Many were the galleons that cast anchor here, weighed down with cargoes of spices from the East and gold and silver from America.
The straight streets of the city take visitors back to the atmosphere of the 17th and 18th centuries. Admire the green patchwork of
level fields dotted with the white silhouettes of dairy cows. The brush-strokes of vibrant color between whitewashed houses.
The laughter and pirouettes of boys showing off their talents at the traditional "tourada a corda" - a variation on bullfighting.
Enjoy a quieter moment on a golf course bedecked with flecks of criptomerias from Japan.
This is the kaleidoscope of shapes,
scents and colors awaiting the visitor on the island of Terceira. Where past meets present to provide you with fulfilling, rewarding holidays.
Angra do Heroismo: a city granted world heritage status
As a prime example of European town planning from the 16th century set in the middle
of the Atlantic, Angra do Heroismo fully deserves its world heritage status. For its streets that maintain the distinct architecture of times gone
by, to its myriad churches, places and museums. To the sturdy walls of its fortress which defended the city and port from many a pirate.
After appreciating all that Angra do Heroismo has to offer, visitors should get to know the "old town" of Praia da Vitoria. Here you will find the
gothic church of Sao Sebastiao built by the first settlers. Then there are the manors, churches and chapels of Sao Carlos, Fontinha, Sao Bras and Lajes.
The real masterpieces of popular architecture were built in honour of the Holy Spirit.
Wander, discover…and play golf
Terceira is not just about history and monuments. It also boasts
breathtaking countryside alluring you to take a stroll and mountain
ranges bedecked in flowery meadows
with the sea and sky as a backdrop. Visit the curious Guilherme Moniz volcanic crater measuring 15 km in circumference. Discover the caves in Algar
do Carvao with their walls of lava and basalt.
Terceira is not just about history and monuments. It also boasts breathtaking countryside alluring you to take a stroll and mountain ranges bedecked in flowery meadows
with the sea and sky as a backdrop. Visit the curious Guilherme Moniz volcanic crater measuring 15 km in circumference. Discover the caves in Algar
do Carvao with their walls of lava and basalt.
An 18-hole course to challenge even the most proficient of golfers. The abundance of fish in
the ocean makes Terceira a fisherman's paradise. Diving, wind surfing and sailing are the main sports to be enjoyed on this island. No beaches are
to be found but visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the many swimming pools built between the cliffs.
An island of never-ending festivals
From May to September Terceira is a permanent festival of color and secular traditions. The Festas do Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit Celebrations) bring to
every village in the island the ceremony of the crowning of the "emperor" followed by charity dinners where food and drink are enjoyed in abundance.
The Festas Sanjoaninas with their interesting parades and the traditional bullfights, often with hilarious incidents, are other events, which attract
hundreds of visitors to the island.
Festivals mean good food. The traditional cuisine is famous, with its exotic aroma of rump of beef, blood sausage,
and special octopus recipes. Desserts come in all shapes and sizes and are a gastronomic delight. Such cuisine wouldn't be complete without Biscoitos wine,
a wine of such renown that a museum was constructed in its honor to chronicle the pleasure it has brought to many a palate.