The Best Things to Do on Terceira, the Azores' Most Historic Island

Condé Nast Traveler

14-07-2025

When travelers talk about visiting the Azores—the Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the north Atlantic—you often hear rave-reviews of lush landscapes, wild coastlines, and mysterious lakes. Sounds stunning, right? More often than not, however, they're only talking about one of the nine islands that make up the destination: São Miguel. And as beautiful and transporting the Azores' largest island is, there are many others with totally different elements to explore: Have you considered experiencing one of the most historic places in Portugal with a visit to the island of Terceira?
As the Azores' second-most populous island, Terceira offers plenty more—by way of a lively former capital—to travelers. According to local tour guide Miguel Linhares, what makes Terceira particularly special is that it has a little bit of what the other islands are known for—volcanic geography, beautiful flora, hiking trails—plus unique culinary traditions and even wine-making. But what Terceira has in excess that the rest of the region doesn't is its history; the city of Angra do Heroísmo served as the Portuguese capital more than once, and boasts a storied heritage built around countless festivals and parties.
Municipal swimming area Zona Balnear da Prainha (or simply Prainha) in the city of Angra do Heroísmo is set against the nearby forest reserve Monte Brasil.
Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty
'Terceira island is often called by the residents of the other eight islands an amusement park—it suits us fine actually,' Linhares explains. 'I think that our hospitality and cheerful character stand out.'
If you make it to Terceira at the end of June, you'll be treated to the Sanjoaninas Festival, a multi-day spectacle celebrated all over the island with sporting events, concerts, parades, and much more. The event celebrates how the island sets itself apart from its eight sisters, and you can use its happenings as a springboard to explore all Terceira has to offer. Plus, with new direct summer flights from California, getting to Terceira has never been easier. Here's our guide to the best things to do on Terceira, the Azores' historic gem, get you started.
How to get to and get around Terceira, the Azores' culture island
What's made São Miguel recently popular (in addition to beautiful landscapes) has plenty to do with access. For decades, there have been a lot of flights that bring American travelers there; direct connections to the other islands from the United States, however, have been quite limited. But TAP Air Portugal's new weekly seasonal flight between San Francisco and Terceira has made the Azores' second most-populous island more accessible. (Interestingly, the Azorean community in the Bay Area primarily originated from Terceira.) The flight will run every Tuesday until mid-September.
While there is public transportation (buses) and taxis on Terceira, they're not the most reliable. The easiest way to get around this 153-square-miles island would be to rent a car, or to hire a guide who can drive you to hiking trails, wineries, and rock pools. The main 'downtown' core of the 'city' of Angra is perfectly walkable, however. This is where you'll find historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars.