Terceira might not be the most talked-about island in the Azores, but that’s part of why it’s such a great destination. Volcanic landscapes, green patchwork fields, UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, lava tubes, and unique local traditions (like bull runs and colourful Holy Spirit impérios) make the third largest island in the archipelago like nowhere else I’ve been in Portugal.
This Azores itinerary packs the best of Terceira Island into three days, blending wild nature with history, coastline with cows, and wine with volcanic rock. This road trip itinerary dives into the rhythm of island life, so you can hike lush trails, swim in lava ocean pools, taste local treats, and explore the best of the island at Terceira’s easygoing pace.
3-day Terceira Island itinerary overview
I think three days on Terceira is the perfect amount of time to explore the Azorean island, its food, trails, and slower pace of life. If you’re in a hurry, you could compress it into two days – or better yet, have a real vacation and slow down the pace to 5-7 days on Terceira Island.
Day 1
- Drive the scenic north coast, stopping at viewpoints and ocean pools
- Eat at a local restaurant that raises and dry ages its own cattle
- Swim at the incredible Biscoitos natural pools
- Taste volcanic wines at Materramenta
- Take a dreamy sunset boat ride
Day 2
- Hike the Trilho dos Mistérios Negros (solo or guided)
- Walk the Gruta do Natal lava tube
- Visit Algar do Carvão (if open)
- Explore the west side of the island and its viewpoints (with a rental car, or this half-day tour)
- Taste cheese at a local factory
Day 3
- Explore the UNESCO core of Angra do Heroísmo, solo or with a walking tour
- Boat trip to snorkel around the Ilhéus das Cabras
- OR introductory scuba session
- Visit Miradouro da Serra do Cume, the patchwork blanket view
Read next… 4 Days on São Miguel Island
Should you rent a car on Terceira Island?
Obviously, a rental car will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace – plus, as you can imagine, an island with a population of around 55,000 people doesn’t have the most frequent public transport network. But there are also some good options to explore without a car.
This three-day Terceira Island itinerary has been written with the assumption that you will rent a car. I’ve used both Ilha Verde and Autatlantis car rental in the Azores and have had a great experience with both local companies. I booked both rentals through discovercars.com – a site I use to compare companies and prices – and it was cheaper than direct. I think it meant they gave me an older rental, but I prefer to receive a car with scratches!
➡️ Check your dates for a car rental
Go guided: I’ll include links for some guided day trip options within the article, but I wanted to highlight one that caught my eye – this top-rated, full-day tour manages to tick off the highlights of Terceira Island’s landscapes in just one day, and it’s great value.
Where to stay on Terceira Island
For most visitors, Angra do Heroísmo is the ultimate base – a small, lively city full of charm. I stayed two nights at the Palácio Santa Catarina, a hotel set within a historic quinta dating from 1758 and featuring a panoramic pool. It was a 10-minute walk to the heart of Angra, yet it’s easy to park.
Another option is the small city of Praia da Vitória, where hotels offer more bang for your buck.
Alternatively, you might opt for a rural farmstay or coastal guesthouse in a smaller village anywhere across the island. I absolutely loved our stay at ALLuar Lodge in Porto Judeu, where each morning began with a homemade breakfast hamper and stunning views of the offshore islets. The seafront property (its saltwater pool and fluffy bathrobes) were only a 10-minute drive from Angra, and our host, Alberto, was fantastic and very caring. I will return!
➡️ Check your dates for Palácio Santa Catarina or ALLuar Lodge, OR search all accommodation in Angra do Heroísmo
Read next… 9 islands of the Azores: what you need to know
Day 1 – Northern scenic drive, lava ocean pool swims, & wine tasting
Total driving distance: 52km \\ 75 minutes (Google Maps)
Morning: Arrive at Lajes Airport, drive the scenic north coast
You’ve touched down on Terceira, the Azores’ third-largest island. After landing at Lajes Airport, grab your rental car (you’ll need it to reach the island’s hidden corners), roll down the windows, let the humid sea air in, and set off along the quiet roads of the northeast coast. This stretch is peaceful, lush, and full of little surprises, so take it slow and leave room to wander.
Here are a few scenic stops en route to lunch worth pulling over for:
- Miradouro de Alagoa – A worthwhile viewpoint where you’ll admire unique volcanic cliffs. Wild and windswept, in the best way
- Trilho da Ribeira da Agualva – A short 2km (1.2-mile) forest loop through ferns, trickling waterfalls, and stone bridges. Magical after a bit of rain
- Quatro Ribeiras Beach – A local favourite with natural lava rock pools and turquoise water. Perfect for a quiet dip if the sun’s out. There’s a café by the water, too
Terceira Tip: Stop to photograph impérios – Keep an eye out for these brightly painted religious halls scattered through the villages of Terceira. Each is a mini-masterpiece, like a tiny dollhouse dedicated to Espírito Santo (Holy Spirit). The Impérios star during the Festas do Espírito Santo (mostly in spring and early summer), a centuries-old celebration of faith, community, and charity. During this time, expect music, processions, and free communal meals called Sopas do Espírito Santo. These are unique to the Azores, and there are around 70 on the island, some more beautiful than others.
