The Best 5 things to do in Terceira

Located in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, Terceira is one of the nine volcanic islands that form the Azores archipelago, a Portuguese treasure known for its raw natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Terceira, meaning "third" in Portuguese, was the third island to be discovered, and today it remains one of the most enchanting destinations in the region.

Rising from the depths of the Atlantic, Terceira's volcanic origins shape a dramatic landscape of steep rocky ridges, sunken calderas and gently rolling valleys carved over millennia. This striking backdrop gives way to emerald pastures and dense laurel forests that cling to the island’s slopes, creating a patchwork of textures and hues under ever-changing skies.

Its capital, Angra do Heroísmo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest city in the Azores. With its colourful facades, historic forts and charming cobbled streets, it offers a perfect harmony of European heritage immersed in nature’s grandeur. But what truly sets Terceira apart is its vibrant natural scenery. Towering volcanic ridges, mysterious lava fields, deep green forests, and natural swimming pools sculpted by the sea create breathtaking landscapes that are just waiting to be explored.

Whether you are visiting the Azores for the first time or planning to explore more of its islands, Terceira is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its mild climate and accessible trails and coastlines, the island is perfect for hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, whale watching, and cycling under open skies

Before You Roam: How to Explore Terceira Freely

Azores Nature Tours

Before you begin to explore the breathtaking outdoor activities that make Terceira such a captivating destination, there is one crucial piece of advice that will elevate your experience: secure a rental car early, preferably before you even book your flight. Terceira, with its expansive landscape covering nearly 400 square kilometres, is about six times the size of the enchanting island of Gozo in Malta. This generous scale invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, where every turn reveals volcanic ridges, lush green pastures, hidden natural pools, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.

Driving around the island is a unique experience in itself. A full circuit covers about 120 kilometres, which can be achieved in roughly three hours without interruptions. However, the true magic of Terceira lies in its countless opportunities to pause and savour moments of wonder. You might stop to wander along a volcanic trail, breathe in the scent of wildflowers carried on the salty sea breeze, or dip into one of the island’s serene natural pools. Each detour offers a chance to connect with the island’s raw beauty and timeless rhythms.

During the warmer months, when the island buzzes with visitors eager to bask in its natural splendour, rental cars become highly sought after. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on this vital key to freedom and exploration. Once you have the keys in hand, every day on Terceira transforms into a canvas of possibility. Whether you set out at dawn to hike to panoramic viewpoints or linger late into the evening chasing golden light over the cliffs, your car becomes more than just transportation, it becomes a gateway to the island’s soul.

Hiking

Pristine Azores

Begin your hiking adventure on Terceira at the Serra do Cume viewpoint, located in the eastern part of the island. This vantage point welcomes you with breathtaking panoramas of patchwork farmland stretching like a giant quilt down to the shimmering Atlantic horizon. As you set off along the ridge trail, feel the crisp mountain air fill your lungs, while the gentle breeze carries the scent of wild grasses and distant salt spray. The trail winds through emerald pastures dotted with grazing cows, framed by dramatic volcanic peaks and deep blue skies that stretch endlessly above.

For those who seek mystery and quiet solitude, head west towards the Misterios Negros Nature Reserve, where dense forests of towering cryptomeria trees enshroud ancient volcanic domes in shadow. Here, the soft crunch of your footsteps on moss-covered earth and the whisper of wind through the branches transport you to a timeless world that feels untouched by time. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the path as you navigate this mystical forest.

Another unforgettable hike begins near the small village of Malha Grande, leading you through lush woodland up to the dramatic summit of Rocha do Chambre. The climb is rewarded by awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs plunging into the Atlantic and the island’s green heart stretching beneath you. The air here is rich with pine and sea salt, while the sight of waves crashing below creates a thrilling contrast to the peaceful greenery around you. Terceira’s mild climate means this natural wonderland is open for hiking year-round, offering a sensory feast for walkers craving both challenge and beauty.

Snorkelling and Swimming with dolphins

Water4Fun

Your snorkelling adventure begins as you set off from the charming harbour of Angra do Heroísmo, gliding across the shimmering Atlantic towards the dramatic Ilhéus das Cabras. These twin volcanic islets rise sharply from the sea just a few kilometres off Terceira’s southern coast, forming a protected marine sanctuary where crystal-clear waters reveal a vibrant underwater world. Snorkelling among rugged lava formations, you’ll spot colourful fish darting playfully through swaying sea anemones while sunlight filters through the waves, casting shimmering patterns that bring this hidden realm vividly to life.

