the little shops, relish a coffee and a local treat while people-watching, and just enjoy life.

Cult of the Empire of the Holy Spirit

If you drive across the island or just stroll through a settlement, you will notice small, colorful houses that look like miniature churches. Well, these are so-called imperios. They are an essential element of the Culto do Divino Espírito Santo. This Cult of the Empire of the Holy Spirit is a deeply rooted religious and cultural tradition in the Azores. It dates back to the 13th century when King Dinis was inspired by his wife’s mysticism. It spread across the Azores in the 15th and 16th centuries. From there, it was carried by Azorean migrants to other parts of the world, particularly Brazil, Canada, and the USA.

The cult focuses on the Holy Spirit as the divine force that fosters love, peace, and unity among humanity. By blending religious devotion with community cohesion, it emphasizes inclusivity and charity. This resonates deeply with the values of Azorean society. The most important holiday is the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo which is celebrated between Easter and Pentecost.

Impérios

So-called impérios are an essential element of the Culto do Divino Espírito Santo. These small, ornate chapels are the focal points for the cult’s rituals and festivities. They stand for both faith and communal identity.

Impérios house the sacred insignia such as the crown, the scepter, and other ceremonial objects. However, they are also the venues of prayers and rituals.

Impérios are famed for their vibrant and colorful façades. Those vary between the different islands. What they have in common, though, are brightly painted walls and intricate carvings. However, while in São Miguel, the focus of the impérios lies more on the communal and charitable aspects, in Terceira, they rather play a central role in the island’s religious holidays. In case you wonder: There are about 70 impérios scattered in Terceira!

Practical Information

How to Get There

The international Aeroporto das Lajes is serving Terceira Island. It connects the island to Lisbon and Porto on mainland Portugal as well as other Azores islands. As a matter of fact, on my visit to the Azores, every flight between the different islands had a stopover in Terceira. Albeit, many were less than half an hour long.

However, international connections include seasonal flights to North America and Europe.

If you don’t rent a car right at the airport, you can get to your final destination by cab and even by local bus. Note that cabs are not metered, but rather have fixed prices. Those start at around ten €uros and vary depending on the distance. Don’t worry, there’s no need to haggle as price boards are listing all possible locations across the island.

By Ferry

Ferries offer a scenic and often inexpensive way to travel between the Azores. This mostly works very well, especially within the central archipelago, as the islands there are close to each other. Yet, if you are flexible and willing to adapt to seasonal schedules, you can basically travel to all islands by sea. Especially from June to September, the connections are more frequent and most islands are served daily. However, it is advisable to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during these months, as ferries are often fully booked.

But always remember that ferry connections are heavily dependent on the weather. Especially in autumn and winter, trips can be canceled at short notice due to strong winds or high waves.
However, the islands of the central archipelago such as São Jorge, Faial, Pico, and Terceira are far less affected due to the short distances.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to find out about the current departure times shortly before the start of your trip. Atlânticoline provides current timetables and booking options on their website.

How to Get Around

Public transport on the Azores island of Terceira is somewhat limited. Nevertheless, there are much better options than on any other island I have visited. Yet, it is of course easiest and most convenient to rent a car or use taxis to fully explore the island.

A network of public buses connects larger cities and also some villages such as Biscoitos, São Mateus and others.

Especially in rural areas, connections are not very frequent. Heavy restrictions only occur on weekends and holidays. Nevertheless, many routes operate several times a day. The route between the two in my featured post, Praia da Vitória and Angra de Heroismo, runs hourly on weekdays. Since both Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória are quite compact and pedestrian-friendly, the only time you will need the bus is to get to the suburbs. Tickets are quite cheap and are usually bought in cash directly from the driver.

Terceira offers many well-marked hiking trails with stunning coastal and volcanic landscapes, where short distances are often covered on foot. Cycling is also a viable option for active travellers, both over land and within towns and villages. Bike hire is available in Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. Note, however, that while the island has scenic, bike-friendly routes, the roads can be very steep in many places.

Organized Trips

As I pointed out above, there might be places that are difficult to reach by bus despite the relatively good system of public transportation. Also, while in the past, I mainly joined organized day trips from time to time when there was no convenient public transport option, I now sometimes do it for safety reasons. Believe me, you do not want to sit by yourself in the wilderness with no opportunity to call for assistance. Therefore, especially when exploring impassable and rough terrain, take at least a hiking buddy with you. Or, even better, go with a knowledgeable local guide.

No matter your reason for wanting to join an organized excursion, here are some great options for exploring Terceira on guided tours*:

Where to Stay

Since the Azores are still rather destinations for true connoisseurs, you’ll find a much smaller choice of lodging options than on other European islands. Especially on the smaller and less touristy islands, accommodation is somewhat limited and consequently on the pricier side.

I was all the more amazed to have found the Praia Horizonte Studio* for a really good price as it was the most beautiful and comfortable apartment of the entire trip.

The charming landlady accompanied me to the second floor of a new building less than 100 meters from the sea. The one-room studio she opened up for me was chic and functionally furnished, the bed separated from the seating area and the dining table by a stylish partition. A large balcony didn’t have a sea view, but the mountain tops I looked at made up for it. The bathroom was also large and equipped with a spacious shower. Absolutely nothing was missing in the modern kitchen. In addition to the usual fridge and stove, I found a stylish capsule machine for my morning coffee and a sandwich maker to warm up my panini. There was even a washing machine. I was then able to dry my laundry on the balcony in the fresh sea breeze.