Lunch: Restaurante A Caneta
A Caneta was my favourite place to dine on the island. The restaurant actually breeds and dry-ages its grass-fed Aberdeen Angus cattle, and the steak here is insane. It’s also a great place to try the island’s famous alcatra (beef stew).
Read next… Where to eat on Terceira Island, Azores
Afternoon: Swim at Biscoitos, taste volcanic wines at Materramenta
After an epic lunch, backtrack slightly to Biscoitos, a small coastal village famous for two things: wine and volcanic ocean pools.
The natural swimming area of Biscoitos is carved into the black basalt cliffs. A combo of cooled lava flows and concreted zones and steps has turned the craggy landscape into a popular swim spot – complete with multiple sets of lifeguards. The pools vary in size and depth, and I felt like a kid again, staring at the crystal-clear water, watching crabs and colourful fish dart about. Bring goggles or a snorkel!
If you can peel yourself away, make a short drive to Materramenta, a family-run winery that produces volcanic wines in salty air on Terceira, Pico and Graciosa islands. The protected wine region of Biscoitos is super tiny, and here, winemakers mostly grow verdelho and arinto varietals. With the tour and wine tasting, you’ll get to see one of Materramenta’s three Terceira Island vineyards (totalling just 2.5 acres of grapes).
Here, they’ve painstakingly rebuilt some of the vineyard in the traditional Azorean style with volcanic rock walls and built-up bases that trap the heat. At the relaxed tasting, we tried three Azorean whites – one from each island – plus a local style of red called vinho de cheiro (smelly wine) as it’s made from the fragrant American Isabella grape.
You can also visit the Museu do Vinho (Wine Museum) nearby to learn more about traditional winemaking practices on the island.
Afterwards, check into your hotel (as mentioned, I genuinely loved and highly recommend both Palácio Santa Catarina or ALLuar Lodge) and venture out for dinner.
Sunset boat: Get out on the water at sunset and see the island from a new perspective with a wine in hand on this top-rated aquatic experience.
Day 2 – Trilho dos Mistérios Negros Hike, Gruta do Natal, Algar do Carvão, cheese factory & seafood feast
Total driving distance: 75km \\ 1 hour, 45 minutes (Google Maps)
Morning: Misty trail, lava tube, and volcano fun
I confess, we visited Terceira Island during the June Sanjoaninas festivities, where late nights and the slow, relaxed vibe of the island meant we cut one of Terceira’s most enchanting hikes from our itinerary in order to laze by the pool and lean into the holiday feeling. Regrets? None. But when I return, the Trilho dos Mistérios Negros forest trail is top of my list.
This 4.9-km (3-mile) loop winds through a dense, mossy forest and otherworldly volcanic terrain – twisted trees, lava fields, and lush greenery from another planet. The trail takes around 2.5 hours and is apparently muddy, so bring the right shoes.
Go guided: You can trek this challenging trail with a local guide who will share stories and facts, too. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
At the car park, you’ll also find the entrance for the Gruta do Natal, a lava tube cave you can walk through in about 30 minutes. The floor is literally lava, and you’ll have to wear a hard hat (necessary due to some low ceilings in the final part). A fun geology adventure.
Nearby, one major site that you’ll have to skip for now is Algar do Carvão, a dramatic volcanic chimney with a subterranean lake. The entrance is closed for renovations until at least summer 2026, but it’s worth checking their website in case things open up earlier. Instead, you can make a quick stop at the Furnas do Enxofre – a steaming, sulphur-scented field where volcanic gases rise from the earth. A boardwalk trail takes around 15 minutes.
Go guided: You can explore Terceira’s volcanic wonders on a guided lava caves tour that includes plenty of geological facts. Or, join a geologist on a private tour.
Lunch: Ti Choa
After an active morning, head to this traditional Terceiran tavern for lunch. A budget-friendly tasting menu at Ti Choa gives you the chance to try a few different meaty specialities of the island, or you can just opt for the speciality alcatra.
Afternoon: Forest park, viewpoints, & cheese tasting
The western side of Terceira feels like a whole different island – untamed, wild and wonderfully quiet. Driving by the Mata da Serrata was one of those unexpected surprises for me – within the natural reserve lies this dense, green forest park. Locals were setting up charcoal grills at the public barbeques among the trees, and the whole area felt like a secret retreat. Nearby, find lookouts and a few trails.
Otherwise, backtrack and wind your way up to Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara, the highest point on the island. On a clear day, you’ll see rolling hills, volcanic craters, views of other islands, and the deep Atlantic all around you.
Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to Queijo Vaquinha, a family-run dairy farm and cheese factory. At the tasting room, you can try a handful of cheeses for free and order cheese boards and simple snacks.
