Terceira Island, Volcanic island in Azores, Portugal
Terceira is a volcanic island in the North Atlantic that belongs to the autonomous region of the Azores, with its highest point called Serra de Santa Barbara. The coastline alternates between rocky sections, small harbors and coves, while the interior is marked by pastures, forests and old craters.
The Portuguese gave the island its name because it was discovered as the third landmass in the archipelago, probably during the first half of the 15th century. Over the following centuries Angra do Heroismo became an important harbor for ships traveling between Europe and the Americas.
Residents across many towns keep an old tradition alive by guiding a bull through the streets on a long rope while onlookers step toward the animal and back away again. These events happen mostly in summer and draw people from all parts of the island.
Most visitors arrive by plane or reach the island by ferry from other Azores islands. A rental car makes exploring the remote coastal sections and higher areas much easier.
Several old volcanic craters in the interior have been turned into protected nature areas with walking paths running between farms and wooded slopes. In some spots you come across small caves and lava tubes that offer a glimpse into the volcanic past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
