Terceira Island is located (almost exactly) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the larger islands that forms part of the Azores archipelago and it’s not anything you would expect from an “island vacation”. What makes Terceira different from a “typical” island is that it’s not widely known for its beaches as much as for the overwhelming amount of greenery you encounter.
On Terceira, next to the airport, in Lajes, is an American Air Force base which might help to account for the local inhabitants’ high level of American-accented English that you will surely come across. Despite the high level of English among the locals, Terceira isn’t over-crowded with tourists, making it a great destination for an uncommon escape. Also in Terceira, you will find the oldest city of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Angra, as most locals refer to it, is a charming little city full of breath-taking views located along the southern coast of the island. The people of Angra are extremely friendly and helpful. As a matter of fact, it is not uncommon for them to stop everything they’re doing to show you where something is located or to answer any questions you may have.
Next to Angra’s “inlet” (“Angra” is portuguese for “inlet” or “bay”) you will surely notice Monte Brasil. Monte Brasil is a small mountain formed by what remains of a long-extinct volcano. Hiking in this area is a must! On your way to the trail you will encounter an old fortress constructed by the Spanish during their short-lived inhabitancy of the island. It is now currently used by the Portuguese military. Once you pass by the fortress, you will arrive at the base of the mountain where there is a very clearly marked trail that will take you along a 6-mile walk affording some of the best views that the island has to offer.
Terceira Island is a great destination for a long weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of large European cities so often overrun with tourists. In Terceira, you will be grateful for the quiet solitude of being surrounded by nature, as well as the abundance of delicious food.
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Planning to travel to this location? Need recommendations on what to see and do? Ask the author by leaving a comment below! Have a great trip!
Caitlin Fournier is a native of Stafford, VA who graduated in 2012 from Ferrum College with a B.A. in Spanish and minor in International Studies. She currently lives with her slightly overweight black cat, Lucie, in Madrid, Spain where she is studying a Masters in International Education at the Universidad de Alcalá and working as an English Language Assistant. Her passion for traveling sparked in 2004 when she traversed the globe on her first international flight to Beijing, China, where she helped at an orphanage for several weeks. Since then she has wandered her way to 16 countries around the world including a semester in Seville, Spain where she fell head over heels in love with Spain and the Spanish language. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys reading books, experimenting new recipes in the kitchen, playing soccer, and running long distance races. Currently at the top of her travel list are India and Brazil.[/accordion_tab]
