Terceira Island — Local services in Angra do Heroísmo

Terceira is Portuguese for ‘third’ – as in ‘the third largest island’ and ‘the third island to be populated’ during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The island’s home to the Azores’ oldest city: UNESCO protected Angra do Heroismo whose cobbled streets, historic architecture and friendly population help give the city a wonderfully relaxing, quiet charm.  Terceira is a mandatory pitstop for whoever goes to the Atlantic in search of surprising landscapes. What makes Terceira so special is the magnificent contrast between the natural beauty of this volcanic island and the admirable work of man in the historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo, its capital, founded in 1534, and the first place in the Azores to be made a city and to be classified World Heritage by UNESCO. Indeed, the title "Most Noble, Loyal and Ever Constant" attributed to the city emphasises its importance throughout the history of Portugal. The bay of Angra gained great importance not only as an internal trading post for regional products produced on the other islands, but also for its even greater prominence as an intercontinental staging post for ships sailing between Europe, the Americas and India. We must be made to the forts of São Sebastião and São João Baptista, unique examples of military architecture dating back more than 400 years, the 16th century Cathedral, considered the largest church in the archipelago, the Palace of the Captains-General, the Town Hall, the Church of São Gonçalo, the Bettencourt Palace, the Angra Museum, located in the former S. Francisco monastery, and the Duke of Terceira Garden, with many well-tended species, among other monuments. A tour guide took me to the caves of this beautiful island, but it is very touristic, so anyone with a car can get to it. Please note opening hours from 14.00 till 16.30 I think, this is an important fact. Because a lot of stairs to one who dont like to climb up and down stairs, but beutiful and certainly worht the effort. Anyone can see here how the volcanic arruption influenced the shape of caves and the SILICA resedue on the walls, it is great to visit. There are two private caves, you can reach via Jeep and they are very intresting as well. The green moss near the light was beautiful. So, Algar do Carvao is a must see! Absolutely stunning to walk into a volcano. It is a little bit of a walk down the stairs so take your time. Also wear a hat or a raincoat, there is a lot...

The trip to Terceira Portugal was wonderful! We rented a Bed and Breakfast home overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Angra De Heroisma and the views were incredible with 18th century architecture castle, walls. and countrysides.We were from Michigan in the U.S. so the rate of currency was about a 20% loss plus a $7 US exchange fee at banks.You can use your debit credit card here and it is a much better way to convert your money then cash.Just let your bank know you are traveling out of the country.Also make sure you have a certified letter from father or mother if you are traveling out of the country with a baby.This held us up at customs when we arrived and had to have my daughter have her husband send an email to the customs agent in Portugal.We enjoyed the many things that were offered during August which is the Queens Festival and they have activities daily from watching or running with the bulls in the streets or a visit to Praia at night time for traditional folk and romantic music,whale and dolphin watching in the ocean,charter fishing trips for baracuda grouper or triggerfish,beautiful beaches with aquatic pools,volcanic cave exploration and always at each place amazing food like Superbock beer and a Bifano.Be sure to rent a car or a scooter as the streets are very steep in some areas and be prepared to get honked at as the streets are very narrow and the cars are small and a little different to drive.The people are very friendly and the cost of a beer is around 1 to 2 euros and the food is very good and reasonably priced.A great place to visit and to travel to.Highly recommend a visit...

Terceira Island (known as “The Lilac Island”) is located approximately 90 miles from Sao Miguel and 66 miles from Faial, and has a surface area of 148 sq. miles (382 km2).

The international airport, located in Lajes about 2 miles from the city of Praia da Vitoria, serves both civilian and military needs and includes both the Military Command for the Azores as well as an important American Air Force Base located in Lajes.

Terceira is the second most populated Azorean island with 58000 inhabitants and the third biggest in surface area after S. Miguel and Pico.

Terceira’s municipal seat is located in Angra do Heroismo where the The Paços do Concelho (City Hall), a majestic construction of the 19th century, is an important example of the rich architectural patrimony of Angra. After a violent earthquake in 1980 and the subsequent reconstruction of the city, a large portion of Angra’s historical center has been classified as being of “public interest” and is included in the UNESCO’s list of World Patrimony since 1986. Angra do Heroismo also features one of the best public libraries and archives in Portugal and also retains some important private art collections.

The network of streets of a town that is a monument in itself: the colorful “impérios” or chapels that bear witness to the popular devotion of the Holy Spirit; the walls of a castle that was a royal prison; the constant presence of history; the gentle undulations of a green countryside; the white triangle of the typical chimneys; these are all features of the attractive and colorful prism that...