Terceira Island
Terceira is approximately 76 miles north-west of São Miguel and has a surface area of 382 km². The international airport, located in Lajes, is 3 km from the city of Praia da Vitória. The airport serves military as well as civilian needs and includes both the Military Command for the Azores and an important American Air Force Base.
Angra do Heroismo, a contrast between its renaissance heritage and modern construction is remembered for the great historical deeds of its people as defenders of liberty.
The architecture is testimony to the kings and noblemen who have at one time or another contributed to the landscape of the city. This is demonstrated through the 15th - 16th century city plan and the 17th and 18th century architecture found here. A large portion of Angras historical centre has been classified Public Interest, and is included in the UNESCO list of World Patrimony.
Leaving Angra and following the coast, the islets of the Cabras (goats) are within viewing distance.
The historic area of the Baía da Salga, the beach and islet area of Ponta das Contendas, the cliff sheltered beaches of Porto Novo and Porto Martins are all a part of an unforgettable day trip on the way to Praia da Vitória.
Praia da Vitória is a young city with an extensive sheltered dune that incorporates one of the most inviting beaches of the Azores. The richness of its architectonic patrimony is concentrated in the churches and chapels however some other buildings are also very worthy of mention.
The Riviera viewpoint at the tip of Cabo offers an excellent view overlooking the city and the coast.
Continuing along the coast the visitor has the opportunity to enjoy many different perspectives of the island. Contact with the friendly people in the different towns along the tour provides insight into the culture and along with many memories. Required stops for those who tour the Lilac Island include:
Agualva with its river and water wheels, Biscoitos with vineyards and good wine, Ponta do Queimado with natural pools illuminated by a lighthouse, Mata da Serra the sylvan park with exuberant vegetation and excellent viewpoint overlooking the ocean and Doze Ribeiras, and Silveira an enjoyable swimming area close to Angra.
In Biscoitos you may visit the only Wine Museum within the Archipelago. This museum, inaugurated in 1990, illustrates the process of wine making in the archipelago as well as the sociological impact of local production.
Moving inland many excursions are available to witness the extraordinary panorama of this beautiful island. The natural and rustic appearance of the countryside enhances the beauty of the following:
- the Estrada das Doze Ribeiras (Twelve Creeks Road), which runs half way down the slope of the Serra de Santa Barbara provides one of the loveliest views of the eastern part of Terceira. Access to the highest point on the island, the aforementioned Serra (1021 m), from which the view of a large part of the southern coast may be seen, is also available. The dormant crater of the Caldeira de Santa Bárbara is seen from this point. This area has been designated a Natural Park due to its botanical, scientific and scenic value;
- the peaks Bagacina and Cabrito outline interesting lava flow areas and provide the pasture lands to raise the cattle used in bullfighting. the Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz (Hot Springs) is the largest in the Azores with a perimeter 15 km;
- the Algar do Carvão is famous for its grottoes that reach a depth of approximately 100 meters. These spectacular grottoes contain stalactites, stalagmites and an interior lake. Near the Algar the Enxofre, Água and Cabrito caves and the Balcões, Agulhas and Natal grottoes, are of special interest especially to speleologists. (a guide and proper equipment are recommended);
- the Negro, Ginjal and Junco lakes as well as the Cume and Ribeirinha ranges also deserve special mention and warrant a trip to experience their many wonders.