Go guided: Explore the west end of Terceira Island with this top-rated half-day van tour.
Dinner: Beira Mar or Quebra Mar
Terceira Island is surrounded by water, so venture over to the fishing village of São Mateus da Calheta. Here, two no-frills seafood restaurants from the same owner have fresh fish waiting to be grilled and ocean views. Call and book for sunset.
Terceira and its bulls: This Azorean island has a long-standing love affair with bulls, especially during summer when bull-running events (known as touradas à corda) pop up across island villages a few times a week. This unique tradition is deeply rooted in Terceira’s identity. A bull, with brass balls on its horns, is released on a rope through the streets for locals to dodge, taunt, and spectate, using jackets and umbrellas as capes. While it might be a bit stressful for the animal, the bull is never killed. There’s a good explanation of Portugal’s bullfighting traditions (and controversy) here.
Day 3 – Angra do Heroísmo, boat to Ilhéus das Cabras, & Miradouro da Serra do Cume
Total driving distance: 34km \\ 55 minutes (Google Maps)
Morning: Explore Angra do Heroísmo
I’d heard the island’s capital, Angra do Heroísmo, called “Little Lisbon”, so I expected it to be pretty, and it is. The small city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, pastel facades, and leafy plazas. In town, you can:
- Explore downtown streets solo, or on a guided walking tour that weaves in stories, history, and a pastry stop
- Try the famous Dona Amélia cake at O Forno bakery
- Grab ice cream by the marina at Quinta dos Açores
- Walk through the Jardim Duque da Terceira, founded in 1882
- Visit the Museum of Angra do Heroísmo for a crash course in the island’s maritime past
- Swim at Prainha, a little black-sand beach at the marina
- Visit Olaria de S.Bento, a terracotta pottery workshop on the edge of town
The museum is really worth a visit. It’s set in the Baroque-era Convent of São Francisco, and the permanent exhibition – Do Mar e da Terra: uma história no Atlântico – covers the whole upper floor with information in both Portuguese and English. Plus, it’s only €2 to enter.
For views over town, take a walk up to the Alto da Memória viewpoint for a sweeping look over the terracotta rooftops and harbour of Angra. Or, jump in the car and drive (or jog) up Monte Brasil, a dormant volcano-park that shadows the city.
Lunch: Tasca das Tias or somewhere in town
Afternoon: Boat trip and snorkel or dive a shipwreck, dairy farm, & one final viewpoint
In the afternoon, make your way to Angra Marina and choose your adventure:
- Hop on a snorkelling boat trip to Ilhéus das Cabras, two wild little islets just off the coast, home to nesting seabirds and dramatic volcanic cliffs. The ride is short and scenic, and you might spot local dolphins
- Or, explore the underwater remains of sunken vessels with an introduction to scuba diving tour. See how marine life makes a new home among the rust and coral in an underwater crater. No experience? No worries – this introductory dive will get you out there.
To wrap up your trip, make time to swing by the Miradouro da Serra do Cume on the way back to the airport. This might be Terceira’s most famous viewpoint, with vistas of the island’s interior stretched out like a green patchwork blanket of stone-walled fields and farmland. You could take a more scenic route there, passing by more impérios such as the Império do Divino Espírito Santo do Galinho in Porto Judeu and the Império do Espírito Santo de Fonte do Bastardo.
Extra tips for planning your itinerary for Terceira Island
- Terceira Island is fairly small, so nothing is ever too far away if you have a car. If you want to visit one side of the island in the morning and the other side in the afternoon, it’s totally doable
- If you want tables at popular restaurants, you’ll have to call. Call in English, most will have staff who can speak to you, or ask your concierge if you’re shy
- Local Azoreans go for dinner earlier than mainlanders: between 7pm-8pm is most common
- Supermarkets are open on Sundays, but small shops will likely be closed
- Museums are closed on Mondays
- Tipping is not essential, but rounding up the bill or leaving some change is polite
- Pack layers – the weather can shift quickly, so bring both swimwear and a raincoat
Terceira Island weather
If you’re thinking tropical islands, then you’ve not quite understood the Azores. Like the other islands, the Gulf Stream keeps the climate on Terceira Island temperate year-round, with cool, misty winters and warm but not-too-hot summers (think 22-26°C or 72–79°F).
My five days on Terceira Island in late June were brilliantly warm and sunny the whole time, with enough humidity to feel like a sub-tropical summer. But I know from three trips to São Miguel that the forecast can’t be trusted – it’s easy to go from sunshine to drizzle to sunshine in a few hours as clouds pass over the island.
The best months to visit are May through October, but note that August may be too hot and muggy, and you’ll be competing with European students on summer vaycay.
Read next… Where to eat on São Miguel Island, Azores
Will you use this three-day itinerary to plan your visit Terceira Island? Leave me a comment! I’d genuinely love to hear what you get up to…
