Terceira: Coastal Trails, Volcanoes and History

Angra do Heroísmo shapes Terceira’s cultural history; at the same time, the island’s trails draw attention to volcanic formations, forests and coastal landscapes. The focus is therefore on the historic townscape, distinctive geological sites and routes with varied terrain.

Angra do Heroísmo and its fortifications

From the 15th century until the advent of steamships in the 19th century, Angra do Heroísmo was a compulsory port of call for fleets from equatorial Africa and for voyages along the routes to the East and West Indies, whether travelling to or from Europe. Despite the devastating earthquake of 1 January 1980, the central area preserves much of its monumental heritage and original vernacular architecture. It continues to form a unified urban ensemble.

The fortifications of São Sebastião and São João Baptista, around 400 years old, are remarkable examples of military architecture. Construction of the Fortaleza de São João Baptista began around 1592 on the orders of Filipe II of Spain, Filipe I of Portugal; the fortress encompasses the entire Monte Brasil. This was formed from an extinct volcano that originally lay in the sea and was later joined to the area where Angra now stands. The Fortes de São Sebastião route runs along Terceira’s southeast coast, passing the remains of old 16th- and 17th-century coastal defence fortifications.

Monte Brasil has picnic areas, several viewpoints and the PRC04 hiking trail. From the Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas, you can look out over Angra do Heroísmo and the island’s south coast. Conditions at the fortress may vary; check them when planning a visit.

Trails through forests and coastal landscapes

The Grande Rota do Oeste (GR01 TER) crosses the western half of the island. Its approximately 31.2-kilometre linear route connects the Reserva Florestal de Recreio da Lagoa das Patas with the Reserva Florestal de Recreio da Mata da Serreta. Along the way, the route passes coastal cliffs, natural forests and mountainous areas, and includes recreational and leisure areas.

On the north coast, the Baías da Agualva route runs between the municipalities of Agualva and Quatro Ribeiras; most of it passes through a protected area of the Parque Natural da Terceira. Along the cliffs, you will find columnar or prismatic jointing and fossil trachyte cliffs. The rock formations are associated with the island’s eruptive activity over the past 23,000 years. Along the route, you can spot endemic vegetation and seabirds, including Cory’s shearwaters and common terns.

The trails also differ in format: PRC10TER is a short circular hiking trail that lies entirely within the protected area of the Central Plateau and Northwest Coast. It passes through a stand of laurel forest; along the way, there are views of Pico da Salsa, Pico Tamujo and the Sanguinhal bog. The Mistérios Negros route, by contrast, runs through the Serra de Santa Bárbara e dos Mistérios Negros Nature Reserve, which is part of the Parque Natural da Terceira; it is also located in a Natura 2000 protected area and in the Caldeira de Santa Bárbara e Mistérios Negros geosite of the Azores Geopark.

The Rota da Água is closely connected to Terceira’s water resources and hydraulic heritage, including old mills and the water supply system for Angra do Heroísmo. In its final section, the trail climbs to the summit of Serra do Morião; from there, views extend over Angra, Monte Brasil and the island’s south coast.

Volcanic sites and underground formations

The Algar do Carvão is a 100-metre-deep volcanic vent in the central part of Terceira. Rainwater feeds a clear lake inside; there are also stalactites and stalagmites made of silica. Terceira Natural Park has classified the Algar as a natural monument; it is also a geosite of the Azores Geopark. The Associação Os Montanheiros is solely responsible for managing the Algar do Carvão and the Gruta do Natal.

A notice from March 2026 stated that necessary construction work at the Algar do Carvão may lead to short- or long-term closures at any time. Check visiting conditions before travelling there. The Gruta do Natal is next to Lagoa do Negro and is a 697-metre-long lava tunnel.

At Furnas do Enxofre, fumaroles are scattered among the vegetation. The area is classified as a natural monument of Terceira Natural Park and is also a geosite of the Azores Geopark. A short walking trail is recommended for exploring and interpreting the site.

Wine and island cuisine

Vinho Verdelho is produced in the municipality of Biscoitos on Terceira’s north coast. It is predominantly dry, but is also available in sweet and medium-dry varieties. Another culinary speciality is Sopas do Espírito Santo, prepared in every municipality on the island. Ingredients include bread, butter and the meat cooking broth, among other things.

Discover more destinations: S. Bras, Quatro Ribeiras, Santa Barbara, Biscoitos, Agualva, S. Sebastiao, Fonte Do Bastardo, Serreta, Terra Cha, Porto Martins, Angra Do Heroísmo, Ribeirinha, Praia Da Vitória, Fontinhas, Cabo Da Praia, Vila Nova, Raminho, Altares, S. Bento, Porto Judeu.

For the broader travel overview: Azores.