Things to do in

Terceira

The Azores are considered one of the best places for whale watching in the world. 28 species of whales and dolphins have been spotted there over the years. This unique 2 hour to 3 hour tour is the ideal situation for spotting whales and dolphins. With a 90% sighting success rate, the tour is assisted by a whale spotter located at the top of Monte Brasil. With long-range binoculars, they'll be able to guide the Skipper via radio, helping you to find the whereabouts of cetaceans (the animal family that these marine mammals belong to).

Get back to nature and visit the extraordinary lava tube of Algar do Carvão inside the caldera of the Guilherme Moniz volcano, 12 kilometers from Angra do Heroísmo. Travel back in time to when a basalt eruption tore a pre-existing lava flow to begin the process that would lead to the formation of a Strombolian volcano with 2 cones. Observe different geological features, including ferrous deposits and silicate stalactites, and appreciate formations that date back to the origins of the cave. Discover a small pond of rare beauty, and gaze in awe as smoke emerges from the ground. Encounter the unique flora and fauna, including birds that seek refuge inside the cave, and diverse plant life that includes species of molds, arthropods, and other groups.

Experience the beauty of Terceira by minibus on a full-day tour of the entire island, including lunch in a typical restaurant. Part of the 9 volcanic islands of the Azores Archipelago, Terceira is located in the central group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and, like all the islands of the Azores, boasts its own unique landscape, culture and traditions. Visit the inside of Europe's only empty volcano at Algar do Carvão, and marvel at fields surrounded by stone walls. Enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant and get acquainted with the authentic food of Terceira, known for dishes such as Alcatra de Carne (pot roast cooked in large unglazed red clay pots).

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Gain fascinating insights from a team of professional skippers, biologists, and lookouts. Look out for up to 27 species of cetaceans in the Picos de Aventura, with an extremely high success rate of sightings. Benefit from a comprehensive briefing on cetaceans, sighting methods, safety rules, and codes of ethics for observation of cetaceans in the Azores before setting out. Experience an unforgettable journey as you admire the marine mammals of the Azores roaming the seas while having fun and receiving scientific insights.

Pickup at the accommodation at 9h00-9h15, to explore the western of Terceira island: visit the fishing port in São Mateus town (artisanal fishing art), heading to west, photo stop at baía do negrito (fort and whaling exibition), taste artisanal cheese (4 types of cheese); walk around Lagoa das Patas lake (national park surrounded by hortênsias, azáleas, and camélias); spot 3 islands of the central group from Raminho viewpoint (São Jorge, Pico and Graciosa island). Back to the accommodation at 13h00.

Start the tour by visiting Monte Brasil, where you can see the Fortress of São João Baptista, built by the Spanish after their arrival in 1583. Enjoy fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo. Proceed along the southeast of Terceira Island towards the villages of Ribeirinha, Feteira, and São Sebastião. See beautiful natural landmarks such as Ilhéus das Cabras and Baía da Salga, culminating in a visit to the island's oldest church. Next, stop at Serra do Cume, a viewpoint located in Terceira's largest "caldeira". Observe the vast expanse of agricultural fields spread out the island. Then, enjoy some free time for lunch in the charming town of Praia da Vitória. In the afternoon continue along the northern coast of the island and visit the Biscoitos Natural Swimming Pools. Have an optional visit to Algar do Carvão, an empty volcanic chimney, that should take about 30-40 minutes (ticket not included). In the return to your hotel, don't miss more outstanding beauty of the central part of the island. Among other things, you can see the brave bulls in their natural habitat.

Book your transfer for when you arrive on Terceira Island and be received by a professional driver that will accompany you to your hotel or accommodation. If you are a visitor, you will be received with a smile and be given information about the island, as well as maps and other useful information. Choose this quality transfer service and be transported in safety and comfort. Choose from a personalized service in a 9-seater minivan with air-conditioning, or for larger groups, a comfortable bus. Enjoy a scenic trip from the airport to the hotel, with a professional driver who will give you suggestions and information on what to visit, where to eat as well as all the attractions and available activities.

Get back to nature in the volcanic landscapes of Terceira Island on an approximate 2.5-hour hike along the Mistérios Negros trail. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Angra do Heroismo or Praia da Vitória, and then make your way to the start of the trail. Set off on a moderate level circular trek of 5 kilometers to see different landforms created by the ancient lava flows. Encounter small lakes and volcanic domes, along with the Pico Gaspar climb up a volcano that erupted 15,000 years ago. Called Mistérios Negros due to the dark lava rock surrounding the area, the area is not to be missed. Follow the trail through different vegetation, including Japanese cedar, juniper and blueberry plants. Keep a look out for the local birdlife as you fill your lungs with fresh country air.

At the selected time, we will meet at Jardim José Agostinho, our (kiosque) to start our guided tour of approximately 3 hours through the capital city of Terceira. Will we take a walking route through the main attractions of this Azorean city, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco? From the kiosk (Jardim José Agostinho) we go up towards the entrance of the city, we will arrive at Alto das covas, then we go in the Duke of Bragança market, we visit the inside of Capitães Generais Palace, which was the former Jesuit college and today houses valuable works of art. We will continue our visit to go inside the Igreja da Misericórdia, which will welcome us with its striking white and blue façade. We will get to know the history of the Paços do Concelho building from the outside and, of course, we go inside the famous church of the Santíssimo Salvador da Sé, the cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo. Stop at a pastry shop where you will have 25 minutes of free time to have a coffee and taste a typical sweet. With our energies recharged, we'll follow the path to the Teatro Angrense, a 19th-century building that houses the island's theater groups and major representations nationwide. Finally, we will visit the Jardim Botanico (Duque da Terceira garden) where we ascend to Alto da Memoria (Memory of D. Pedro IV) A real spectacle.

Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat in the beautiful ocean of Terceira Island. With assistance from a marine biologist, learn everything you need to know to ensure a harmonious encounter with these gentle and intelligent sea creatures. With all the necessary equipment provided, enter the water as you remain safely connected to the boat at all times. Glide along the waters and swim with the dolphins in front, below and next to you as you admire these beautiful mammals in their natural habitat and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy the rest of the observing all the incredible marine life that exists under the sea.