Terceira was the last stop on my trip. While bidding farewell was difficult enough, this homely, comfortable accommodation certainly didn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to the Azores.

If the Praia Horizonte Studio* is fully booked or you prefer to stay somewhere else – for example in Angra do Heroísmo – you will find many suitable options on this map:

What to Eat

The food on Terceira Island is a blend of Portuguese culinary traditions and unique island flavors.

Terceira’s most iconic dish is Alcatra, a traditional beef stew, slow-cooked in clay pots. In some restaurants, it is also prepared with chicken or even fish. The blood sausage Morcela and the spicy smoked sausage Chouriço which are often either grilled or boiled with beans and other veggies are also absolutely worth a try.

Although the Azores’ Atlantic waters provide less seafood than you might expect, there are still various popular dishes. However, note that fish is far more expensive than meat. Popular seafood dishes are for instance Polvo Guisado, octopus stewed in wine, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. A must-try are various fish like bluefish and mackerel and most importantly lapas, limpets grilled with garlic and butter.

One dish you have to try if you get the chance is Sopa do Espírito Santo. It is a rich bread soup served during religious festivals, especially during the Holy Spirit celebrations. It is part of traditional communal meals and you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy such an important part of Azorean life.

In addition to hearty delicacies, lovers of sweets will also get their money’s worth in the Azores. In addition to various national delicacies such as the legendary Natas, cream-filled Bolas de Berlim, and sweet rice pudding, which are also available on the other islands and on the Portuguese mainland, Dona Amélia cakes are typical of Terceira. These are small spice cakes made from honey, cinnamon, raisins and molasses, named after Queen Amélie of Portugal.

Bakeries And Supermarkets

Many bakeries are selling all kinds of sandwiches and savory pastry pockets. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll also find a great variety of delicious pies.

Therefore, if your accommodation does not offer any breakfast, just enjoy your morning coffee and a sandwich at one of the many bakeries, rubbing shoulders with the locals.

Just like in Italy or Spain, major supermarkets in Portugal have a food counter. Here you can buy simple dishes like grilled chicken, meatballs, and fritters as well as sides like potatoes and salads.

I’m not claiming that this will be the fanciest meal of your life. Nevertheless, if you just need to grab a filling snack, I find it’s a valid option. Also, it’s a truly Portuguese experience since it’s definitely not a touristy dining place.

Cash and Cards

Until now, 20 European countries replaced their former local currency with the €uro starting in 2002. Obviously, Portugal is one of them. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0.95 EUR as of January 2025. However, you can check today’s conversion rate on this page.

You can pay by credit card at basically every business. Nevertheless, you’ll need cash for the bus and at the farmers’ market.

Language

Language and communication in the Azores are deeply rooted in the region’s history, geography, and culture. The official language is Portuguese, obviously.

Many of the settlers who colonized the islands in the 15th century were from various regions of Portugal where older forms of Portuguese were spoken. Therefore, you can still find remnants in the Azorean dialect. As a matter of fact, each of the nine islands has variations in accent, vocabulary, and pronunciation, making Azorean Portuguese quite diverse. Despite these differences, speakers from the islands can generally understand each other, and the dialects are still part of the broader Portuguese language family.

The Azores have a significant history of emigration, particularly to the US, Canada, and Brazil. Therefore, in communities with strong ties to emigrant families, many Azoreans speak both Portuguese and English.

In fact, English has become a secondary language in some areas due to the large Azorean diaspora in English-speaking countries. Also, due to international tourism, basically everyone working in that field speaks English more or less fluently.

Nevertheless, if you want to learn some basic Portuguese or just brush up on your knowledge, there are various apps and online tools. I personally like to practice with babbel.

Connection and Communication

Since June 2017, no roaming charges have applied within the EU with a European mobile phone contract. This applies to all 27 countries of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. It pertains to all contracts.

When roaming is not available, you can connect to the internet basically everywhere.

If you insist on being online 24/7, you can get a SIM card. For the best network coverage and balance of data options, MEO is considered the top choice for tourists visiting the Azores, especially for travelers heading to more remote islands. They offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists, MEO Go being the best option for tourists. You can get 15GB of data for 15 €uros, valid for 15 days. After that, you can top up, obviously.

MEO SIM cards can be purchased at Lisbon or Porto airports, in case you’re arriving in mainland Portugal first. Otherwise, you can get them at MEO stores across the Azores.

Other popular companies are Vodafone, NOS, and Lycamobile.

In Portugal, they use plug types C and F. Their voltage is 230 V and the frequency 50 Hz. Whereby, as nowadays all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter.

By the way, you’ll find comprehensive travel info in my post World’s Most Complete Travel Information – an indispensable globetrotter-classic.

Map

On this map, I’m showing you where to find the spots worth visiting during a stay on Terceira. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map including the legend. Also, note that you can open the layers guiding you through Praia da Vitória and Angra do Heroísmo separately.

Terceira was the last stop of my amazing island hopping of the Azores. To read about the others, go to the main post and take your pick! There, you’ll also find further valuable general information that will make your own trip much smoother and more enjoyable.

Pinnable Pictures

So, you’re planning on hopping from island to island in the Azores? Then make sure to pin one of these pix for future reference:

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