Terceira Azores

Terceira Azores was the third island to be discovered in the Archipelago. It also happpens to be the the third largest of the islands. Over the centuries it has become an important hub. At one time the island was a major Atlantic Ocean trading post. And more recently it had an international airport established at Lajes. Thanks to the airport, this is easily the most cosmopolitan of the Azores Islands thanks in part to the American Airforce base stationed at Lajes Azores airfield.

see more pictures at Terceira Azores Pictures

There is quite a mix of old and new on this island. There are the amenities of a modern and cosmopolitan city. But a large portion of the buildings date back to a time of Spanish rule in the 16th century. This is especially true in Angra do Heroismo, which has been designated as a world heritage site by Unesco. Angra features the castle of Sao Joao Baptista, as well as many palaces, churches and other centuries old buildings.

If you are looking for a summer time trip to the beach there is a nice beach near the marina in this town.

Away from the towns and villages is much undeveloped land and farmers fields. The coast itself is often high above the ocean with rugged cliffs formed during eruptions that occurred thousands of years earlier from any of the islands four volcanoes.

Some places of interest in Terceira Azores

The Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz is the largest volcanic crater in all of the Acores archipelago. The crater has a fifteen kilometer perimeter! I can only imagine the eruptions that took place to form a crater of that size.

The city of Praia de Vitoria is another great city to visit that features many buildings from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries including a fort, churches and the city hall. The city sits on the scenic bay of Praia de Vitoria.

Biscoitos is an area well worth visiting. The landscape has much interest thanks to some unusual volcanic rock formations. This area is famous for its vineyards and wineries. There is even a museum in town that is dedicated to the wine industry on the island. Also of interest in this area is a nice seashore resort where you can enjoy a dip in the ocean on a hot humid day.

The Algar do Carao is a nature reserve that features caves that are one hundred metres deep. There are large stalagmites and stalactites in these caves in addtion to a subterrainean lake. You can explore these caves with the assistance of an experienced local guide.

Serro do Cume features fantastic views of Praia de Vitoria from an altitude of 545 metres. It also has a great view of the Lajes plain. And this spot offers a good view of the interior of Terceira Azores

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These are just a few of the highlights of the islands numerous must visit spots. Beyond that there is much to do. There are numerous festivals, opportunities to run with the bulls, golf, hiking, whale watching, deep sea fishing, beaches, shops, restaurants and more.

Find out more about the Azores.

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