Not far from these serene waters close to Angra do Heroismo, the deeper ocean becomes a stage for an unforgettable encounter with wild dolphins. Pods of these graceful and curious creatures often approach swimmers with gentle curiosity, inviting you into their natural dance beneath the vast blue sky. Floating alongside them, feeling the cool salt spray and hearing the soft splash of their movements, you become part of a breathtaking scene framed by Terceira’s volcanic coastline and the endless Atlantic horizon.

Together, these experiences offer an immersive journey into the island’s rich marine life and spectacular landscapes. Whether exploring the vibrant reefs surrounding the Goat Islands or swimming with playful dolphins in Angra do Heroismo, every experience celebrates the untamed marine beauty and spirit of Terceira’s southern shores.

Whale Watching and Dolphin Trips

Sea Adventures

Some of Terceira’s most moving experiences take place far beyond the shore, where the island’s volcanic silhouette fades into the horizon and the Atlantic opens into deep, silent blue. Departing from the charming harbour of Angra do Heroísmo, a Whale Watching in Terceira Island invites you to witness marine life in its most natural and powerful form. Guided by local marine biologists, you’ll follow traditional sea routes where sperm whales surface with slow, majestic grace and dolphins cut through the waves with playful energy. The gentle sway of the boat, the sea breeze on your skin, and the cries of seabirds overhead create a sensory experience that feels both intimate and immense.

Every journey is unique and shaped by nature’s own timing. Sometimes it starts with a distant spout, other times with the sudden appearance of a fluke disappearing into the depths. Your guides not only help you spot these extraordinary animals but also share stories of their migrations, behaviours, and deep connection to the Azorean waters. It is a chance not just to observe, but to understand and appreciate the ocean’s living rhythms.

For those looking to take their connection a step further, the Swimming with Dolphins near Angra do Heroísmo offers a rare and respectful way to encounter these wild creatures in the open sea. After setting out from the coast, you’ll reach the calm offshore areas, where dolphin pods are often found gliding just below the surface. If conditions allow, you’ll enter the water quietly and float near them, letting their movements guide the moment. There’s no need for chasing or noise, just stillness, patience, and a deep sense of wonder as these intelligent, curious animals move through their world beside you.

Sea Kayaking

Green Generation

Embarking on a sea kayaking excursion on Terceira’s northern coast, set you off surrounded by towering volcanic cliffs and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. As you paddle steadily across the calm, crystal-clear waters, the rugged coastline reveals hidden sea caves and ancient lava formations, each shaped by centuries of waves and wind. The fresh sea breeze fills the air with a hint of salt, while seabirds call overhead, adding life to this serene and captivating environment.

This incredible experience invites you to explore remote beaches and quiet coves accessible only by water, creating a peaceful escape into the island’s wild coastal beauty.

The sunlight shimmers on the water’s surface, casting vibrant reflections as you glide smoothly along the volcanic shore. Every stroke of your paddle uncovers new sights and textures, from dark basalt cliffs dotted with green patches to the endless blue horizon that stretches far beyond. Whether you choose a leisurely route through sheltered bays or a more challenging journey along the rugged coast, this sea kayaking trip offers an inspiring blend of adventure and tranquillity in the heart of the Azores.

Bike Tours

Green Generation

Exploring Terceira’s diverse landscapes comes alive on a Guided E-Bike Tour to Monte Brasil. Starting in the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo, where cobbled streets and colourful facades whisper stories of the past, you pedal towards the volcanic peninsula of Monte Brasil. This lush natural reserve unfolds with fragrant pine forests and blooming flowers, offering panoramic views of the bay and the town below. Each turn reveals new perspectives of the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly beyond the horizon, making every moment on this ride a chance to connect with both nature and history.

For those seeking a broader adventure, a Guided E-Bike Tour close to the West Coast of the Island of Terceira takes you along quiet country roads and shaded forest trails. As you glide through quaint villages where vibrant hydrangeas paint the landscape with bursts of colour, rolling hills rise softly into the distance. The steady hum of your tires on earth mingles with the fresh ocean breeze, creating a rhythm that pulls you deeper into the island’s natural beauty and rich culture.

Whether coasting beside dramatic cliffs or climbing gentle slopes, this cycling experience offers a refreshing way to explore Terceira’s enchanting scenery at your own pace.

Continue the adventure beyond Terceira

Terceira’s vibrant outdoor activities perfectly capture the essence of the Azores, an amazing destination where the greatness of nature meets adventure at every corner. Just nearby, São Miguel invites you to continue your adventure with thrilling canyoning through volcanic gorges and exhilarating surfing on wild Atlantic waves.

Discover even more unforgettable outdoor activities on São Miguel and beyond with Manawa, and keep your adventure going.